Avoid the pitfalls of choosing a tradesperson

It can happen to anybody - a sudden thunderstorm and your roof starts leaking - your kitchen is flooded by your washing machine - your television goes off in the middle of the World Cup - who do you turn to?

If you need to find a tradesperson for work you haven't had done before it can be daunting finding someone you can trust.

Recommendations

One of the best ways to find reliable tradespeople. Ask neighbours, family, friends for the names of someone they have been satisfied with.

Trade associations

Ask for a list of members in your area and ask them what extra protection you get from them being a member. Make sure they will help if there is a problem.

Helplines

Some will charge for putting you in touch with tradespeople who have been ‘approved' by them.

Phone directories

Such as Yellow Pages, Thomsons Local, and Talking Pages are a useful source of contact numbers for local traders.

Making the right choice

If you can't use someone you've used before this simple checklist will help you pick the best tradesperson for you:

• Know who you're dealing with - be wary of firms who don't give their name when they answer the phone. Be wary of only mobile phone numbers. Make sure you ask for and get a proper address for the company
• Ask how long they have been in business
• Ask for the names of satisfied customers you can contact
• If they state that they are a member of a trade association - check it out (if they say they are a member and it turns out they aren't tell your local Trading Standards Office)
• Make sure you get quotes from a number of different firms. Ask for a quotation if possible (a fixed price) or at the very least an estimate (an informed guess which can vary slightly). Ask the company to visit you to discuss exactly what is required. (Check first if they charge a call-out fee). Get your quotes in writing and if the job is complicated get that in writing as well
• Don't always accept the cheapest price. It may not represent the best value in the long run
• Make sure everything that is required, like cleaning up building debris, is included in the price
• Don't pay a large deposit in advance

If things go wrong

Don't sign a satisfaction note unless you are satisfied. Write on ‘work unexamined' if you haven't had a chance to inspect it.

• If you are not satisfied with the standard of work explain to the tradesperson what the problems are
• You can withhold part of the payment but only an amount to cover the cost of any necessary remedial work. If the company disputes this action they can take you to court to sue you for this amount
• Alternatively you can pay in full under protest but you may then have to take the company to court for the cost of repairs if they are not done
• You may need to get a report from an independent ‘expert'

This page was last updated on 3 June 2010