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When you use a merchant for repairs, home improvements or service, you need to know that you will hire someone who is reliable. Regardless of what you need plumbing, electrical work, painting or building, keeping a reliable person makes the whole process easier and safe. It is common for homeowners who are trustworthy for homeowners who are trusted and work for high level of standards and morals. Many of these tradespeople are also Trading Standards Approved.
This guide is intended to show you how to source a reliable trader, what to look for, how to identify bad traders, and why it is so important to utilise a trader who has been vetted or approved.
Why It is Important to Source a Reliable Trader
If you hire the wrong trader, you could be left with poor workmanship, hassle, or won’t be able to recover your financial loss. Sometimes, traders will ask for more money than originally agreed, or they may decide to leave the job unfinished. Other times, traders may simply do a ‘quick job’ where, at first, the service looks good, but then quickly develops failures. This is why it is essential to find someone who has a good reputation, is knowledgeable and follows good practices. A good person to consider utilising is a Trusted Traders in Surrey.
A reliable trader will:
- Be honest and transparent about the task
- Offer fair pricing
- Attend on time and finish the task in reasonable time
- Provide evidence of insurance and training
- Clearly communicate with you
When you engage the service of such a trader, you can feel confident that you have spent your money wisely!
What Is “Approved” or “Checked”
There are a number of traders who participate in schemes or directories that require traders to be reviewed and vetted before they can be listed. The implication is that their work will have been vetted by an independent body of experts and they will have passed the vetting below before they can even be considered for work by potential clients.
- Vetting might include reviews and feedback from previous customers,
- Proof of public liability insurance,
- Licenses or qualifications to carry out their trade,
- Code of conduct,
- A transparent complaints process if things go wrong.
Traders considered vetted are often more reliable as you know someone else has done their homework and background checks on your behalf.
Finding Good Traders in Surrey
1. Trusted Websites or Local Business Directories
Start by searching through websites, or services, involved in listing local traders, and some also vet local traders quite thoroughly. Most online directories will include a reasonable list of traders to choose from, which you can put your area in and search for the type of work you require from the traders.
- Websites usually provide traders with;
- Photographic evidence of previous work,
- Star ratings and customer feedback,
- Contact information,
- Proof of approval.
2. Talk to Friends or Family
One of the best ways to find someone you will trust is to ask people you know. If a friend or neighbor has used a trader, you have a good chance you will have a good experience as well.
You could ask the following;
- Was the trader polite and punctual?
- Was their work completed to a good standard?
- Were they reasonably priced?
- Would you use them again?
3. Check Ratings or Reviews
Online reviews provide some additional useful information, although many will be unsubstantiated. Always look for reviews that refer to the work completed, good traders will offer feedback related directly to the customers experience.A lot of good tradespeople have many reviews that talk about the same good things—like being punctual, reliable, and neat and tidy.
Be wary when:
- The reviews look unnatural or overly short
- There are a high number of complaints
- The business does not have a footprint outside of a site that contains reviews
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
Before agreeing to anything, make sure you ask the tradesperson simple questions like these:
- Can I see some id or business card?
- Do you have insurance?
- Can you provide a written quotation?
- How long do you expect a job to survive?
- What if something goes wrong?
Good tradespeople will happily and easily answer all of these questions. Be careful if someone avoids your questions or is rushing you to say yes.
What Kind of Services Are People Seeking in Surrey?
Surrey homeowners often look for help with the following services:
- Plumbing and heating
- Electrical
- Roofing and guttering
- Painting and decoration
- Gardening and landscaping
- Fitting kitchen and bathroom
- Small repairs and odd jobs
Regardless of the scope of work you need to be done, make sure you try hiring someone who has a decent history and is a tradesperson.
Identifying a Good Trader
A good trader will:
- Give you a clear and reasonable written quote
- Explain what they will do and how long it will take
- Be willing to show you previous work or references
- Be dressed appropriately in work attire or ID
Respect your space and clean up when finished
They should also communicate with you, advise you of any changes, and not expect full payment until the job is complete.
Avoiding Rogue Traders or Scams
Unfortunately, not every individual is honest. Some people may attempt to scam you, or do a very shoddy job. Here are some tips to avoid this.
- Do not accept any unsolicited door-to-door offers. – Certainly, be wary of any unsolicited door-knockers who offer to carry out work without invitation.
- Do not pay everything at the start. – A small amount as a deposit is acceptable, but the balance is paid when the work is complete.
- Receive more than one quote. – Receiving more than one written estimate will enable you to gauge whether the costs are reasonable, and spot any unusual pricing structures.
- Avoid transactions which are only cash. – An honest trader will offer alternate ways to pay and will provide you with a receipt.
If it does not feel right, or you are not sure, it is OK to walk away.
What To Do When Things Go Wrong
Even with reputable traders, things can sometimes go wrong. That is why it is helpful, to hire a trader who can be traced to an appropriate complaints process. Considering, even if the work is not to prescribed standards, or does not comply with the agreed arrangements, you need to raise this issue with the trader first. Most reputable traders will be happy to resolve the issue.
If this does not help, and your trader was engaged through a process or through some Programme registration or Directory then, you should raise a complaint through that registration process you utilized, as this may help in resolving things between the parties appropriately.
Remember
- A little due diligence time will help you find the right trader for Surrey.
- Ask questions, take your time, and look for indicators of trust and professionalism.
- If you’re just engaging a small repair tradesman or a larger tradesman for larger jobs, it matters who you hire with a sense of responsibility and experience.
Notes
- Look for existing checks or reviews on the trader.
- Look for written documentation of scope costs before commencement and or proof of insurance certification.
- Read reviews, preferably from a trusted friend or family member,
- Never pay up front for goods or services and
- Do not allow yourself to be pressured.
Honest traders endeavour to make HIS customers feel safe and informed and happy with their work. If you take a little effort, you will meet the right trader for any job, whether it be a messier job or a smaller repair job.
