When something needs fixing in your home, you have a choice. You can either sort it out yourself or call in a tradesperson to do the job for you. If you’re not sure you have the necessary skills and experience, hiring a trusted handyperson will give you peace of mind that the problem will be fixed to the best possible standard. Whether you need a new floor coating or a septic system repair, you can feel relaxed in the knowledge that your home improvement is in safe hands.
But we’ve all heard horror stories about builders who charge too much and plumbers who do a shoddy job. Although the vast majority of tradespeople are honest, hard-working, and professional, there are a few individuals who give the industry a bad name.
Nevertheless, it’s important to be careful when choosing someone for the job. You have a lot to think about. You want to make sure that they have the requisite qualifications and capabilities, but without costing a fortune. To help you find the perfect person, here are four tips for choosing a tradesperson.
Ask around
One of the best ways to find a reliable tradesperson is to ask someone you know for a recommendation. You know you can trust the advice of the people you love. If you need a builder or electrician, chances are a friend or family member has used a local one too. Ask your loved ones if they can refer you to a handyperson who has done a good job for them.
Read online reviews
Most tradespeople will have a website and be recognized as a business by Google. Even if they’re just a tiny one-man outfit. Their website might have case studies and testimonials from satisfied customers, but it will only show you one side of the story. Services like Google Reviews will contain plenty more opinions, ranging from the negative to the positive. Make sure you do your research before settling on a tradesperson.
Check their licenses
Depending on their particular area of expertise, your tradesperson is required by law to have certain licenses and qualifications. Ask them to show you all the necessary paperwork before you shake hands. And if they are reluctant to give you this information, this is a major red flag. They could be operating illegally. Part ways and find someone who has all their documentation in order.
Ask for a quote
Different tradespeople will charge you different amounts for the job, so you need to ask for a quote upfront. It’s a good idea to obtain a figure from at least three different companies and pick the best deal. An initial quote doesn’t always end up being the final price, but this will at least reduce your chances of being overcharged.
By following this advice, you can increase your chances of finding a reliable tradesperson who will complete the job to the highest possible standard. Take your time with the decision and do not rush into things, or you might regret it.
