Best way to find good local tradesman?

scarletjim

I need a new single oven fitted (hard-wired), and I assume the cheapest way is a local tradesman (estimate £40-50 compared to £90-100 if I ask a major retailer to do it when delivering it).

I thought that word of mouth would be most reliable, but I haven't found anyone in last few weeks who has had any electrical work done. I see there are loads of websites which rate local people etc, but is there a consensus of which is most reliable? What about asking mates on social media sites, is that a good idea?

(I'm in Colchester, Essex, if that makes any difference)

Cheers
J

cyclonebri1

Keep asking your mates/colleaques etc, 1 outfit will stand hand and shoulders above the rest. :beer:

phill99

If you put your general location on here, someone may have a recommendation.

booter

Or ask local small businesses, or anywhere you're a "customer". If you're of an age, age concern sometimes have lists of "approved" tradespeople, or even sometimes your local authority.

nickj_2

do you use any other tradespeople , they will know someone

scarletjim

Haven't used any other tradespeople for so long that I've forgotten any details. I've just asked for recommendations on Facebook, see if that yields any fruit

cyclonebri1

I'd be very vary of asking for contacts from somewhere as annonymous as facebook, advice from mates relatives etc is onw thing but facebook?, I wouldn't;)

baldelectrician

Try HERE

You should use a competent person for the work, links below
In Scotland:
Individuals registered;
http://www.certificationregister.co.uk/ListAC.asp
Companies
http://www.certificationregister.co.uk/SearchCo.asp?T=Construction&ID=2
In England and Wales:
http://www.competentperson.co.uk

dvdrdl

Most review sites have false reviews anyway i wouldnt go by that.
Go for a self employed guy out the newspaper hes more likely to provide a good service than someone employed by a larger national company.

noelphobic

dvdrdl wrote: »

Most review sites have false reviews anyway i wouldnt go by that.
Go for a self employed guy out the newspaper hes more likely to provide a good service than someone employed by a larger national company.

I've often heard it said that really good tradesmen don't need to advertise as they get more than enough work through word of mouth - anyone care to comment?

nickj_2

noelphobic wrote: »

I've often heard it said that really good tradesmen don't need to advertise as they get more than enough work through word of mouth - anyone care to comment?

i live in a small village , all my work comes from word of mouth - basically people i know , and then when i've done work for them and they are happy , they pass my name on to their friends and neighbours , at the moment i'm so busy i can turn down work that i don't fancy or am booking jobs in for next spring/summer

if you do find a good tradesman that you're happy with , don't mess them about , i've just done a job and had to get my mate who's a carpenter in to fix/repair a few bits and pieces, he's given the customer 2 invoices ,rung them countless times for his cash and they have kept him waiting for 4 weeks for £250 - he's now got his money and told them not to bother him if they need any other work doing , as they have an old large cottage it is a dead cert they will need him more than he needs them ,he's got plenty of work ,so doesn't need the hassle