HOW TO FIND REPUTABLE TRADESMEN

We've all seen the BBC's Rogue Trader and ITV's House of Hell programmes, and they can be truly horrifying, especially if you're on the cusp of having some work completed in your home - be it correcting a dripping tap, an electrical fault or even planning a kitchen installation.  It absolutely infuriates us how many Bodgit 'n' Scarper merchants there are out there, and how they get away with ripping people off for so long. 

Sadly scams and fraud are on the increase, so how can you find a reputable tradesperson, with high integrity and ability, to work respectfully in your home?  Well, we have come up with 6 key steps you can follow, which will help you find such a tradesperson - because they do exist - you just have to know how to look for them!

Word-of-Mouth: This is usually a very reliable means of finding a tradesman; if a friend or relative has had a good experience and are raving about the excellent sales and service they have received, then your search is, quite possibly, over.

Never underestimate how much time, hassle and money a word-of-mouth recommendation can save you.  There's even a website who champions the finest companies, venues and products in your area, why not give them a try?  Our local website can be found at www.thebestof.co.uk/kettering - give it a whirl - you'll be pleased you did!

Address & Contact Details: Does the business have a trading address, landline phone number and a website? Companies who trade only via a mobile phone number and/or without a stated trading address, might best be avoided, as it could prove difficult to track them down and contact them should things go awry. This may also signal that they don’t pay tax, VAT and/or public or employer liability insurances, which could have repercussions for you in the worst case scenario. Always double check and ask for their VAT registration number and have sight of their public liability insurance certificate if you’re in any doubt whatsoever. You may also consider visiting the stated trading premises to verify it’s actually there, and to also see what you think – does it represent the company well? Are you more or less favourable towards that company now?

Trade Associations: Does the business belong to any trade associations, such as The Federation of Small Businesses or The Guild of Master Craftsmen? Membership to these associations does not in itself guarantee that a company is reputable, but if you can verify the business does belong to a trade association, then you will have a means of redress should something go off course, as they will mediate and seek a satisfactory resolution to any complaints on your behalf; they may also expel the errant business from their association. You can contact the Federation of Small Businesses via 01253 336 000 or http://www.fsb.org.uk/. To verify a Guild of Master Craftsmen member, contact them via 01273 478449 or http://www.guildmc.com/. Membership to these associations requires consistently high levels of sales and service, so to belong to them is a very good indication of the company’s resolve and intent.

Testimonials: Does the company have any current customer testimonials available for you to read? Do they have very many? Any website the company may have is an ideal place to display customer testimonials – check it out. It might also be wise to ask to see the original copies too, just to be sure. An honest and legitimate business owner will have no problem supplying you with this information, if they’re truly confident of their past and their customer’s satisfaction.

Google: If you’re online, Google them and see what comes up, or ask a friend or relative to do it for you – you’d be surprised what may show itself during a search.

Instinct: Never underestimate yourself! If your instincts are telling you something isn’t right or doesn’t add up then trust and listen to those instincts. Your instincts are there to protect you, so don’t disregard them.

We have loads more money and hassle saving advice in our 20 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE REFURBISHING YOUR KITCHEN guide, and what's more, it's entirely FREE to download! 

Follow this link for your free copy: http://bit.ly/FreeExpertAdvice and save yourself time, money and hassle.