Tips to Finding a Tradesman
Well you’ve found us, so I suppose that’s the hard part over with already!
The truth is finding a professional tradesman can be a tough task in the modern world we live in, and despite the amount of times you watch Cowboy Builders you can still feel stuck as to where you should begin, or who you should even trust.
You’re putting your pride and joy into someone else’s hands, and that means your home should be treated with the most respect and care throughout any alteration or extension.
No matter how big or small, a job should always be done properly. Because that’s what you hire the professionals for in the first place!
As we’ve worked with a variety of trade professionals in our time there’s a checklist we think that makes the good stand far apart from the bad. Follow these few tips and you’ll be hiring your dream team in no time.
Website Review
It sounds simple, but does the company or professional have a website.
There can be many excuses why they don’t have one, but a website is like a shop front for any business on the internet. It sells the story about that brand and gives you all the information you need in an instant.
Any trade professionals website should include a gallery of their work, testimonials from customers, details of their qualifications and certification, as well as a full list of the services they offer.
If they’ve quoted you for work that isn’t listed on their website it would be cautious not to take them up on it. Not only does this mean they do not have the experience to advertise this service, but they may be using your home as a guinea pig.
Recommendations
If there’s one way of knowing you’re going to get a great service it’s with a recommendation.
Friends are always eager to show off their new building work, so the next time they’re giving you the grand house tour ask them for the builder’s number. You’ll hear all about their experience and get the honest feedback you need.
Alternatively, social media has become a platform for sharing experiences, so do a little investigation on the company’s Facebook page. Read the reviews and see if any customers have left any comments. Not only will you get to see some detailed assessments of the work they’ve carried out, but you’ll also be able to see how the business reacts to it.
Many of our clients have come through recommendations as our customers spread the word of their new windows and doors.
Approved Traders
With 15 years in the glazing industry and certified by Certass, we know that it takes time and dedication to becoming experts within our field. But this also brings with it the knowledge that if you choose us to help you update your home, you know you’re going to get trained, qualified professionals.
Unfortunately there are still many who trade under false pretences and give a bad name to the building industry. But you can avoid them by ensuring you ask about their certification and the regulators they are trained with.
Commercial Directories
If you’ve scoured google for nights on end and still not found a company you feel has the sparkle to create your project, then look to the commercial directories that can list all of the trades people within your area who are licensed to carry out the work you require.
From ‘TrustaTrader’ to ‘RatedPeople’, there are now a number of websites that list legitimate companies, and offer you the full information and reviews you need to make a decision.
Don’t rush into picking a company simply because you can’t wait to begin your grand design, we know it’s an exciting time, but this is a big decision and one you should ensure you’ve done all your research for.
Ground Rules
Once you’ve found a company that stands out to you it’s essential that you sit down and take the time to detail exactly what it is you need.
When requesting a quote be as specific as you can and set out a detailed brief.
If you’ve already hired an architect to draw up the plans then send these across as well.
The elements of the build that stand out to you will be very different to the details that stand out to the professional, so try to give them as much guidance about your vision as possible.
That way when it comes to the finished product, you will over the moon with your updated home.
Finding a tradesman certainly isn’t easy, but we hope that these steps will help you to make the right decision to benefit your home, and hopefully take away a little stress from all the research.
If you would like us to help you with your summer project, contact our friendly and knowledgeable team today and we can guide you through the process from start to finish.