Avoiding being ripped off/cowboys.

dandelionclock30

Hi Could anyone help me please?
I'm needing some work done and I think I've found a reputable and competent person. I've got a written quote which is reasonable and hes on the my builder website with 99% good feedback for over a 100 jobs.
I've been badly ripped off and bullied by a tradesman before and I'm basically worried that I might get stung again.
I have said to him that if I agree then I want to see all his certificates, insurances and proof of address and membership of his trade association. I know paying by credit card and not until completion of the whole job is also the way to go.
Is there anything else I need to consider? or have I got it covered?

booty40uk

check references.

phill99

As a tradesman, coming from the other side, all of what you ask for is realistic. Remember most tradesmen don't take credit or debit cards (I take CC / DC).

Also, depending on the scale and length of a job, not all tradesmen will settle for full payment at the end of the job, especially if there is a lot of materials outlay and/or if you are a new customer.

Remember, the tradesman doesn't know you either and needs to feel that he can trust you to pay the bill. Believe it or not most tradesmen want good long term relationships with their customers and want to build up trust.