How to find a reliable tradesman

When you need work doing in your home it can be difficult to know who to trust. Horror stories about rogue builders and joiners are rife, and asking friends and family for recommendations can be confusing. Some may recommend a certain man or company for the job, whereas others might suggest that their services were overpriced or of a poor quality. The best way to find a hardworking and reasonably priced joiner or builder is to combine your common sense with these tips.

Establish your options

• Even if people do offer conflicting views, it is a good idea to still ask around for recommendations. It is a good starting point to which builders and joiners are in your area, and you can work out their affordability and reliability from there.

• Also source some possible joiners or builders online. For example, search for “joinery in Cambridge” on Google and you will see a wide range of choices to consider. The main advantage of searching online is that a tradesman’s website might reflect how reliable they are. Look for photographs of work they have completed and testimonials, although remain open minded about the latter. Check that they carry out the kind of work which you require, and that it appears to be carried out to a high standard. A good website to find tradesmen is www.safelocaltrades.com which is aimed at people within the PE postcodes, listing services such as joinery in Cambridge. To be listed on this website tradesmen are vetted and have to maintain a set level of standard in their work.

• Do not consider hiring anyone who approaches you. This is one of the most likely areas where tradesmen disappear with money; you are left with no idea where they are from or how to get hold of them.

Assessing reliability

• A bad job can sometimes be even worse than someone disappearing with your money as you have to pay for repairs; or you may even find yourself with irreplaceable damage. You need to find a business with a fixed address, so check for an office address if you are using websites, notice boards or flyers. Ensure that this isn’t just an empty room and that it is genuine. If you are looking for a joiner perhaps visit their workplace to ask for your estimate; this way you will be able to look around at the quality of their work.

• It also goes without saying that one of the main factors to look out for is members of trade regulation companies and experience.

• Ask a number of companies for estimates but don’t let price sway you over experience, quality of work or reliability. Once you have chosen your builder or joiner don’t pay for a quotation. When asking for a quotation make sure you get it in writing, including what the price will cover. Ensure that it includes materials as well as labour, and there are no other hidden costs. Never agree to pay a full amount before any work is done, and try to avoid cash deposits too.

• A very good joiner will be able to provide a 3D computerised design of the finished project, and assure that everything is tweaked to your specification before work begins. There are companies which provide joinery in Cambridge who offer this. Enquire as to whether the work will be covered by an insured guarantee.

• Once you have selected a builder or joiner ask to pay by credit card. Most credit card companies automatically cover against fraud.