The research published today has identified a huge increase in reports of ‘botch-jobs’ in the last 12 months compared to the year before. This isn’t just down to con men but is also the work of incompetent and unskilled traders, often family members or friends.
Worryingly Brits feel out of their depth when hiring a tradesperson, with many people saying that a lack of DIY knowledge leaves them vulnerable to unqualified trades people and don’t know the right questions to ask. To help you avoid the rogues we’ve put together the top 10 questions you should ask any trader before employing them.
1. Do you have references for previous work?
Ask the tradesperson for a reference and follow up by calling their previous customers to check they were happy with the work they had done. You’re also well within your rights to ask to see examples of a tradesperson’s previous work, which they should be more than happy to show you.
2. Are you a member of a trade organisation?
Many official trade organisations have protection schemes that can help resolve disputes between customer and trader. Ask the tradesperson which organisation they are a member of and then call them to confirm. A list of the main trade organisations is below in the ‘useful websites’ section.
3. Are you insured to work on my property?
It’s vital to establish that the tradesperson has proof that they are insured to work on your property and that you check the details. Business and tradesman insurance packages will generally cover damage done to the trades person, customer or public as well as damage caused to the property as a result of the work and can even cover the loss or damage of tools.
4. What is the guarantee on your work?
Ensure you get a written guarantee for their work and that you know when the guarantee period ends. Guarantees that are backed by insurance are especially useful as you are usually then protected even if the tradesperson goes out of business.
5. Can I see your license?
Take note of the license details and check they’re up to date and genuine. If you have a problem with the tradesperson then they may not be willing to share their details, so it’s best to get them before starting any work.
6. How long have you been in business for?
This can help you identify that they are a legitimate and experienced tradesperson. Ask to see a business license or references so you can ask previous customers about their work. If you are employing a family member or friend, make sure they have the skills to do the job properly.
7. How long will the job take?
Both you and the tradesperson need to have a completion date in mind, and be sure the trader knows if you have a deadline. Get a written estimate and never agree to work with no set completion date.
8. How does the quote breakdown?
Ask for a breakdown of the quote and make sure that any additional costs are covered before entering a contract. You should also get a number of quotes from various tradespeople to ensure you’re getting a fair price, and check how long each is valid for.
9. When do you start?
Make sure that the trader knows when you expect them to start and that this is written in the contract. You don’t want an unexpected wait for work to start, especially if it’s urgent.
10. When do you expect payment?
It’s important to both agree on the terms of payment before work starts and make sure it’s in writing. Some may ask for a deposit, whilst others are happy are to wait until completion, but full payment upfront isn’t usually required and can leave you helpless should you experience any problems.
Below is a list of useful websites, including the major trade bodies that a tradesperson should be registered with. These can help you find a qualified skilled trader and offer advice on what to do next should the worst happen.
The Council of Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) - www.trustcorgi.com
All work that involves gas in some way must be registered with CORGI. It has over 47,000 gas installation businesses registered.
Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) - http://www.iphe.org.uk
The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) is the professional body for the UK plumbing and heating industry. The CIPHE is a member of the Construction Industry Council (www.cic.org.uk) and a licensed member of the Engineering Council (UK) (www.engc.org.uk).
Federation of Master Builders (FMB) - www.fmb.org.uk
The FMB is a trade association established over 60 years ago to protect the interests of small and medium-sized building firms – today it is the largest trade association in the UK building industry.
The Guild of Mater Craftsmen (Guild MC) - www.guildmc.com
The Guild of Master Craftsmen supports and promotes excellence. To the trade and public alike, the Guild’s emblem and Coat of Arms represent skill, integrity, quality and service – in all, professionalism.
Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employer’s Federation (SNIPEF) - www.snipef.org
The SNIJIB (Scottish & Northern Ireland Joint Industry Board for the Plumbing industry) regulates and controls employment, the level of skill and proficiency, health and safety competence, wages and welfare benefits in the plumbing industry.
Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC) - www.competentpersonsscheme.co.uk
The APHC is the leading trade association within the plumbing and heating industry and has over 1,500 members throughout England and Wales.
British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) - www.bali.co.uk
The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) was established in 1972 to raise standards throughout the industry.
National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contractors (NICEIC) - http://niceic.com
The NICEIC is a regulatory body that has around 10,000 contractors who are approved members. They issue certificates to ensure all work is carried out to a high standard.
Trust Mark - www.trustmark.org.uk
TrustMark helps you find reliable, trustworthy tradesmen to make improvements and repairs inside and outside your home. The scheme is supported by Government, building industry and consumer protection groups.
UK Consumer Protection Agency (UKCPA) - www.consumerprotectionagency.co.uk
Here you can find local approved tradesmen, offering services for most common household improvements and repairs. This year we aim to help more vulnerable consumers find reputable tradesmen through out the UK, in our fight against cowboy traders.
Lloyds TSB Insurance is committed to looking after the things you care about most, including your home. As well as quality home insurance at an affordable price, Lloyds also offers Home Emergency cover. This cover helps protect against the damage a contractor may do to your home by offering a 24-hour helpline service that will send out a qualified tradesperson to fix emergency problems, 365 days a year, whatever the weather. See www.insurance.lloydstsb.com for more information.
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