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Finding a tradesperson you can trust
When you need a job doing around the house, it's important to find a tradesperson that you can trust. This will save you time, money and frustration.
How do I find a trusted tradesperson near me?
To find a tradesperson you can trust, follow these steps:
- Ask family and friends for personal recommendations. This is often the easiest and safest way to find a tradesperson who provides a quality service.
- Use the TrustMark tool to find tradespeople near you. TrustMark is the only government-endorsed scheme for all trades in and around the home. Search for reputable companies and reliable tradespeople using your postcode.
- Contact your local Age UK. Ask about our ‘Trusted Trader’ scheme or see whether they offer handyperson services.
Be wary of traders who knock on your front door unexpectedly looking to get work – don’t feel pressured to hire them. If in doubt, always say no and close the door and, if necessary, contact the police.
How the handyperson services work
We talk to handyperson Dave Laurence to understand just what his job entails.
What should I do before I hire a tradesperson?
- Get at least 3 quotes and compare prices – make sure you confirm exactly what’s covered by the price (for example, labour and materials) so you know what you’re getting for your money.
- Check credentials and trade licences – for example, boiler engineers must be Gas Safe registered.
- Ask for references and speak to previous customers.
- Find out how long they’ve been in business.
- Get contact details – including an office address and landline phone number.
How can I avoid problems with tradespeople?
There are a few things you can do to avoid problems with tradespeople.
Give the tradesperson a clear brief
Be specific and set out a clear, detailed brief, except for very small jobs. The brief should describe what work needs to be done in the greatest detail possible. Things to consider include:
- the materials the tradesperson will use and what you'll supply
- whether subcontractors such as plumbers are included in the cost
- cleaning up and getting rid of rubbish.
Get a written contract
For any medium or large jobs, you should insist on a full legal written contract as it offers you protection if anything does go wrong. Agree on any stage payments (payments made throughout a project) and final payments before work starts.
Don’t make advance payments
Only pay for work that's been done. Where materials need to be bought in advance, it's reasonable for the trader to ask you to pay a fair percentage of these costs as the job progresses.
Check building regulations
For certain types of work, you may need to get a building regulations compliance certificate from your local council. This certificate proves that the work is safe and has been done to the right standard. If your tradesperson is a member of a competent person scheme, which proves their ability to carry out work to required standards, then they can provide your certificate for you.
If you've hired a tradesperson to do some work for you, there are things you can do to avoid problems later down the line.
Give the tradesperson a clear brief
Be specific and set out a clear, detailed brief, except for very small jobs. The brief should describe what work needs to be done in the greatest detail possible. Things to consider include:
- the materials the tradesperson will use and what you'll supply
- whether subcontractors such as plumbers are included in the cost
- cleaning up and getting rid of rubbish.
Get a written contract
For any bigger jobs, you should insist on a full legal written contract as it offers you protection if anything does go wrong. Make sure to agree on any stage payments (payments made throughout a project) and final payments before the work starts.
Don’t make advance payments
Only pay for work that's been done. When materials need to be bought in advance, it's reasonable for the trader to ask you to pay a fair percentage of these costs as the job progresses.
Check building regulations
For certain types of work, you may need to get a building regulations compliance certificate from your local council. This certificate proves that the work is safe and has been done to the right standard. If your tradesperson is a member of a competent person scheme, a Government accreditation programme, they can provide your certificate for you.
How can I make a complaint about a tradesperson?
You can report poor quality work or service from a tradesperson or company with Trading Standards.
Discuss your problem with Citizens Advice first – they'll pass your report to Trading Standards. They'll use the information you provide to decide whether they need to investigate. Trading Standards may then contact you if they need more information.
Find out more about reporting a tradesperson to Trading Standards on Citizens Advice
We're here to help
We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs.