AVOIDING
THE COWBOYS
HouseProfessionals.com aims to bring qualified, trusted tradesmen
and UK consumers together. We work hard to make sure that the
tradesmen listed on this web site are experienced, qualified
and registered with relevant trade organisations. Hence you
avoid booking cowboy builders and other 'rogue' tradesmen.
However, even with these checks we suggest you employee a tradesmen
only after you've read the following hints and tips. |
For emergency call-outs make sure you hire somebody local. Usually
tradesmen such as plumbers charge per hour and this may also include
travel time.
Be aware that tradesmen can charge a flat 60 minute call-out fee even
when the job might only take 5 minutes to complete. Ask about their
call-out policy before you book.
Before booking ask about trade association membership. Many jobs require
that a tradesmen is a trade member. Learn
more
Don't allow a tradesmen to use jargon or confusing language. Ask for
explanation in plain English.
Don't deal in cash and always ask for a written quote before the task
is undertaken.
Reputable builders, plumbers, electricians and other tradesmen are
experienced, reliable, honest and trustworthy. Good tradesmen are
trained to deal with their specific area of expertise; whether this
be building, plumbing and heating or electrics. Beware the tradesmen
who claims to be an expert in all matters - ask to see all their credentials
before they start work.
Reputable tradesmen are usually very busy people becuase their network
of clients grows as people recommend their good work to friends, family
and neighbours.
Cowboy builders and 'rogue' tradesmen are not well trained in any
specific area of building or maintenance. Nor to have usually have
pulic liability insurance or deal in written contracts. As a result
each year thousands of the general public are left with substandard
work or issues that aren't correctly fixed or even not fixed at all!
• Ask the tradesmen for references of previous jobs
• Get written quotes from two or three different tradesmen
• The tradesmen should provide a simple standard contract
• Ask for work to be covered by an insurance-backed warranty
• Use and stick to building plans for larger jobs
• Avoid a VAT free cash deal
• Look for a trade association member *
• If problems arise, speak to the builder straight-away
• Never pay for your work in advance of it being carried out
• Can they start tomorrow? Good builders are usually busy
* Don't be fooled by the badge! There have been cases of bogus builders
fraudulently claiming membership to official trade associations, so
call the trade association in question to make sure they are a bona
fide member.
Useful links
Read
more about avoiding cowboy builders |
 |
|
Where
possible tradesmen listed will carry trade logos.
Learn
more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
