Chance of finding a rouge tradesmen?

bluedrop

sinbad182 wrote: »

This is a great idea and something I do myself.

Trade counters and builders merchants will know who is busy, who is quiet, who is in fnancial trouble, who has a good rep and who is avoided by everyone.

They generally love a good gossip too and will let you know all the above when asked!

What are trade counters/builders merchants? Shall I go to my nearest Howdens/ bathstore /Benchmarx and ask in the trade counter?

sandsni

sugarwalsh wrote: »

5) If the job is large and requires lots of materials don't be surprised if they ask for a deposit and payment scheme. We can't afford to fork out for other peoples materials or run the risk of husband working for months without pay. Usually he asks for 10% and then the rest in installments with the last 50% or so on completion. Get it in writing and ask for a receipt for payment. If you are unhappy to let him purchase the goods on your behalf then you can always purchase things, but it is likely to cost more.

I'd be interested to know what your husband considers a large job and therefore requiring money up front for materials. Most tradesmen I've dealt with have accounts with suppliers and never ask for money for materials before the job is finished. But then we've never made them wait to get paid once the work is done, so I suppose they know we're good for it.

leveller2911

Steer clear of Checkatrade and the like. They are a business and there to make money.There are some threads on the DIY forum about negative feedback for members not being posted.It seems Checkatrade only post good feedback.

I'm a Carpenter & Joiner and all of my work is recommendation so ask around friends,family,neighbours etc and get 3 quotes and go with the one you feel most comfortable with. As others have said ask for references and phone the clients up and if possible go and see some of their work.

With regards to deposits up front.I ask for 30% deposit on delivery with the balance payable on the day of completion. I never use to ask for a deposit but after being caught out once I trust only those customers I have worked for years for . Others may have different ideas but take no notice of that overweight plonker Clive off the TV who said "Never pay any money upfront as all tradesment have 30 day accounts". Not everyone runs from credit accounts and if they make windows,doors,staircases etc then they are bespoke and won't fit anyone elses house if the client changes their mind.

sinbad182

bluedrop wrote: »

What are trade counters/builders merchants? Shall I go to my nearest Howdens/ bathstore /Benchmarx and ask in the trade counter?

The places where tradesmen go to buy materials for their respective jobs.

Furts

bluedrop wrote: »

What are trade counters/builders merchants? Shall I go to my nearest Howdens/ bathstore /Benchmarx and ask in the trade counter?

It depends what trade you are looking for. For builders, bricklayers, plasterers etc try Travis Perkins, Jewson or Buildbase. These are national names with local branches. There will also be smaller, local merchants specific to your area that you can speak to.

The "trade counter" is where the orders are placed or sales made. The public can use them too, but some people feel intimidated in these situations. My OH used to feel like this, but does not now. I guess this is an image or marketing isssue.

If you want a kitchen fitter you can try Howdens, or Benchmarx.

For a plumber or electrician use a plumbing or electrical merchant such as PTS or Plumb Centre etc.

bluedrop

I'm loving this thread. Thank you so much for your valuable suggestios people!

bluedrop

Furts wrote: »

It depends what trade you are looking for. For builders, bricklayers, plasterers etc try Travis Perkins, Jewson or Buildbase. These are national names with local branches. There will also be smaller, local merchants specific to your area that you can speak to.

The "trade counter" is where the orders are placed or sales made. The public can use them too, but some people feel intimidated in these situations. My OH used to feel like this, but does not now. I guess this is an image or marketing isssue.

If you want a kitchen fitter you can try Howdens, or Benchmarx.

For a plumber or electrician use a plumbing or electrical merchant such as PTS or Plumb Centre etc.

Thank you SOOO much. I am going to these places this weekend

sugarwalsh

Sandsni - we have a very small business and don't use credit accounts as if the customer pays late then we end up with the charges. It is a terrible situation to be in and we have ended up loosing out on jobs because of this. Sadly there are plenty of people out there who will get a job done and they can't afford it. Or they think they can barter a price after the work has been done. We have seen it all, despite my husband being a very honest and a great joiner. Generally he works for people we know and trust now to avoid this situation. As I said, he is very happy for people to purchase the materials themselves - and will drive a bargain for them. Recently, for example, he fit a friends kitchen. They got it on a deal from Magnet and he a) drove the price down for them and b) fit if for a lot less than their quotes. They are now left to pay the kitchen off in installments and he has been paid. Perfect!