find a trusty tradesman

System

Hi.
As a Plumber who has been working in the trade for 30 years and run my own company for 24 years.
Here is my advice. It's not new, get 3 Quotes and always ask tradesmen that someone you know they have done good work for.
It's all about trust.
Ask to view work they have done, a Cowboy will run when asked that.
I hope that helps.

System

Hi, I do plumbing an electrics, was a sole trader for over 10 years before incorporating. I am in the process of joining the Guild of Master Craftsmen, to try and get some separation between my company and some of the local rogue outfits. I carry public liability insurance, which many local traders do not, and I am only too happy for any potential customer to contact existing customers. So I would say contact the Guild in the first instance and then get references.

Sarahsaver

I found an excellent roofer by asking a builder who was working on the house next door. Ask neighbours or ask builders if you see them working locally and you like the look of what they are doing. I hate having to call for any sort of service without knowing their reputation. If you have been personally reccommended they have something to live up to.

plumb1_2

word of mouth,is the best recomendation,Ive been in the plumbing buisness for 29 yrs,and never spent a penny on advertisement,local is best.
As for thinking a large company is safer ;D you just dont get the service,and yes always ask to see work that has been carried out,genuine trademen will be quite happy to show you or supply you with phone contacts.
Hope this helps fron a nothwest plumber.

amazon_2

In London area despite great neighbours on an estate full of tradesman NO-ONE will recommend any tradesman - it is too much of a minefield. I had builders do a reasonably cheap and quick job with terrace, patio etc (although cracks show it wasn't expensive and I got what I paid for!) they kept every promise for me despite cheap work and I recommended them to friends and they totally messed them about, messed up the job and vanished totally, despite written quotes, using my site to advertise, phone numbers on printed paper etc etc. Embarrassing or what! Only larger companies may take credit card - everyone always wants cash cash and more cash.
Another tip - sounds obvious but never pay out upfront - no more than a deposit and pay for work in progress - if money is left owing then the work tends to get finished. It is a bit of a nightmare but if people are very good they are very busy and they get pulled off jobs half way or even worse 99.5% of the way through.
However local area website has a discussion board for tradesmen - am sure they can vote for themselves, but critics go on there too so it is well worth looking at. Maybe lots of areas in London have email forums? - I know Hammersmith and Putney do.

I'm still looking for a good chippie - but basically if they are good round here they are too expensive so unlikely to follow up.

MFI - have heard loads of horror stories I'm afraid - you must check every single piece of everything sent to you when you order kitchen/ furniture etc. Not just MFI but like Ikea there is always something scratched, missing or damaged. At least stuff like that is on credit card?!

lojo_2

I am a carpenter/builder, I am honest, reliable and am told my works good quality by my customers - I have work only on recommendation & have not advertised for over 6 years. If you need a good tradesman then ask around friends/work etc. I think recommendation for anything is always the best way

nixie_2

Alison, you could always find the tradesman working in your MFI (easier if there's one currently setting up a display kitchen) and ask him to do the job personally, rather than through MFI. This has worked for us in the past, and is much cheaper .

System

Wow. I didn't think so many people would reply.
It is a complete mind field for us non-diy ers.
Thankyou all.
I seem to pick a bad bunch. I am sure I paid to much for a fire wall I have just had done.
I stayed in today to wait for a plumber and he didn't turn up - for the second time. Yikes. :-/
And we had a blokey round to give us a quote for the kitchen. we got a plan all drawn up and picked alll the bits and he has vanished.
I am a nurse at the moment but if I get bored I know what I would do instead - it seems a good tradesman is worth their weight in gold.

I am off to check out that website.

Bye

System

That website is really good. The ask your neighbour one.
Thanks
xxx

System

The answer to the tradesman search is to take advice from "zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance"....do it yourself!
Only you will ultimately care how good it looks and be prepared to finish it to the best of your abilities. Yes it will take longer, yes you will need to get some tools, Band Q 'performance power 'are great value. yes you will get frustrated and skin your knuckles. However when you are finished you will feel that you know your kitchen! future work is a doddle and no expensive call out! sad? maybe?....money saving? definitely.