{"id":4000,"date":"2012-06-13T14:17:37","date_gmt":"2012-06-13T14:17:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress01.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/?p=4000"},"modified":"2020-02-06T09:59:40","modified_gmt":"2020-02-06T09:59:40","slug":"how-to-find-a-tradesmn-phil-spencer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/content.ratedpeople.com\/how-to-find-a-tradesmn-phil-spencer","title":{"rendered":"Phil Spencer on How to Find Trusted Tradesmen"},"content":{"rendered":"

Getting the builders in can be a daunting prospect, especially if it’s a large project. For specialised jobs such as electrical repairs, boilers and plumbing jobs I would always advise calling in an experienced and trusted tradesman – I have seen enough bodged DIY projects<\/a> to know that a specialist job requires a specialist!<\/p>\n

There are pros and cons to hiring a tradesman. The obvious advantage is the quality of the end result; trusted\u00a0tradesmen will do a quality job that looks good and lasts. They will also get the job done a lot quicker than an\u00a0amateur. If – which it so often does – go wrong, trusted tradesmen\u00a0will be able to trouble shoot and use their experience to rectify the problem, often finding ways to overcome problems cost effectively.<\/p>\n

\"trusted<\/p>\n

Recommended tradesmen<\/h2>\n

The key to having a good relationship with your tradesman often comes down to\u00a0choosing\u00a0the right one in the first place. I think a good recommendation is worth its weight in gold. Three is the magic number when it comes to getting quotes: provide a clear brief outlining the work that needs to be done, with an estimate of your budget<\/a>. As I said, recommendations\u00a0are a must, word-of-mouth is often the first point of call, but a choice of three trusted tradesmen is always a plus.<\/p>\n

How to find tradesmen<\/h2>\n

Like most things home improvements have moved online, you can now find a tradesman at the click of a mouse. Trade\u00a0recommendation\u00a0sites, like RatedPeople.com<\/span><\/a><\/span>,<\/span><\/span> allow you to enter your job description and budget, they then match you with trusted tradesmen in your local area. Your job is sent out to local tradesmen and up to three will pay a small fee to be put in contact with you, so you know they are serious about doing your job. Each tradesman will quote for your job and you’ll be able to read\u00a0recommendations\u00a0and ratings based on\u00a0quality,\u00a0reliability\u00a0and value for money from their previous customers.<\/p>\n

Rated People conduct identity checks on their tradesmen. As well as Gas Safe accreditation checks they also ask tradesmen for Part P (electrical\u00a0qualifications) and Public Liability Insurance (PLI) – these can be seen on the tradesmen’s profile pages. A word of advice, check and double check, you’re letting this person into your home! Ask to see\u00a0their\u00a0qualifications, if they’re a good tradesman and\u00a0qualified\u00a0to do the job they won’t have any\u00a0qualms\u00a0in showing you. PLI isn’t essential, but for larger jobs it’s required in case there are any accidents. It covers personal injury and damage to the property, typically from \u00a31 – \u00a35 million.<\/p>\n

It’s not all about what other people say about them and their qualifications however, you need to feel comfortable with having this person in your home. Hire someone who not only comes with a track record and\u00a0recommendations\u00a0from previous customers, but also someone who you feel you can trust.<\/p>\n

It doesn’t stop there, once you’ve hired your tradesman ensure you’ve got a written quotation with start and completion times and agreed payment terms, before work begins. Do not make payment upfront, pay on completion – which for larger projects may be done in stages. Ask the tradesman to write VAT into the agreement, some tradesmen provide quotes without VAT to make them look cheaper. By asking them to write it in you won’t have a nasty\u00a0surprises when you see the final price. However, be aware that tradesmen may need money upfront for\u00a0materials.<\/p>\n