Reputable tradesmen - do they exist??

redlady_1

I have just moved to a new area. This means I dont have the personal recommendations I would normally seek.

However, how do you actually go about seeking these rare creatures? You know, the ones that turn up when they say they will, do the job they quoted for (and do it well!), go the extra mile for customer satisfaction, pride in their jobs???

I have used mybuilder.com. Yep, guy had good feedback, lots of nice "reviews", pictures of work done. However, I have a half completed job and a load of excuses since. Actually, its more snagging issues (due to the fact that he drilled the holes in the wrong place for a kitchen cupboard and dodgy electrics, along with a long list!!)

I have a total renovation project on my hands and so am after some ideas of where I can find good tradesmen please?

phill99

Yes we do exsist. We hear so many horror stories, that we are all tarred with the same brush. Most tradesemen work from their reputation and just want to satisfy their customers because thats how they will get more work. I appreciate that you have moved to a new area, but there must be people that you know in the area - even your milkman or local newsagents. As at work, or clubs/organisations that you attend. They are out there. Masy take a while to track them down.

redlady_1

I dont know a soul. I moved here for several reasons and have only been here for a couple of months. I work in a different city. I just wondered whether there was any kind of "reputable tradesman" website/group, whereby you guys have to reach certain criteria or something?

Its fab to know you are out there. It at least gives me some hope I may find one, and when I do he will be locked in the cellar and not allowed to leave!!

iamcornholio

Have you tried down the local pub? Check out the pub with all the builders vans parked outside for hours in the afternoon

And don't use any of them!

Local council - housing dept may have a list of their contractors but may not want to share it, or the trading standards dept may have a list of vetted contractors.

Google for " Trustmark "

Although i have doubts in any list of "approved" contractors The best way is word of mouth and good references. See if the neighbours have had any work done recently.

And tip of the day is ..... don't pay them until the work is complete .... then there is an incentive to come back and finish it

redlady_1

Well, I still have some of his money sat here for that very reason, however, I think he has worked out that replacing the kitchen door alone may work out more than the extra I have here!

I like the idea about the pub. Both my neighbours rent so Im a bit stuffed there and am still finding my feet as I work a fair bit. And TS, will give them a ring.

Thanks for the advice

phill99

The websites are mainly a con. I routinely get calls from website sales teams staing "We are kooking for a reputable.....(insert trade)...and believe that you are the right person. For a fee of £xxx per month you can be on our wesite" They don't know me from Adam or whether I'm a memeber of the Harold Shipman Supporters Club.

You could try the trade associations/ regulatory bodies eg Gas safe etc, although these will only confirm that a tradesman is qualified to do the job, not that he is customer focused and will turn up on time! Alternatively try something like the Federation of Master Builders. Their members do have their work vetted and there is a dispute resolution process if something goes wrong.

Have you thought about knocking on your neighbours door? They probabl;y know people and you could get to intruduce youself at the same time.

Canucklehead

Hi

For plumbing try the CIPHE.
You have to prove City and Guilds (in my case) qualifications or now NVQs etc. to belong. Membership is voluntary.
Many members will also be Gas Safe Registered.
Good luck and please don't forget to feed and water the trades whilst in the cellar;)

GSR.

redlady_1

Ah, well thats the other thing, bacon sandwiches, cups of tea and coffee and still I dipped out! Next stop is chocolate.

Debt_Free_Chick

Is there a Parish Magazine in your area? Local tradesmen often advertise there. As they and the magazine readers are local, they rely very much on their reputation and I've found (in my rural area) this to be the best source of good local trades.

There's an expression about not $h!tting on your own doorstep ...

You should still do some research e.g. ask neighbours, ask for references and talk to those referees, but generally a good place to start.

baldelectrician

I would say word of mouth, but this isn't always possible

Look at regulatory websites, but use only ones with full scope approval (I am talking about electricians in particular here)

You should use a competent person for the work, links below
In Scotland:
Individuals registered;
http://www.sbsa.gov.uk/register/ListAC.asp
Companies
http://www.sbsa.gov.uk/register/Sear...struction&ID=2
In England and Wales:
http://www.competentperson.co.uk