Choosing the right tradesman

• Word of mouth is a good way to choose a reliable electrician, plumber or builder. Ask family, neighbours, friends and work colleagues about their experiences and find out what they liked and did not like.
• If you’re looking for a good electrician and you’ve previously had a good experience with a plumber, you could also ask the plumber if they would recommend anybody to you.
• Use the Trustmark scheme. Trustmark is the Government-endorsed quality mark that directs people to reputable traders in their area. All firms’ technical skills are independently checked to ensure that workmanship and trading practices are of a high standard. If you know that these checks have taken place, this will give you extra peace of mind.
• Do your research online. Search the Trading Standards website to find your local office, then contact them for recommendations. You could also visit websites such as www.checkatrade.com or www.ratedpeople.com for more information.
• You should also find out how long a trader has been in business for and try to only use established firms. If a company has several years of experience, their longevity suggests you’ll be in safe hands. Make sure a business has an office address and landline phone number. Be more wary of any firms only advertising a mobile number.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions, as a good tradesman should want your custom and have your best interests at heart. Your initial enquiries should give you an idea of how a company and its staff treat customers before you commit.
• When requesting quotations, be specific about what you require and give as much detail as possible. Ask for an in-depth written quotation, as this will show you exactly where your money is going. Always get quotations from at least three firms.
• Make sure your final invoice is itemised as well, as this will also make it simpler for you to spot any charges for work you did not agree to.
• Check that a company has the correct licences and ensure they carry full insurance that protects your property.
• Request a few references, speak to previous customers and if possible, visit previous jobs. Any good company should be happy to provide you with this information if they are proud of their work. If their previous customers were happy, they should receive plenty of praise!
• Agree payment terms, such as stage and final payments, before any work is started. Where possible, only pay for work that has been done and try to avoid advance payments. However, if any materials need to be bought in advance, be aware that a trader may ask you to contribute towards these costs as the job progresses.
• Agree on any work upfront and set a maximum budget. Ask the company to contact you before they carry out any work that you haven’t already agreed to. It’s also a good idea to let your chosen firm know how much money you can spend if any unexpected problems arise.
• It’s always important to remember that the cheaper option isn’t always the best option.

If things go wrong
In the event that things don’t meet your expectations, the Citizens Advice Bureau website at www.adviceguide.org.uk has practical information on how to solve problems.

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