Where you manage your own let, there are other options, such as checking your local social media groups or community forums.
Many neighbourhoods have Facebook groups where locals recommend tradespeople they’ve used. Alternatively, Google is great for finding good tradespeople near you and you can see trade review ratings too.
For example, if you search for ‘best handyman near me’ or ‘best handyman manchester’, multiple listings show up. You can compare each listing, see before and after photos and compare customer reviews too. It’s a fantastic research tool.
How do I find a qualified electrician?
Electricians don’t have to be registered with the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) by law, but it’s worth finding one who is.
NICEIC members must comply with strict standards and regulations through regular testing, verification and assessments of their work and equipment.
If your tradesman is registered with the NICEIC Building Regulations, they are authorised to self-certify their work to the Local Building Control Body, saving the customer the hassle.
If things go wrong, NICEIC offers a complaints procedure too. And if work is non-compliant, it will employ another contractor to rectify it at no extra cost to you.
Is Checkatrade better than TrustATrader?
There are several reputable online platforms where you can find qualified tradespeople. Websites like Checkatrade, Trustpilot, Rated People, and MyBuilder allow you to browse reviews and ratings from previous customers.
These platforms provide a sense of security, as tradespeople are often vetted, and reviews help you get a sense of their quality of work and professionalism.
Look out for tradespeople with consistent positive feedback, but remember to take the time to read through the reviews – both positive and negative – to get a balanced view.
How to check if a tradesman is genuine?
A good tradesperson will often be fully qualified and hold the appropriate certifications for the work they carry out.
For example, electricians should be registered with a scheme such as NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting) or NAPIT (a Government-approved membership scheme operator in the building services and fabric sector). In contrast, gas engineers must be registered with Gas Safe.
For construction or renovation work, look for memberships with organisations like the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), TrustMark, or the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme (CHAS). These memberships indicate that the tradesperson adheres to industry standards and regulations.
You can ask for proof of qualifications and certifications before allowing a tradesperson to start work.
Always get three quotes for any work
It’s always a good idea to get a few quotes before committing to any work - we’d recommend three. This allows you to compare prices and understand the scope of work that each tradesperson proposes.
Be wary of quotes that are too low – they may be a sign that the tradesperson is cutting corners, using subpar materials, or underestimating the work required.
When you get quotes, ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs involved, including labour, materials, and any potential additional fees. A transparent and professional tradesperson will provide a clear and honest estimate.
Is there anything else that I should check?
Before hiring a tradesperson, ask if they have public liability insurance. This protects you if something goes wrong during the job. It’s especially important for jobs that involve significant work or risks, such as electrical or roofing tasks.
In addition to insurance, find out if the tradesperson offers any guarantees on their work. Many reputable tradespeople will provide a warranty for a set period after the work is completed. This gives you peace of mind, knowing that if something goes wrong, they’ll return to fix it without additional costs.
Look for professionalism and communication from your tradesperson
A good tradesperson will be easy to communicate with and demonstrate professionalism from the start. Pay attention to how they respond to your inquiries and how they conduct themselves when discussing the project.
Don’t get fooled by low quotes
It’s very easy to give a low estimate initially in order to attract business and then put the price up later.
Low prices might result in lower quality, too. Go with a tradesman you trust to do a good job rather than one who gives you low prices. Sometimes the phrase ‘pay cheap, pay twice’ rings true.
Sometimes it’s best to trust your gut…
Sometimes, your gut feeling can tell you a lot about a tradesperson. If something doesn’t feel right - whether it’s their attitude, their pricing, or their lack of transparency - it’s okay to walk away.
It’s better to be cautious than to end up in a situation where you’re dissatisfied with the results or experience. That would be both time-consuming and money-draining, and who wants that?
How do you avoid cowboy builders and set clear terms?
Once you’ve found the right tradesperson, make sure you’re both on the same page before work begins. Discuss the project in detail, including timeframes, costs, and expectations. Setting clear terms at the start will help prevent misunderstandings or unexpected surprises down the line.
Get everything in writing – from the scope of work to the agreed price and completion date. A contract or agreement gives both you and the tradesperson a clear reference point, should any issues arise.
What is the best website to find tradespeople?
If you’re looking for tradespeople in your area, local resources can be very helpful. Many towns and cities have business directories or websites where local tradespeople advertise their services. This can be a great way to find someone nearby, reducing travel time and costs.
You can also visit local building supply stores or DIY shops and ask if they have any recommendations for tradespeople. Many suppliers work closely with tradespeople and can refer you to trusted professionals.
We hope you realise that finding a good tradesperson doesn’t need to be a stressful process, and if you don’t want to worry about any of this, let us take care of it all with our full management service option.
Our property managers will liaise with our contractors, arranging all the work for all types of property jobs, big and small, including routine repairs and maintenance or property refurbishment advice.
