HIRING GUIDES
How to find and hire a good tradesperson
Updated 02/26
By: Laura Macdonald
Reviewed: Alex Peters
Hiring a tradesperson isn’t just about finding someone available — it’s about choosing someone with the right skills, experience, and approach for your job.
While most tradespeople work hard and do a good job, knowing what to check before you hire can help you avoid headaches further down the line.
How to find a good tradesperson in your area
Key elements to look for
Questions to ask before you hire
Mistakes to avoid when hiring a tradesperson
Quick checks: what to look for before hiring a tradesperson
Before hiring a tradesperson, check that they:
Clearly describe the type of work they offer
Have experience with jobs similar to yours
Provide a written quote explaining what’s included
Have public liability insurance
Can show recent customer reviews
Are willing to explain options, limitations, and what to expect
5 tips on how to find a good tradesperson
1. Use a comparison platform to research local tradespeople
Online platforms make it easier to find tradespeople working in your area, review their services, and read feedback from previous customers.
Using a platform such as Checkatrade allows you to compare profiles, see verified reviews, and contact tradespeople directly for quotes — helping you make a more informed choice before you hire.
You can also use the Checkatrade app to:
Search for tradespeople by location and trade
Share photos of the job you need help with
Keep messages and quotes in one place
Track appointments and progress
2. Request quotes from more than one tradesperson
Getting multiple, itemised quotes helps you understand what a fair price looks like in your region and what’s included in the work.
When comparing quotes:
Check whether VAT is included
Make sure the scope of work is clearly described
Look beyond price alone — approach and clarity matter too
Our request a quote feature is perfect for getting quotes: you post details about the work you need doing, and we’ll send it out to tradespeople that work in your local area. Try it out – it's quick and easy!
3. Check experience, qualifications, and trade schemes
Some trades require specific certification by law, while others rely more on experience and proven past work — what matters depends on the job in question.
It’s sensible to:
Ask about experience with similar projects
Look for relevant qualifications and accreditations
Check whether any certification is required for your work
See if they’re part of recognised trade schemes or associations
If you’re unsure, ask the tradesperson to explain what’s needed and why.
Some tradespeople choose to join recognised schemes or trade bodies, such as TrustMark or Competent Person Schemes. Membership usually means they’ve met certain standards and agreed to follow a code of conduct. While not required for every trade, these schemes can offer extra reassurance when comparing who to hire.
4. Choose tradespeople with local experience
Tradespeople who work regularly in your area may be more familiar with local property types, suppliers, access requirements, and planning permissions — all of which can help the work run more smoothly.
They’re also easier to reach if questions come up during or after the work.
5. Ask for customer references or examples of past work
Reviews and references can help build confidence in a tradesperson’s work and reputation, especially when they come from verified customers. Using Checkatrade isn’t just about browsing a list of tradespeople — it’s designed to help you hire with confidence.
You can:
See reviews from real customers
Check relevant experience
View examples of past work
This can provide a similar level of reassurance to getting a recommendation from someone you trust.
We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.
Questions to ask before hiring a tradesperson
Before you commit, consider asking a couple of key questions:
How long have you been working in this trade and have you done similar jobs before?
Can you show me examples of previous projects you’ve worked on?
What qualifications and/or accreditations do you have?
Could you provide me with customer references who I can contact?
Can you provide an itemised quote, including your payment terms?
How long will the job take, who will carry out the work, and when can you start?
Will I need to supply any materials?
Are you insured for this type of work?
What happens if the job changes or problems arise?
It can feel awkward to ask detailed questions before work starts, but it’s far easier to raise them upfront than deal with confusion or frustration later. Clear answers help set expectations and avoid misunderstandings.
Common mistakes when hiring a tradesperson
Hiring based on price alone
Not checking recent reviews
Agreeing work without a written quote
Assuming all tradespeople offer the same services
Not confirming what’s included before work starts
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
How much does a tradesperson cost?
The cost of hiring a tradesperson depends on the trade, the type of work, job complexity, and location.
Prices should always be treated as a guide rather than a deciding factor. Written quotes make it easier to compare like-for-like and understand what you’re paying for.
You can find typical price ranges in our cost guides for individual trades.
Job Estimate Calculator
Can you do the work yourself?
Some jobs may look straightforward, but DIY often goes wrong due to:
Incorrect fixings
Poor finishes
Damage to walls, fittings, or wiring
Lack of the right tools
DIY is sometimes possible, but poor workmanship can still affect safety, insurance, or resale value. Hiring a tradesperson can reduce risk, especially for larger or more complex jobs.
Find a checked tradesperson near you
Hiring the right tradesperson can make a big difference to the quality, safety, and longevity of the work.
When you use Checkatrade, you can compare tradespeople who are:
Checked - Every Checkatrade member must pass up to 12 checks and commit to upholding the Checkatrade Standard
Reviewed - Over 6.2 million reviews have been published on Checkatrade on everything from communication, tidiness, timekeeping, and quality of work
Guaranteed - When you book through Checkatrade, your job is covered by our guarantee, up to £1,000 (T&Cs apply)
Ready to find checked tradespeople working in your area? Search your postcode, request a quote, or read our trade-specific hiring guides for more info.
Hiring a tradesperson FAQs
The cost of hiring a tradesperson varies depending on the type of work, the trade involved, job complexity, and location. Most tradespeople charge hourly, daily, or fixed rates, so it’s a good idea to compare written quotes to understand what’s included.
Most tradespeople should have public liability insurance to cover accidental damage or injury. Some trades also require specific certifications by law, so it’s important to check what’s needed for your particular job before hiring.
Before hiring a tradesperson, ask about their experience with similar jobs, what’s included in the quote, who will carry out the work, expected timescales, and what happens if issues arise. Clear answers help set expectations and avoid misunderstandings later.
To check a tradesperson’s credibility, ask to see examples of past work, read customer reviews, or request references from previous clients. Online profiles and verified reviews can also help you understand how a tradesperson works and what others’ experiences have been.
Yes, many tradespeople ask for a deposit before work begins, especially for larger jobs or where materials need to be ordered. Make sure any deposit is agreed in writing and that you understand the payment schedule before work starts.
If the work isn’t finished to a good standard, discuss any concerns with the tradesperson as soon as possible and give them the chance to put things right. If the issue isn’t resolved, you can leave a review and raise a complaint — and if the work was booked through Checkatrade, it may be investigated, with action taken where appropriate. In some cases, work booked through the platform may also be covered by the Homeowner Guarantee for up to £1,000 (T&Cs apply).
It’s a good idea to keep all paperwork for the duration of any guarantee or warranty, and longer if the work affects your property’s value or future sale. These documents can also be useful if problems arise after the job is completed.
For most jobs, having details agreed in writing — such as the scope of work, price, and timescales — helps avoid disputes. Even a simple written agreement between you and your tradesperson or a confirmed quote can provide clarity for both sides.
Getting two to three quotes from tradespeople who work in your area is usually enough to compare pricing, availability, and what’s included. For more complex or higher-risk work, getting an extra quote can help you spot differences in approach as well as cost.
Online reviews can be helpful when they come from verified customers and show consistent feedback over time. Look for detailed comments about communication, timekeeping, and quality of work rather than relying on ratings alone.
