When you contact a tradesman from Trust Local you'll have the peace of mind of knowing they've already been background checked. But asking these five crucial questions means you'll have a clear idea of the cost and quality of their work.
1. Can you give me a written quotation?
Never agree to a verbal estimate, or an assurance that your project will 'probably' cost 'around' a certain amount. You need a properly costed quote which will detail the expected cost, barring unforeseen circumstances. Don't discount a tradesman who charges for a quote - properly costed quotations take time and effort to prepare.
2. Do you have insurance?
If any damage does occur as a result of the work being carried out in your home, then you don't want to have to be the one to claim on your household insurance. At a minimum, your tradesman should be able to provide a certificate of public liability, but all risks cover is even better.
3. What projects have you worked on recently?
Asking to see examples of recent work makes sense for a number of reasons:
• You can assess the quality of their work
• You can get feedback from their clients
• You can determine whether their previous experience means they can handle the work you want doing.
And, if your tradesman is unable to start work on your project for a few weeks, you'll have a better indication of whether they're worth waiting for or whether to look elsewhere.
4. What hours will you be working?
Along with having a clear idea of the cost, it's a good idea to nail down some of the practical details. What time will work start and finish each day? Will you have access to your house at all times, or will there be occasions when you'll need to stay out of the way? What facilities will they need - are they happy with a cup of tea and biscuits or will they need access to the toilet? It's a good idea to have clear expectations on both sides before work starts.
5. When can you start/finish?
If a tradesman comes highly recommended, the chances are they'll be in demand so get them to commit to a firm start date, with reassurances that they'll keep you updated if that has to change for any reason. Also, pin them down on a timeframe so you have a realistic expectation of when the work will be finished.
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