Is the New Year prompting you to dream about improving your home? Before you hire a tradesman make sure they’re the right person for your home improvement job. The good ones will be happy to show you evidence that they’re a quality, local tradesman – don’t be afraid to ask for those references, credentials and certifications. Run through this checklist from online trade recommendation service
Rated People.
Qualifications
Gas Safe - By law, all tradesmen must be Gas Safe registered to carry out gas work. Registered tradesmen carry a personal ID card, so check their licence number and expiry date. When tradesmen join, Rated People checks for Gas Safe certification. Only Gas Safe registered tradesmen are able to purchase these types of job.
Part P –Trades people require a Part P qualification to do most electrical work in your property. Ask to see proof of your tradesman’s Part P credentials to avoid having to contact your local building authority for certification.
Reputation
Ratings – Check the tradesman’s ratings on Rated People to find out what experiences other homeowners have had; these are the tradesman’s online word of mouth recommendations. Tradesmen are rated on quality, reliability and value, meaning you can make a more informed decision.
Previous work
- Depending on the size of the job, ask to view the tradesman’s portfolio, speak to previous customers and if possible, visit previous jobs.
The contract
The quote – Ask for a quotation for the work described, this differs from an estimate, which is a rough price and not binding. The quote should include a detailed job specification, price, conditions and a payment schedule.
VAT
It is a good idea to clarify up front whether the tradesman is VAT registered and whether you will be charged any VAT.eposit – A deposit should always be documented with a detailed invoice. The deposit should not be more than 20% of the overall job price, but should cover the tradesman’s tools, materials and travel.
Payment schedule
A quote should outline the payment schedule the tradesman expects, to avoid any misunderstanding later on. Each stage of the payment schedule should be documented with an invoice, and should only cover work that has clearly been completed.
Subcontractors
Not all tradesmen who do the quote carry out the work themselves. They may work alongside other subcontractors, or hire subcontractors to complete the entire job. While this is perfectly normal it is good to clarify this up front.
Guarantees
A tradesman will guarantee their workmanship for a period of time. Make sure you have clarified what this period is and that you have the relevant paperwork if you need to make a claim at a later stage.
Rated People is an online trade recommendation service. To find a local tradesman post your job for free and you’ll be matched with up to three local tradesmen.
Qualifications
Gas Safe - By law, all tradesmen must be Gas Safe registered to carry out gas work. Registered tradesmen carry a personal ID card, so check their licence number and expiry date. When tradesmen join, Rated People checks for Gas Safe certification. Only Gas Safe registered tradesmen are able to purchase these types of job.
Part P –Trades people require a Part P qualification to do most electrical work in your property. Ask to see proof of your tradesman’s Part P credentials to avoid having to contact your local building authority for certification.
Reputation
Ratings – Check the tradesman’s ratings on Rated People to find out what experiences other homeowners have had; these are the tradesman’s online word of mouth recommendations. Tradesmen are rated on quality, reliability and value, meaning you can make a more informed decision.
Previous work - Depending on the size of the job, ask to view the tradesman’s portfolio, speak to previous customers and if possible, visit previous jobs.
The contract
The quote – Ask for a quotation for the work described, this differs from an estimate, which is a rough price and not binding. The quote should include a detailed job specification, price, conditions and a payment schedule.
VAT
It is a good idea to clarify up front whether the tradesman is VAT registered and whether you will be charged any VAT.eposit – A deposit should always be documented with a detailed invoice. The deposit should not be more than 20% of the overall job price, but should cover the tradesman’s tools, materials and travel.
Payment schedule
A quote should outline the payment schedule the tradesman expects, to avoid any misunderstanding later on. Each stage of the payment schedule should be documented with an invoice, and should only cover work that has clearly been completed.
Subcontractors
Not all tradesmen who do the quote carry out the work themselves. They may work alongside other subcontractors, or hire subcontractors to complete the entire job. While this is perfectly normal it is good to clarify this up front.
Guarantees
A tradesman will guarantee their workmanship for a period of time. Make sure you have clarified what this period is and that you have the relevant paperwork if you need to make a claim at a later stage.
Rated People is an online trade recommendation service. To find a local tradesman post your job for free and you’ll be matched with up to three local tradesmen.
