You and your tradesperson

Handy hints on getting the best results

We think the best work gets done through good collaboration and being clear about a few things from the very beginning. Check out this section to get an idea on how to get the best results from your tradesperson.

Choosing the best
Paying for the job
Your rights
Things gone wrong?

Choosing the best

3 important questions

We reckon you should always ask these things when hiring a tradesperson:

Do they have insurance?
Is their work guaranteed?
How long have they been in business?

Your tradesperson may be part of a trade scheme. If so, take a note of all his credentials including reference numbers. You can double check these details by calling the scheme provider.

By law, all people who work as installers of gas appliances should be registered with CORGI. Check out the CORGI website for more details.

Compare quotes

Make sure you get more than one quote. Post your job with us, and we'll be able to get you up to 3 different quotes for you to choose from:

Remember:

You'll get a more accurate quote the more detail you give for your job
Always get the tradesperson to visit so that they can see the work involved
Itemized quotes are best. If that's not appropriate then talk through the costs with your tradesperson
Cheap isn't always cheerful. Always go for the quote that you believe represents the greatest value for money

Use your Job Diary

As a member of Rated People, your Job Diary will give you a written record of all correspondence with your tradesperson.

It'll also give you a record of your job description, the start date and the agreed price. Make sure all these details are up-to-date before the work starts.

Print off all these details and get your tradesperson to sign it with you.

Look out for rogues

Bear in mind that anyone can pretend to be a tradesperson. Here are a few pointers we think should help you avoid the rogue traders of this world:

Be wary of adverts that come through your letterbox
Directory listings that only have telephone numbers are totally unreliable when it comes to finding trustworthy tradespeople
Avoid at all costs the 'door-to-door' tradespeople who talk fast and pressurize you into getting work done

Paying for the job

There are a few things to bear in mind here to avoid problems that might come up when you pay:

Avoid paying significant amounts up front. Never accept the excuse that they need funds to cover costs of materials
Make sure you get a receipt for any deposit you put down
On jobs that last longer, sort out a schedule of payments at the start
Always keep a final payment to pay upon completion of the job. Remember to be fair. Pay promptly when you consider the job to be complete
Never pay the individual, always the company

Updates to costs

Always be aware that costs can change throughout the job
Post a job and you'll be able to keep a record of changes to your job by using your Job Diary as you go along
Make your feelings known throughout. If you want changes made, tell your tradesperson straightaway

Your rights

Regardless of a contract, you can still expect your job to be:

Carried out with reasonable care and skill
Finished in a reasonable amount of time if you haven't agreed a timeframe
Reasonably priced if you have not agreed a fixed price

Getting it in writing

A good contract is worth having as it may help the job run more smoothly. Make sure that it includes:

A job description
Start date
Timeframe for the work to be carried out in
An agreed price

Make sure that you understand everything set out in the contract. Look out for anything which may:

Allow the tradesperson to change the terms of the contract without you being able to cancel
Prevent you from holding back payment if the work is incomplete or faulty
Make you lose prepayments if the tradesperson decides to cancel

Want to cancel?

Even if you have a contract, you may have the right to cancel. Maybe you haven't met up, which means that you might be able to cancel if you tell your tradesperson in writing within seven days.

Always check to see what your rights are in this case.

Things gone wrong?

Don't panic. Most misunderstandings can be settled quickly and amicably.

Be reasonable, talk clearly and, most of all, stay calm.

Use your Job Diary to keep a record of everything that's been said. All Rated People want good Ratings so this is extra incentive to get things sorted out.