Working With Trades

[That-Crazy-Rat-Lady]

Hi!

(More) advice needed!

The house I'm moving to needs A LOT of work doing to it and so I'll need to use contractors and trades to do big jobs such as work on the roof / new windows / electrics etc.

We've never used any trades as the husband is super handy but there is a limit to what he can do and we need to call in the professionals!

What should I look for when employing a trade? Should I be expected to pay upfront? What are some things to avoid?

Thank you

TCRL xxx

 

[proactive]

You want pictures and testimonials of work they have done in the past together with phone numbers to ring these previous clients to speak to them yourself.

 

[That-Crazy-Rat-Lady]

You want pictures and testimonials of work they have done in the past together with phone numbers to ring these previous clients to speak to them yourself.

Have you found any good website that uses ratings? Was Facebook any good for reviews or do you recommend going directly to past clients?

 

[Gramaisc]

Speak to locals - word of mouth is usually the best way to find the truth.

Avoid badgering people into doing things, where possible.

I'm sceptical of ratings sites - I've perused the ratings of a few people I know...

Depending on what order you need things doing in, each tradesman will have knowledge of others in the market.

Local builders' merchants can be helpful, too.

 

[That-Crazy-Rat-Lady]

Speak to locals - word of mouth is usually the best way to find the truth.

Avoid badgering people into doing things, where possible.

I'm sceptical of ratings sites - I've perused the ratings of a few people I know...

Depending on what order you need things doing in, each tradesman will have knowledge of others in the market.

Local builders' merchants can be helpful, too.

Thank you!

Unlike Stafford the nearest town doesn't have a forum (fools!)

But I have posted on a local Facebook site for recommendations!

 

[proactive]

Have you found any good website that uses ratings? Was Facebook any good for reviews or do you recommend going directly to past clients?

You cannot trust ratings on websites.

Let's, as an example take the hotel that's in the old Chambers building. Look at the reviews for that on Google. You'll see a high number of 5 star ratings, each from reviewers who have only ever reviewed one thing ie, that hotel. Other reviews from people with multiple reviews are much less positive, to put it mildly. The conclusion is that the owner has got his mates to write glowing reviews for him.

 

[EasMid]

You should NEVER pay more than about half the cost of materials (not labour) upfront. If ANY business wants you to pay the full amount upfront it’s a sure sign their short of capital & could be using your money to finance other jobs ( that’s the way the travel industry works & why they’re in the shit now). It’s understandable when trades ask for a deposit to cove “special” items such as made to measure windows etc but that’s the most I’d advise paying anyone.
P. S. I’d agree with everything @proactive said about reviews. Always, no matter what the review, try to see the reviewers “history”. Most online reviews are a complete waste of time. Ask any potential trade for customer references but the research them thoroughly.

 

[Carole]

I agree with what the others have said about reviews, I got caught out the hard way by falling for that one.
We now only use tradesmen on recommendation which might be a bit more difficult for you when moving to a new area where you don’t know anyone.
If you’re driving round and spot a house with a lovely new roof or nice windows don’t be shy about knocking on the door or posting a letter through the door asking if they are happy with the work and would they recommend the company.

If it’s a large job get a contract in writing.

Beware of any builder who can start immediately.
Most decent tradesmen are booked up for months ahead and if they’re good then they will almost certainly be worth waiting for.

 

[tek-monkey]

Ignore ratings, please! I used to get free stuff for writing amazon reviews, I still have unopened items in the attic yet I reviewed them all the same. Why? I was skint, and who doesn't like free stuff? Admittedly amazon has moved on now, the scam is very short term but aggressive boosts to sales to increase a products rank within a sector, meaning it's much more visible to those browsing, so for that you don't even need to leave a review just buy the item and they send a refund.

But yeah, don't trust them. Also don't trust facebook, they could be anyone, the best idea is always to ask locals where possible.

 

[rudie111]

I would never pay in full upfront. Also check their insurance