Getting someone in - advice needed.

[longers]

I've been putting it off for as long as possible but having saved up a bit I really need to pay people to do the jobs round the house I can't do (roof, windows etc).

I've never done this before so could do with some advice please.

I'm happy enough with finding quotes but am not sure what to expect after that, so any help would be really welcome, thankyou.

 

[martint235]

I've been putting it off for as long as possible but having saved up a bit I really need to pay people to do the jobs round the house I can't do (roof, windows etc).

I've never done this before so could do with some advice please.

I'm happy enough with finding quotes but am not sure what to expect after that, so any help would be really welcome, thankyou.

Ask friends and family in your area if they know anyone first and foremost. I've just gone through this looking for a decorator.

Also as in my case, if you really like one of the more expensive quotes but just don't feel you can justify the extra cost, tell him first that he's not got the job rather than the guy who is likely to get the job. This gives the one you like the opportunity to cut his price.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Ratedpeople.com, Trustatrader.com

Obviously personal recommendations are always best, but if that's not possible these sites are obviously better than the Yellow Pages lottery.


PS: I am not affiliated with either site in any way.

 

[Tanis8472]

What ever you do, make sure you get recommendations from people you know. And if possible go and see some of their work.
We made a huge mistake years ago with double glazing.

 

[steve52]

you must see some of there work

 

[longers]

Thanks for that.

How is money usually worked out? I'll not be going for the option of paying it all up front but is it normal to pay any before work starts?

 

[Leodis]

I would avoid Rated People, they have cowboys getting alerts. You are best asking around.

We just had our bathroom refurbished and it was through my wifes work pals husband, top job. We just also had our out of control privet hedge and tree sorted out by some nice errmm Irish people who live in caravans for a cracking price and job.

The experience we have of trademen websites is from people giving us quotes and then not turning up or turning up smelling of beer.

 

[PeteXXX]

Thanks for that.

How is money usually worked out? I'll not be going for the option of paying it all up front but is it normal to pay any before work starts?

I wouldn't pay anyone up front. Ever.
Some tradesmen might ask for a deposit if they have to but materials though.
Once you are satisfied with the job, get the wallet out.

 

[swee'pea99]

We found people successfully through http://www.mybuilder.com/. I was amazed, though, at the number of people who responded to the listing, agreed a time, then just never showed up. Probably well over half. And this in the depth of the recession? But like I say, by careful vetting of the respondents, we did find a cheap 'n cheerful guy to do a cheap & cheerful job cheaply (and adequately - not brilliant, but certainly excellent value for money) and also a firm that did a very challenging kitchen conversion immaculately.

As others have said, check references, and for anything other than diddy jobs, go and see work they've done/people they've done it for.

As to money up front - it's not always a scam. When we had our loft converted, they asked for a third upfront to cover the cost of scaffolding, skips, materials and the like, which seemed fair. Their overall charging was 1/3 upfront, the balance on completion less a £2000 retainer for a month in case of any problems. Which again seemed fair and in the event worked fine.

 

[Black Sheep]

I'm in the same position wanting to get quotes for a loft conversion company, not many people I know have had one done as being in our mid 20's - early 30's we've (our collective group of friends) only just scrimped for a mortgage!

 

[Custom24]

Ratedpeople.com, Trustatrader.com

Obviously personal recommendations are always best, but if that's not possible these sites are obviously better than the Yellow Pages lottery.


PS: I am not affiliated with either site in any way.

We had a plumber from one of the modern trader ratings websites who turned out to be a complete cowboy, flooded the bathroom and ceiling by leaving something leaking, and we had to take him to the small claims court.

He had lots of positive reviews on the trader website. I can't see how, based on the work he did for us. And it wasn't just a mistake - he was incompetent in lots of ways.

We vowed to never use these sites again.

Obviously personal recommendations are best, but in the absence of those, I would go with Yellow Pages / someone with a decent website and good references which you can verify, and who has a guarantee scheme in place. That's how we found the guy who put everything right.

At least it costs money to list in the Yellow Pages, which filters out the have a go types.

 

[Mile195]

For an electrician I went to the NICEIC website. Got three quotes for a full re-wire which were very different in price, so don't go with the first that you get.

Apparently there are some undesirables out there who put that they are NICEIC registered on their websites when they are not. That's not a problem if you go straight to the NICEIC listings themselves though.

 

[Fnaar]

I always ask advice from neighbours etc. Usually it's worked out well.
I also have a friendly window cleaner who's not averse to doing the occasional odd job (like climbing onto the roof to sort out a TV arial, replacing a dislodged tile etc)
Don't use these fellers:

 

[fossyant]

Don't go with the big window companies, use a local one. I can recommend Alpha windows ! You pay once the works done.

 

[Fnaar]

Also, back when Polish builders were all the rage, I had some in to do some (fairly extensive) work. While the quality of their work was excellent, they strung things out so much that it was going to cost me the proverbial arm and leg...and I got fed up having to go with them to the builders merchants, as they weren't sure enough of their English to ask for stuff they couldn't find... so I got rid of them, and got a local builder in to finish the job... so I'm the only person I know who's sacked Polish builders and got a British builder replacement (he too was excellent, and saved me a packet. Nice bloke, it was his last big job before retiring.)