What to look for and what to avoid to get the best tradesperson for your job

Sometimes, a home improvement, repair or gardening job is just too big to do yourself and you need to hire a local tradesperson. However, it can be difficult to find a reliable, thorough and professional person, as tradespeople who sound confident at first can later let you down.

 

Here’s some good and bad signs to look out for so you don’t hire a cowboy:

 

What to look for:

 

• Happy to come back if there’s problems with the job

After your project is complete, you want to sit back and enjoy it rather than having to get things fixed and spend more money and time. If you do notice anything, make sure your tradesperson stipulates in writing that they will come back to correct any flaws at a reasonable cost or free and in a reasonable time.

 

• Good professional references

Any good tradesperson will be happy to provide the contacts of the last few jobs they have completed to assure you they are reliable and trustworthy. Make sure to follow up on these for peace of mind. Ask if previous clients would mind you viewing the work. If the tradesperson refuses to provide references, best avoid.

 

What to avoid:

 

• Won’t answer any calls or take any criticism

A tradesperson who gives you an original quote but doesn’t get back to you when they say they will should be avoided. Of course, things happen, but if your tradesperson is frequently out of reach, disappears at a current stage in consultation or during the project and doesn’t like when you ask for changes, do your best to find someone else.

 

• Is unrealistic about pricing and if the job is too big or small

Usually, the price at the start of the project is an estimate and can change, but short of something major being discovered or happening and making the project much bigger or longer, the estimate should be very near the final price. Don’t trust a tradesperson who keeps adding on items or features you don’t think you need and weren’t mentioned at the start.

 

If you’re looking for a reliable tradesperson in Bristol, Yate, Chipping Sodbury, South Gloucestershire and the surrounding towns, look no further than Trust Local. We are an online and in print business directory and list the best local tradesperson for any job, big or small. Book a person through us today and be assured of a job well done.