find a trusty tradesman

System

Anyone tried https://www.littlegreenbook.co.uk ?

Andy_ArT_Trigg

For domestic appliance tradesmen, there is free advice on my washing machine site http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/repairfaq.html which includes washing machine repair FAQ advice and list of washing machine tradesmen who are members of the only whitegoods trade association in the UK http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/domestic-appliance-repairs.html.

I don't make any money through this list or through this link. I do make some comission from other small parts of the site, but only from recommending things I would gladly recommend for nothing.

webmasterpolo

I've not actually used the tradesman from this website, but l found out about it from a book, and l've done some searches. It might help you:

http://www.homepro.com

Andy_ArT_Trigg

I cannot make any comment about this particular site, but there have been many such schemes over the years. Although in theory they are great, IMHO they suffer from a major flaw. That is that they rely on charging the traders fees to make money.

This causes potential conflict of interests. Ultimately everyone recommended has paid to be there and the tighter the schemes standards are the less money they get. A truly scrupulous scheme may well find it impossible to find enough decent traders to survive.

If you look at the disclaimer on this site they basically say that they offer not the slightest warranty that any of the traders listed are in fact any good - here are just a few of them :

"HomePro makes no warranty regarding any goods or services purchased or obtained through our Website or the Services or any transactions entered into through our Website.

1.2 HomePro relies on data provided by third parties to determine which Trade Professionals are included in the Database and does not recommend or endorse any specific Trade Professional.

1.3 HomePro cannot accept any liability in respect of any contract or other agreement entered into between You and the Trade Professional and, in particular, but without limitation, HomePro can accept no liability relating to the quality or fitness of any work performed or omitted to be performed by any Trade Professional."

[edited to add the following]

I think it's only fair to say that DASA members (whom I mentioned in my previous post) also have to pay a fee to join, so potentially the same dilemma afflicts them too. However, the difference is that DASA is an official trade association and is basically non profit making. It's run more as a crusade than a profit making venture.

Their strict standards have always meant there aren't enough members to keep it running or promote itself properly. Most of the general public have never even heard of it and many members drop out because they don't feel they gain anything from being a member if the public don't know about it. My experience is that the few that do join are very genuine.

Please note I promote DASA on my site free of any charge or favour.

Heddwen_2

If your in the Sussex area there is a 'stamp out cowboys' directory.

log onto https://www.vetted.co.uk

or call their freephone apraisal line on 0800 028 2294.

This also applies if you want to warn people of bogus traders and cowboys!

You could try them out anyway as theyre freephone and they may be able to put you in touch with someone in your area, or their website may direct you.

I know of them as were members @ Autoclean. Hope it helps.

Good luck.

budgetflyer

Why not go into your local builders/plumbers merchant.
The staff behind the counter may be able to help with the names of some good tradesmen.
IMO I wouldn't trust anything recommended by the British Gas web site. Put it this way, They can charge £4500 for a 7 radiator heating system that can be had elsewhere for £2500.
How can they ,using that benchmark recommend "best value " on anything?

budgetflyer

Oh I nearly forgot,
Forget MFI, Howdens Joinery is the trade division. Same kitchens, but cheaper, and many in stock to take away . This is "trade only" but if you go in you can set up a cash account. Get MFI to do all your measuring etc, get your list and price and then pop along to "Howdens" in your overalls to get the stuff. A quick search on google or phone 118--- for your nearest one.

alison6692

Hiya

me again!!

Can you adam and eve it. MFI said they would ring in the week, didn't. So I rang them today asking what the plan was, as we have been waiting to hear from their fitter and NOTHING.
Why do we seem to be so unlucky.
So MFI have promised someone will ring us.
In the meantime a man who was recommended from askyournighbour is coming round tonight. fingers crossed.

I am still looking for a plumber/builder type person.

Alison

budgetflyer

Like other posters have advised do not give any money up-front. If asked for money, ask the builder why he/she needs any money up front? Remember if they are reputable, they will have traders accounts with local merchants who give the builder interest free periods after invoice to pay up. So they money cannot be for materials. If the builder says that the money is for materials, they are unlikely to be credit worthy to a Builders Merchant, or they may be having problems paying their accounts there - knowing this you should ask yourself if you still want to give any money up front and take the risk. If they (the merchants) don't want to lend to the builder why should you take the risk and lend to him?

Whether they have trade accounts is irelevant. If they are supplying thousands of pounds worth of stuff they may want the security of knowing you have or are willing to pay the money for it.
IMO Its not unreasonable to ask for material money upfront and then stage payments for the labour.
Having a trade account is no good if you don't get paid at the end of the job. Not all customers are honest. My brother in law had a final payment of £25K withheld because 1 of his men left an empty coke can on top of the fridge. It took him 3 months to get his money.

alison6692

Our man is from re-nu kitchens and he wants 40% upfront. I reckon thats reasonable. What do you think?
MFI rang so I am going to see what they come up with and then make my decision. I have already left a £600 deposit with them.

I will try and get a photo of my kitchen when its done and show you all!!! I stress WHEN!!