Choosing a Tradesperson: Essential Tips

Before selecting a tradesperson, consider these detailed guidelines. They offer valuable advice on what to look for, the necessary qualifications, and how to establish a solid contract.

Certificates and Accreditations

Gas Safe Certification– Legally, any tradesperson conducting gas work must be Gas Safe registered. Verify their personal ID card, including the license number and expiration date. Only Gas Safe registered professionals should be carrying out any Gas related jobs.

Part P Certification- For most electrical work in your home, a tradesperson must possess a Part P qualification. Request proof of their Part P credentials. You can also confirm their certification with your local building authority. Although not mandatory in Scotland and Northern Ireland, having a Part P certificate distinguishes a tradesperson’s expertise.

SafeContractor Approval– Tradespeople with the SafeContractor blue seal have undergone a thorough audit of their procedures, policies, training, and insurances. This approval signifies high health and safety standards, enhancing your confidence in their services.

TrustMark Accreditation- TrustMark is a government-endorsed scheme representing quality in the trades industry. Tradespeople with this accreditation have been vetted and meet high standards in trading practices, customer service, and technical competence.

Evaluating Reputation

Ratings- Tradespeople’s ratings are available on their profile page, These ratings reflect previous clients experiences in terms of quality, reliability, and value, helping you make a well-informed hiring decision.

Previous Work- Assessing a tradesperson’s past work can be crucial, especially for larger projects. Request to see their portfolio, talk to former clients, and if feasible, visit previous job sites to gauge their suitability for your needs.

Establishing the Contract

The Quote– Understand the distinction between an estimate and a quote. An estimate is an approximate price and not binding, useful for initial discussions. Before work commences, ask for a detailed quotation outlining the job specifications, price, conditions, and payment schedule. You can purchase our draft contract here. You can edit this to suit your needs and use for multiple contracts.

VAT Considerations- Confirm whether the quote includes VAT to avoid unexpected costs. If VAT is excluded, an additional 20% will be added. A reputable tradesperson will clarify this in advance.

Deposit- Any deposit should be less than 20% of the total job cost and should cover tools, materials, and travel expenses. Ensure the deposit is documented with a detailed invoice.

Payment Schedule- The quote should include a payment schedule, preventing misunderstandings. Each payment stage should be invoiced and cover only the completed work. Avoid paying the full job cost upfront.

Use of Subcontractors- Clarify if the tradesperson will perform the work themselves or involve subcontractors. This is common practice, but transparency upfront is crucial.

Guarantees- Ensure you understand the duration of the tradesperson’s workmanship guarantee and have the necessary paperwork to claim if needed.

Following these guidelines will help you choose a qualified tradesperson and establish a clear, fair contract, ensuring a successful project.

Purchase our draft contract. With this draft document you can edit it to suit your needs. By having a signed contract, it gives you peace of mind and security should any difficulties arise. The bonus of purchasing this is that you can use multiple time for multiple contracts.