How to source Tradespeople

With every house maintenance there are some golden rules you can't afford to miss as this is when your hopefully well-thought budget comes to play. Forking out any amount of money, it is essential to get right people for the job.

So here is how to get this all important decisions right.

1. Get three quotes
2. Check references - it is vital to do so to avoid disappointment
3. Word of mouth recommendations - speak to your friends
4. Compare quotes - don't necessary go with the cheapest but the one that strikes the best balance between price and quality
5. Written agreement & schedule of works - make sure you get written agreement clearly outlining work to be done with an estimated time frame
6. Check Trade Associations - member firms would have been vetted and if things go wrong, there should be a complain procedure in place
7. Finally - never pay the whole amount in advance!

Here are some websites for firms accredited to an official governing body:

Plumbing and heating: The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering

Builders: The Federation of Master Builders

General trades: TrustMark

Good luck!