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find a trusty tradesman

Legacy_user
Legacy_user Posts: 0 Newbie
in In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving
Hiya

Can anyone help with my quest to find a way of locating a good tradesman in my local area?
I am currently having bits and bobs done in my house, (need a kitchen fitted and other stuff, which involves a skilled tradesman).

Are there any websites or forums that have local people recommending work that has been carried out.

Also don't suppose anyone knows of a site that helps you estimate the cost of work to check you are not being ripped off.


Thanks

Bye
:D
«1345678

Comments

  • Travelqueen
    Travelqueen Posts: 204 Forumite
    Try this site to check quotes for work done on your home:

    http://www.quotecheckers.co.uk/
    One day everything I earn will be mine and not the banks... ::rotfl:
  • System
    System Posts: 178,446 Community Admin
    10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Hello

    Thanks for the site. You have to pay for the quote and one of the things I need a quote for is only costing me £100, so its difficult to know if its worth it.

    Thanks for your help though.

    Bye.
    This is a system account and does not represent a real person. To contact the Forum Team email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com
  • System
    System Posts: 178,446 Community Admin
    10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Me again.

    I have been searching the net and just to let you all know I found
    https://www.house.co.uk.
    It's a British Gas site but they have a list of tradesman, British Gas are trying to flog you their insurance for the work being carried out.

    It seems okay. I am going to ring up a kitchen man tomorrow.

    I am in southampton if anyone does know a good kitchen fitter.

    Thanks :)
    This is a system account and does not represent a real person. To contact the Forum Team email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com
  • Travelqueen
    Travelqueen Posts: 204 Forumite
    Found this article randomly today which is a bit related:

    http://www.uktvstyle.co.uk/HomesAndProperty/Index.cfm?ccs=531&cs=860

    Good luck!
    TQ
    One day everything I earn will be mine and not the banks... ::rotfl:
  • Danjo_2
    Danjo_2 Posts: 34 Forumite
    Alison,

    Not sure whether this is the same for all councils but my neighbour had some work done on his garage. I asked him where he got the tradesmen to do it, he told me that he phoned the council, who provided him with a list of local tradesmen in the area who had passed the councils criteria, basically an approved suppliers list. Suggest you do the same with your local council.

    Regards
    Danjo
  • System
    System Posts: 178,446 Community Admin
    10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Hiya

    Thanks for those.
    That article was interesting. The chippie was basically saying get a friend to recommend one.
    I think it would be an excellent idea for there to be a word of mouth website for customers to recommend tradesman, but you would worry about dodgy builders reviewing themselves.
    I am sorry all you tradesman out there but for me it is a mine field.

    My final decision is to go with a big company and hope if they do bad job, the fact that are well known company will give me more of a chance with their complaints department.

    How mistrusting do I sound? I am thinking about my complaint before they even start.

    I am really mistrusting of our local council as we asked to have a quote to get our kerb lowered and they want £700. Only they can do it, so we can't get a more competitive quote.

    Thanks

    Bye
    ;D
    This is a system account and does not represent a real person. To contact the Forum Team email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com
  • leosayer39
    leosayer39 Posts: 478 Forumite
    Hi all,

    alison ross,

    Whatever you decide to do, try and make sure that you can pay by credit card, NOT debit card.

    Paying by credit card can give you an extra layer of protection if things go pear shaped.

    Non Scrolling Leo  :)  :)
    Dont you just love freshly congealed pigs blood, with a bit of fat in :D
  • System
    System Posts: 178,446 Community Admin
    10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    That is great advice. I hadn't really thought about it to be honest. Thankyou.

    We are going in on Saturday, I am very excited. ::)

    If anyone has MFI horror stories let me know.

    Alison

    p.s. I have tried to be a member but I am not getting an email with my password. Will keep trying.
    This is a system account and does not represent a real person. To contact the Forum Team email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com
  • System
    System Posts: 178,446 Community Admin
    10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    HI

    I have my own property maintenance business and have a contract with age concern. They have vetted me and carried out police checks before giving me work in old folks houses.

    I like to get work from word of mouth but do advertise also. I live and work in the birmingham area.

    I can do almost anything that is required. I dont do plastering or artexing. I will fit kitchens and Bathrooms, woodwork, tiling, painting & decorating. You name it !!!

    Drop me an e-mail. I will not rip you off and give you a full garrentee. I can also provide you with satisfide customers

    Bye
    This is a system account and does not represent a real person. To contact the Forum Team email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com
  • scomsw
    scomsw Posts: 8 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Tyr this site - it was web site of the day on the Steve Wright show on Radio 2: http://www.askyourneighbour.co.uk/start.php
    As you slide down the bannister of life, may all the splinters point in the right direction!! :dance:
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