Hiring a tradesman can be an incredibly stressful process. It's tough to sort the reputable ones from the cowboys and it's equally hard knowing which quote to go for. There are many great tradesmen out there and the tips in this post can help you to ensure a hassle free process.
1. Be specific about your needs
Even great tradesmen will struggle to fulfil your needs if you don't provide a proper brief for them to follow. Before you start seeking quotes for the work you need carrying out, ensure that you are 100% clear on what you want. The more detail and information you can provide, the greater the chance that you will end up with exactly what you want.
2. Obtain at least three quotes
You might be tempted to go with the first quote that you receive, but, even if it seems great, it's always worth getting more than one. Three is probably the perfect number, as you will get a good cross-section of information to work with. Just remember: a cheap quote can mean that the best work won't be provided, so it's worth spending a little more if you get the impression that the tradesman understands your needs more thoroughly.
3. Look for positive reviews and testimonials
The best sign that a tradesman is of high-quality is the reviews from people who have used them before. These can be found in a number of forms, whether it's from friends or family, social media pages or by searching online review websites. If you can't find any positive reviews of a tradesman then it can be risky to hire them. Try to find a tradesman with a good amount of authentic sounding, positive reviews before hiring.
4. Insist on paying in instalments
If possible, do not pay everything up front. Unfortunately, the industry does have its con men, but you can limit the risk by only paying for the work that has been completed. Most tradesman will not insist on upfront payment and many will be happy to take an initial payment, with the rest paid upon completion of the work. However, it's more than reasonable for a tradesman to ask you to pay for materials up front.
5. Get a written contract
Many people fail to ask for a written contract when working with a tradesman - make sure you're not one of them. A written contract can provide you with some legal protection and give you proof of the work and price that has been agreed upon up front. If a tradesman is unwilling to provide one then it should serve as a red flag.
If you have any queries about hiring a reputable tradesperson in Bristol, our online directory can help you find the perfect person to carry out your job.
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