SPOTTING THEM- key points + A phone call or
a knock on the door from someone "doing work in
your area"? Don't even think about it unless you can talk to and see the work done for a satisfied customer
in your locality. +
Flyers through the door maybe from reputable tradesmen - but they must be checked out first. +
If you can only contact them by phone, especially a mobile, beware - imagine how difficult it will be for you to
contact them if things go wrong.
+
Some dodgy national companies do not use their own staff but rely on sub contractors. Imagine how difficult it
must be for them to firstly find reliable tradesmen and secondly to remotely control them. It usually means trouble
for the customer. Better to deal with companies who employ their own staff.
+
You are asking for trouble if you make a deal over the doorstep or in your living room. Inevitably you will be
subject to a very hard sell from a very skilful and sometimes unscrupulous sales person. They are highly motivated
by their commission and verbal promises from them will be worth nothing if things go wrong later.
FINDING SOMEONE RELIABLE- key points
+ Most importantly do your homework, take your time, never just give the work
to the first person who comes along
+ Recommendations from neighbours, friends
or relations are very useful.
+ Look
for long established locally based outfits.
+ Look
at trade association lists of members or tradesmen schemes such as Improveline www.improveline.com They list 150,000 contractors and all offer a two year guarantee.
+ Advice
from your household Insurer
+ Study
adverts in your local newspapers and classified directories.
+ Some
Councils or Consumer Groups produce "reputable traders" lists.
+ Use the links at the bottom of this page.
+ Lastly
and MOST IMPORTANTLY check them out by getting them to show you examples
of good work and by talking to some of their satisfied customers.
+ Double glazing suppliers have a similar reputation to estate agents, used car salesmen and politicians so check them out carefully. Luckily there is now an industry Ombudsman so do you homework at their web site www.dgcos.org.uk.
DOING THE DEAL- key points
+ Prepare a
specification. It need not be technical. Just list in writing your expectations and requirements. It would be useful
for the specification to list the broken down prices you require in the estimates. This will make it easy for you
to make like for like comparisons.
+ Obtain
at least three estimates from organisations you judge reliable. If they are reluctant or slow to supply written
estimates drop them.
+ If
they belong to trade association - Good - especially if they set high standards for their members to follow. However
check with the Association that they really are members - a logo is easy to copy. Also check out how the Association
would help you if things go wrong, for example if you are dissatisfied or your supplier goes bust. You can find
contact details for trade associations on our Consumer protection links page.
+ GAS - Especially check out if they are qualified to the correct safety standards by looking them up on the Gas Safe Register www.gassaferegister.co.uk
+ ESTIMATES.
Make sure that they are legible and that you understand the technical details in the estimates - if not ask. Do
they specify how long the work will take with suitable start and finish dates? Ensure that you are comparing like
with like in the estimates. Do quantities and prices of raw materials vary greatly - it may indicate skimping on
quality. Check all the details in estimates, e.g. measurements very carefully.
+ Will
they agree to a fixed price contract - important because it greatly reduces your risk.
+ Look
for value - the cheapest is not necessarily the best. However it will be worth your while negotiating. See our Negotiation page for the advice you need.
+ It
may be worthwhile thinking about penalty clauses or even a bonus for keeping to time.
+ Agree
payment terms before they start.
+ Do
not ever pay the lot up front - though you may have to make stage payments on big jobs. Keep at least 10% back
until you are completely satisfied with the work including clearing up all the little snags.
+ When
you have selected your contractor confirm the estimate in writing listing all the critical details such as date,
payment terms, quality specifications etc. You may like to head up this piece of paper with the title Purchase
Order.
+ Take
an interest in the work as it proceeds - don't forget a little praise goes a long way. Keep the kettle on to supply
copious amounts of tea - most workmen like three sugars!
GOOD LUCK!
Links to help you find businesses in your area, but we still advise that you use our checklist. HelpHound Rated People Tipped Qype
SORRY but at the moment we do not have the resources to supply advice
on individual problems
