Finding a competent builder/plumber

andrewc_2

Hello,

I need to replace two bathrooms, a kitchen and fit flooring in my flat.
I found a plumber from a website earlier this year and he proved to be incompetent an dishonest.

He showed me photos of previous work, but clearly these photos could have been obtained from anywhere.
The website had comments from previous customers, but with hindsight, these recommendations do not appear to be genuine.

I need to find a new builder/plumber, maybe via a recommendation (?)
The flat is in London.

I'd appreciate any suggestions or recommendations.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

nickj_2

friends , neighbours ,. people you work with , do you use/know any other tradesmen , they will probably know someone etc

andrewc_2

I'm new to London, having moved from the north.
London builders seem to be either unbelievably expensive or incompetent.

diywhynot

Try here. Work has picked up in the south and good trades will always be in demand.

andrewf75

Look on mybuilder website or ratedpeople or other similar.

A1P

Try Tilers Forum + Plumbers Forum.You can post jobs there You can hopefully see genuine samples of work and references on their web sites.

andrewc_2

fyi, I used mybuilder to find the first builder ...

Cazza

Try this, if your local authority has signed up... http://www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk/sitepages/bwchome.aspx

Jonesy_McJones

Personal recommendations only. An ex of mine had a plumber he found on checkatrade (or similar, can’t remember now) do some work - and soon regretted it - they installed a new electric shower so close to the riser rail that you couldn’t move the shower head holder thing more than a couple of inches! As the OP said, the photos could have been anyone’s work etc. Perhaps knock on a few doors, introduce yourself to your new neighbours and ask them?

abankerbutnotafatcat

If it's Central or South London I can recommend a fantastic plumber. He's done a lot of work for me and is going to do a complete gutting and bathroom refit in Battersea. DM me.

andrewf75

andrewc wrote: »

fyi, I used mybuilder to find the first builder ...

interesting, I thought mybuilder was pretty reliable, but I guess any such site is open to people getting their mates to give them fake ratings...