Finding a Tradesman

If you need a plumber, electrician or gas-fitter, painter/decorator or gardener, you want to find someone who is technically good and also reliable.

Customer review websites are a good starting point if you don't have personal recommendations, but always double check qualifications, experience and insurance yourself. The best known are:

• ratedpeople.com Tradespeople are screened with Experian to establish their identity and financial stability. Consumers receive up to three quotes from local tradespeople - who pay a subscription fee. Ratedpeople work with Action Fraud UK and Trading Standards, as well as TrustMark (see below). They also support home-owners if they are not happy, and offer a low cost alternative dispute resolution and mediator service.
• checkatrade.com Tradespeople follow a comprehensive vetting process, in which each new member is interviewed and a background check is carried out. When a formal complaint is registered, that person is called in for a formal review.

The only Government-endorsed scheme is TrustMark. Under this, tradespeople sign a code of practice and their technical skills are independently checked. Plus you should be able to claim your money back via a deposit scheme. Go to trustmark.org.uk to search for reputable traders in your area.

Federation of Master Builders (fmb.org.uk/find-a-builder/): before becoming a master builder, members must meet the organisation's strict membership criteria. FMB also offers a dispute service.

4 Golden Rules 

• Get at least three quotes with a fixed price, and clariify the position on VAT.
• Use a written contract to get an agreement on cost, as well as issues such as timescale, materials and clearing up.
• Make sure the trader has insurance, and check for warranties and guarantees.
• Agree a payment schedule, and release payments based on targets for specific deadlines being met. Never pay a tradespereson in full upfront.

Always

• Ask to see evidence of qualifications and training. (E.g. anyone working on a gas appliance should be Gas Safe registered).
• Request references and follow them up. 
• Look for accreditations with trade associations, and see if the trader is approved by Trading Standards or registered with an ombudsman.
• Check reviews online, and search the person with "complaint" on Google - you might be surprised at what comes up.

Never

• Do not sign up a person who knocks on your door and points out a small problem. Reputable tradesmen will not cold call.
• Do not hire someone who says they can start straight away. Also tread carefully if a quote seems too low.
• Do not choose workmen who will only give a mobile number, and who can't - or won't - give references.

Source: Good Housekeeping, May 2014 and May 2017