Tradespeople Advice

While we at Find Me A Tradesperson do our very best to find the best trades people and pass them onto you, there are guidelines that you should always follow before finally hiring any traders , whether its a builder, carpenter or a bricklayer.

You should always follow these guidelines to ensure your own peace of mind that the person you are hiring is the right person for you and for the job you have asked them to do.

Previous Customers

Find out what previous customers thought? Ask the tradesman for references or names of previous customers and if possible, try to see an example of previous work carried out.

Shop around don't pick the first Tradesman that you see, it is important that you get a selection of estimates so that you can compare what is being offered to you. You should pick the best available person / company for the job.

Headed Paper

When getting estimates, make sure it is written on headed paper and make sure that there is a full address with a telephone number.

Don't forget to check whether or not the price includes VAT and if it does make sure they display their vat number clearly on their stationery.

Quotation

Make sure you know exactly what you want and try not to be persuaded to have something that you don't need - Get a detailed quotation and be sure of the following;find me a trader

Agree all stages including any preparatory work, when the work will begin, how long it should take and how the site should be left, i.e. clean and tidy with all rubbish removed etc.

Make sure you agree on any specific products or materials to be used to avoid being over charged for more expensive materials.

Agree final cost before any work starts. You should try to avoid full payment in advance. You may be asked to pay a deposit but make sure you get this on paper such as a receipt.

Estimates are not binding but quotations are (which means the price you are quoted for a particular job will not change if you accept the job, whereas an estimate is only a rough guide). Also check if the quotation is valid for a specific period of time.

Make sure you read everything and do not sign anything you have not read and understood.

Trade Associations

If the tradesman is a member of a trade association and displays a membership number such as a CORGI number, visit the website of the appropriate trade association and, very often, you can verify their number.

If the tradesman is with a trade association it can often give extra security should a dispute arise.

Look on our trade association's page to find contact details for various trade associations.

If you need gas installation / maintenance work or have central heating problems make sure that the tradesman is CORGI registered which means they will have the appropriate training, knowledge and experience when dealing with gas.

It is not only illegal for people to work with gas unless they are CORGI registered, it is also very dangerous. If you do use a CORGI registered installer and their work is incorrect, CORGI can insist that they correct that work free of charge. You would first need to make a complaint about your installer to CORGI.For a full list of trade associations click here Insurance Check that the tradesmen has insurance backed warranty for the work. This should cover damage to your and your neighbour's property.Make sure that either the tradesman or your own insurance covers death and personal injury.Ask each tradesman who gives you a quote about guarantees, particularly any which are insurance-backed.

If Things Go Wrong

First speak to your tradesman if you think things are incorrect. Try to sort problems out as soon as they arise, do not let them be brushed in to a corner and forgotten. If your tradesman does not resolve matters after you have spoken to them, put your complaint in writing.

If you are still experiencing problems, seek further advice from professionals such as a solicitor, Citizens Advice Bureau, Trading Standards, Trade Associations.

Planning Advice/ Permission In Bristol and Bath

With house prices being on the high side at the moment many people are opting to extend their house instead of moving, this extension maybe a one or two storey extension or a loft conversion.

In the majority of cases any of extension of your property will require planning permission or building regulation which has to be obtained through your local authority.

The Following are links to local authority websites that can give you advice and guidance on planning permission and building regulations should you be planning to have any work carried out to extend your property.

Find Me A Tradesperson can provide builders and loft conversion specialists, as well as architects to draw up building plans.


Bristol City Council - Planning Permission  click here

South Gloucester Council - Planning Permission  click here

Bath and North East Somerset Council - Planning Permission  click here