What should I look for when hiring a trader?

Question: How do I know if a trader is good and reliable? Apart from reviews, what else do I check out?

Answer(s):

Mark Elliott, S4G Drone Services, London

Reviews are a great place to start. On Checkatrade but also on other areas that capture reviews (Facebook, Facebook Community Groups, LinkedIn, Nextdoor, Google My Business, Yell.com etc.).

I also recommend searching for the company on Google and seeing if there’s anything that comes up (positive or negative) to help inform one’s decision. Aside from that, you could ask people who’ve used the supplier/service provider before – either by asking the company for a reference customer or within Facebook Community Groups.

Lots of ways to check these days and of course Checkatrade Members are pre-vetted and reviews monitored, so it is a good start point!

Jason O’Keefe, Taylored Drainage Solutions Ltd, Bracknell

As well as the above, how responsive are they? Do they take the time to explain the job and what will be required? Ask questions. Do they have PLI? Check their website for T&Cs. Is the website up to date? Cheap is never good AND don’t forget your gut feeling, that’s usually your best indicator.

Wayne De Wet, Wayne De Wet, Norfolk

Good reviews are obviously a great way a consumer can decide – however it’s always good to read the tradesperson’s profile, view their photo gallery. In particular, look out for trades who have possibly won awards for their work. And that their customers report about them going the extra mile.

Garry Sibbald, Perfect Pointing, Bournemouth

1. We tell customers to not only read the reviews but check that the work is relevant to the job they require and ask for the addresses so you know they aren’t fake.
2. Check credentials and qualifications: We are master-builder endorsed, Which trusted traders and also registered in the government Trustmark scheme, which all go a long way to proving to customers that we are competent and trustworthy and (also include additional customer protection should something go wrong). You’re going to pay a certain premium for peace of mind but it’s cheaper than rectifying work done by cowboys.
3. Scope of work: Ask for the work to be in a quote where possible and understand that an estimate is not a fixed price and should be considered as a starting price with extra costs to come. Get a detailed written quote that includes T&Cs and states what will be done under the quote and what won’t. Definitely don’t proceed with work based on a few lines in a text message.
4. Understand that the cheapest quote is normally only cheaper because it’s been rushed or corners have been cut. Remember, cheap work can’t always be rectified.
5. Most important of all; when you meet the tradesperson, trust your gut. Gut instinct is surprisingly accurate!

Professional estimator

We always recommend researching carefully for the specific type of tradesperson you are looking for e.g. roofer, plumber etc.

We would advise you to start here and search our tradesperson hiring guides. Then read this for an excellent overview of what to look for generally when hiring.