How to find a trustworthy tradesman

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After spending plenty of time at home over the last few months, many people have turned to tackling those home improvement jobs that they’ve been putting off.

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While a little bit of DIY is a great way to pass the time, save some pennies and learn some new skills, sometimes there are certain jobs that you’ll need a professional for.

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When looking for a tradesman, how can you be sure that you’re hiring someone professional, reliable and honest?

 

These are hugely important things to consider as not only do you need them to do a good job, but you need to trust them too.

 

So, we’ve put together some tips for how to find a trustworthy tradesman.

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Ask for personal recommendations

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Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find a reliable contractor.

 

It’s even better if the recommendation is given by someone that you trust, or if you’re able to see their handiwork first hand.

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However, remember that your project might be different, so it’s important to check that they have the necessary skills and expertise to tackle your particular job.

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Get multiple quotes

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As a general rule of thumb, you should always get at least three quotes before making a final decision.

 

This helps you to get a better understanding of the true price of a project.

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Asking for quotes can also help you to weed out less skilled contractors who may not be up to the job.

 

If one person quotes significantly lower, this might be a warning sign that they don’t know what they’re doing.

 

And of course, anyone who doesn’t bother to get back to you with a quote has already told you as much about their service as you need to know.

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Read reviews on third-party websites

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The internet is full of great feedback sites that can offer invaluable insight into the professionalism of a tradesman based on real customer experience.

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Many of the sites that are specifically aimed at tradesmen have strict vetting and verification policies.

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Companies with lots of negative reviews may be removed from the website entirely, saving customers from costly mistakes.

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Here are some websites to visit before you hire:

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● Checkatrade

● Rated People

● MyBuilder

● TrustMark

● Buy With Confidence

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Check how long they’ve been trading

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As well as looking up reviews, checking how long a contractor or firm has been trading can offer you peace of mind that you’re dealing with experienced professionals.

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Where businesses have built up significant debt, they may simply declare bankruptcy, close down and reopen under another name.

 

Ask each contractor for their registered company name and number, and use Companies House to check how long they’ve been trading.

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If a company has been trading for a long time under the same name, it’s more likely to be trustworthy.

 

You can also see which other companies the business has been associated with, so you can get a better idea of their history.

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As they are often self-employed, not being registered on Companies House isn’t necessarily a sign that a contractor has something to hide.

 

However, where possible, it gives a lot of useful information for homeowners looking for a reliable tradesman.

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Please don't hesitate to contact our friendly team to talk about Remortgaging to fund your home improvement project.