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Mind your manners, tradesmen told
30/07/10
Edited by Sophie Griffiths.Builders, plumbers and electricians might want to spruce up on their etiquette after a new survey revealed that residential property owners are impressed by polite tradesmen.
The poll by the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) found that for 78 per cent of consumers, exemplary manners come behind a strong reputation and a good quote when they are selecting someone to carry out home improvements.
Builders might also want to get out the car wax and Sunday best, as over half (56 per cent) of respondents said they value clean clothes, while another 28 per cent said they look for a smart vehicle.
ECA chief executive David Pollock said that while tradesmen should always be polite to customers, home owners should not focus too much on appearance.
"There's no substitute for hiring someone with experience who comes recommended," he added.
Indeed, the Federation of Master Builders recently said that some rogue traders can look and sound very professional, yet these unqualified and unscrupulous individuals often leave behind poor work that can cost more to repair.
It advised home owners to never pay cash in hand or give jobs to cold callers.
