Recommendation

Where possible, ask friends and family to recommend traders that have carried out work for them. Otherwise ask your trader for references and the names of previous clients. Speak to them and look at their previous work. Look on our feedback section to ensure that work carried out is up to scratch.

Deal with an established firm

Make sure they have an office address, telephone number and use headed notepaper. If VAT is being charged, make sure there is a VAT number shown on paperwork.

• Check they are a member of a reputable trade association.
• Be clear about what you want
• Get a written specification and estimate.
• Agree any stage and final payments before the work starts.
• Where possible, get more than one estimate.
• Avoid changing your mind halfway through a job - it usually costs more and causes delays.
• Ask for an insurance-backed warranty for the work that has been carried out.

What to look out for

• High pressure sales people from so-called specialists.
• Do not sign anything you have not read or do not understand.
• Advance payments, particularly at the start of the job, should be avoided.
• Demands for cash payments. You are only fuelling the black economy and putting yourself at risk from rogue traders.

What to do if things go wrong

Speak to your tradesman if you think things are not right. Try and resolve problems quickly, do not let them fester. If your tradesman does not sort things out after you have spoken to him, put your complaint in writing.

If there are still problems, get further advice. Depending on the problem, consult a solicitor, the Citizens Advice Bureau, Trading Standards, Building Control or Trade Association.

Our advertisers are fully vetted to ensure that they have the experience and expertise to carry out the services they offer. So, once you've searched for and found a suitable tradesman in your area, simply fill in the registration form and wait for your trader to contact you.