How to find reputable tradesmen
The last box has been unloaded, the removal chaps have just driven away and it's time to dig out the kettle and flop on the sofa. Hang on, what's that? A crack in the ceiling you didn't notice? A leaky pipe? The boiler isn't working?
Moving house is traumatic enough without having to cope with domestic emergencies but it is guaranteed you will require the services of a professional tradesman at some point in the near future. So how do you go about finding recommended builders? Can you trust that plumber? Will the electrician provide value for money? How do you know who to choose in your new town?
BBC Homes has several suggestions. Ask your new neighbours who they use and ask for references from past clients. Decent tradesmen should have no problem supplying details, be suspicious of anyone who shows reluctance. Deal with an established firm who have an office address and a VAT number. Get several quotes for both timescales and cost, as these will vary. Avoid anyone who asks for an advance payment for a job.
Money.co.uk advises you to take your time over finding the right tradesman as it will ultimately save you money, time and worry in the long run. Work well done can also add value to your property.
All is not lost, however, if you require a service immediately. Try a website which recommends local tradespeople based on ratings and reviews given by other customers. Some of these websites will allow you to post your job online and collate quotes from a variety of companies. A relatively new concept, these sites do the hard work for you, finding available, reputable tradespeople quickly and giving you the opportunity to check their credentials before committing to anything.
Alternatively, you can go with the suggestion from Kevin McCloud of C4's Grand Designs of simply checking out the van. A tradesman's wheels reflect his attitude to work, McCloud says. It's up to you.
Moving house is traumatic enough without having to cope with domestic emergencies but it is guaranteed you will require the services of a professional tradesman at some point in the near future. So how do you go about finding recommended builders? Can you trust that plumber? Will the electrician provide value for money? How do you know who to choose in your new town?
BBC Homes has several suggestions. Ask your new neighbours who they use and ask for references from past clients. Decent tradesmen should have no problem supplying details, be suspicious of anyone who shows reluctance. Deal with an established firm who have an office address and a VAT number. Get several quotes for both timescales and cost, as these will vary. Avoid anyone who asks for an advance payment for a job.
Money.co.uk advises you to take your time over finding the right tradesman as it will ultimately save you money, time and worry in the long run. Work well done can also add value to your property.
All is not lost, however, if you require a service immediately. Try a website which recommends local tradespeople based on ratings and reviews given by other customers. Some of these websites will allow you to post your job online and collate quotes from a variety of companies. A relatively new concept, these sites do the hard work for you, finding available, reputable tradespeople quickly and giving you the opportunity to check their credentials before committing to anything.
Alternatively, you can go with the suggestion from Kevin McCloud of C4's Grand Designs of simply checking out the van. A tradesman's wheels reflect his attitude to work, McCloud says. It's up to you.
Posted by : checkatrade
@ Feb 25, 2011
