Hiring a tradesman like a plumber or an electrician can be an overwhelming task. You don’t want to make the wrong decision, as it could cost you both time and money. Before you hire anyone to help with your home improvement project, it’s essential that you do your due diligence and considers all the important factors – from qualifications, insurance policies and references, to pricing options and communication styles.

To help make the process easier for you, we’ve put together this handy list of nine key points to consider before hiring any tradesperson.

1. Are they insured and licensed?

Tradesmen can often provide a variety of services to ensure your home is in excellent condition, however, that reliability comes with an expectation that they are insured and licensed and adhere to the highest industry standards. This means you should never hire a tradesman without verifying their credentials – it’s not worth cutting corners and risking potential harm to your property or family. But when it comes to selecting a trustworthy tradesman for your project, Checkatrade is a reliable resource.

Knowing that any work being done meets the necessary safety standards and is backed by insurance will enable you to have complete peace of mind when engaging the services of a tradesman.

2. Do they have positive online reviews?

Tradesmen have a key role in our increasingly complex and interconnected world, and it is essential that they be reliable and trustworthy professionals. That’s why online reviews are an important tool when considering tradesmen for any job, big or small. Online reviews can help people understand the experience of those who have gone before, providing invaluable insight into the reliability and quality of the services provided. This includes information on the tradesman’s expertise and experience in areas such as kitchen renovations and installation of modern kitchen worktop styles. Checking their online reviews can ensure peace of mind when you ultimately make your decision on which tradesman to entrust with your project.

3. Were they referred by a family, friend or neighbour?

Finding reliable tradespeople can be tricky, but getting a referral from someone you trust can make the process much easier. Asking family, friends or neighbours for trusted tradespeople is a popular way to find someone for such jobs. This ensures that the person recommended has been previously used by them and their references are thoroughly checked. Not only does this help you get in touch with the right kind of service provider who understands your needs, but it also helps reduce any unpleasant surprises during or after the job has been done. In many cases, family, friends and neighbours may even be able to provide discounts obtained directly from the tradesman as they are familiar with them.

4. Have you compared the quote to other estimates? 

One of the most important steps in beginning any DIY home renovation project is to take the time to compare estimates that different tradesmen provide. Before hiring a contractor, they should be able to provide you with an exact quote for all materials and labour associated with the work. It is important to compare this estimated quote from one tradesman to another, as it will give you an idea of who can provide the best value for your money. After making these comparisons, you can make a more informed decision about which tradesman to hire and confidently move forward with your project.

5. Do they have the permits required to work?

Before any tradesman can begin working on a project, it is essential that they have the required permits in order to do so. This is an important step in ensuring that all work is done safely and according to code. If a tradesman does not have the correct permits, it can not only put their clients at risk but also put them at risk of violating building codes and regulations and facing significant fines or even legal action. Therefore, it is important to always ensure that all tradespeople have the proper permits before beginning any job.

6. Have they confirmed what is and isn’t included in their quote?

Prior to hiring a tradesman, it is crucial to confirm the details of their quote. Find out exactly what services and materials they will be providing, as well as how many days or hours of labour are included. You will also want to inquire into any additional costs that may be incurred, such as travel fees or hazardous waste disposal fees. By speaking with the tradesman and confirming what is and isn’t included in their quote upfront, you can save yourself any unexpected surprises during the course of the project.

7. Do they offer a warranty?

When considering making a big purchase, it’s critical to understand what kind of warranty the tradesman is offering. A good warranty should be fair and provide buyers with peace of mind in knowing that if there is any technical issue or defect with the product, it can be resolved after the sale. It is important to ask the tradesman detailed questions about their warranty policy before entering into any type of agreement. Knowing what protections are being offered can give buyers greater clarity and confidence on whether they want to proceed with the transaction.

8. Have they clarified payment terms?

It is essential to ensure the tradesman has clarified payment terms prior to beginning the job. This can save a lot of hassle later. Paying the agreed-upon fee upfront can help protect against shoddy workmanship or missing materials, as well as guarantee completion of the job. It is advisable to clarify any details regarding deposits and payments with the tradesperson before work begins; that way, both parties are clear on what is expected so nothing gets overlooked.

Additionally, it facilitates an agreeable atmosphere in order to arrive at a solution that mutually benefits both involved in the transaction. Making sure payment terms are explicitly understood by both sides can help pave the way towards a successful business venture for all involved!

9. Is the invoice itemized?

Traders and tradesmen often provide an invoice for any goods supplied or services rendered. The contents of the invoice vary from supplier to supplier, but a typical example will provide an itemized breakdown of parts and labour fees, including individual costs for each item supplied or service provided. It is important to always check that the invoice is accurate so you can validate what you are being charged for. An itemized invoice also helps explain why certain fees have been included in the final price when negotiating with a tradesman.

FAQs

How much do tradesmen charge per hour?

In the UK, the cost of tradesmen per hour can vary significantly depending on a number of factors. Generally speaking, the most experienced tradesmen who have been working in their trade for a long time will typically charge more an hour than someone new to the trade. The complexity of the job can also affect hourly rates; jobs requiring specialized tools or equipment may require higher wages than simpler tasks.

In addition, location also plays a part in determining how much a tradesman charges per hour; some regions have higher demand than others, which drives prices higher to accommodate that demand. Ultimately, researching local rates and reaching out to a few different professionals is an excellent way to determine what to expect from tradesmen in any given area.

What is the best way to find a tradesman?

When it comes to finding a reliable tradesman, one of the most effective ways is to ask around. Speak with friends, family and other colleagues who have had work done recently and ask for some referrals. Doing so not only gives you a sense of assurance that the tradesmen they suggest will do a good job, but if their work wasn’t satisfactory they may also be able to provide helpful insight on what to avoid.

Additionally, looking online or in newspapers for customer feedback can be beneficial as well – although there are risks associated with hiring contractors without checking their recommendations so try and seek referrals from trustworthy people. All in all, taking the time to find good reviews specifically for the job you require is invaluable when trying to find a dependable tradesman.

Conclusion

With a little bit of knowledge and careful consideration, you can avoid many of the common mistakes made when hiring a tradesman. By taking the time to do your research and ask the right questions, you can be confident that you’re making the best decision for your needs. And if you’re still not sure, remember that you can always ask for references or get a second opinion before moving forward.