Finding a competent builder/plumber

Myser

Avoid the likes of MyBuilder and other trades/rated person's websites.

You're better off obtaining recommendations from neighbours, friends, work colleagues etc.

Even using industry body websites such as CIPHE can be hit and miss.

andrewf75

Myser wrote: »

Avoid the likes of MyBuilder and other trades/rated person's websites.

You're better off obtaining recommendations from neighbours, friends, work colleagues etc.

obviously you can't beat a personal recommendation but surely these sites have some value?

nickj_2

andrewf75 wrote: »

obviously you can't beat a personal recommendation but surely these sites have some value?

there is no vetting on them as far as i know ,you'd be better off walking down your local high st and picking someone who looks like they might be a plumber etc ,,,
any decent tradesperson would not need to advertise on them ,

andrewf75

nickj wrote: »

there is no vetting on them as far as i know ,you'd be better off walking down your local high st and picking someone who looks like they might be a plumber etc ,,,
any decent tradesperson would not need to advertise on them ,

I thought there was some vetting, may be wrong on that
But what about the reviews? I know they don't accept bad reviews but if a builder has 10 good reviews, there has to be a fair chance that they are genuine. Not saying its perfect, but it gives you an idea and certainly more of one than picking at random.

andrewc_2

Thanks for all replies.

Agreed that personal recommendations would be best.
Some of the other flat owners I know have paid very substantial amounts of money for building work. I may need to aclimatize to London daily rates ...


I know that checkatrade.com does contact past customers, because I a relative of mine was contacted.

Of course, this would be a customer that the trades person had decided would give them a good review, hence perhaps there is a tendency for unhappy customers to be unfairly represented ?

I don't know whether it is possible for a customer to contact checkatrade directly about unsatisfactory work completed by a trader advertising on their site. Does anybody know ?

katejo

How about Which Local? I have a subscription to Which at the moment and have just had a quote done by someone recommended there. Has anyone had a bad experience with this?

Cazza

andrewc wrote: »

I don't know whether it is possible for a customer to contact checkatrade directly about unsatisfactory work completed by a trader advertising on their site. Does anybody know ?

Definitely possible - DH is a member.

Checkatrade does get some bad press, but rules they give to traders are that customers must always be given a feedback card by the trader BEFORE work starts (or you can do feedback on the website). Checkatrade do spot checks too, by contacting the person who has left the feedback and if no feedback has been left for some time, they do contact the trader to check up on the situation. If you find a trader via Checkatrade and they don't give details about how to leave feedback upfront, that should ring warning bells and Checkatade themselves would want to know.

DH has had some customers mention other trades they have sourced through Checkatrade that they've been disappointed with. Clients who haven't been given feedback cards, haven't been told how to leave feedback, generally unhappy with the work done etc. When he's asked them if they've reported it to Checkatrade, the answer has been no. Please, if you're not completely happy, tell Checkatrade, or it undermines the genuine tradesmen (or if you are happy, then feedback is appreciated too!)