Hiring a tradesperson

Get some advice on how to choose the best tradesperson for your home improvement project here

ServiceMagic can put you in touch with local tradespeople, but we also recommend you follow these steps when hiring a professional:

• Look at their ratings - check the ServiceMagic online ratings and reviews in our directory to help you choose which tradesperson to hire

• Check for insurance - make sure your contractor has valid Public Liability insurance so you’re covered if anything goes wrong

• Interview tradespeople - before you hire, ask each candidate if they can provide recent references and proof of any professional qualifications and trade association memberships

• Compare at least three quotes – to get an idea of how much your project should cost – be suspicious of very cheap prices. In order to provide an accurate quote, tradespeople will probably need to view your property and speak to you in person

• Sign a contract - once you’ve chosen a tradesperson, draw up a written contract for them to agree and sign. This should lay out exactly what work needs be carried out, how much it will cost, how and when it’ll be paid for and how long the work will take to complete

• Read carefully - check the terms and conditions of any contracts you sign, these should be designed to protect both you and the tradesperson and should be easy to understand

• Don’t pay the entire cost of the work up-front - agree a payment schedule and use a scheme to protect your money. Bondpay, for instance, hold your money in a third party account and only release payment once the work is completed to your satisfaction

Cancelling a contract

By law you have a seven day cooling off period for purchases made over the phone, online or on the doorstep. However, if a service starts immediately this doesn’t apply unless the tradesperson failed to give you some information that is required by law. If you do need to cancel a contract with your tradesperson, check the terms and conditions first; you may need to give a certain amount of notice or pay a cancellation fee.

Useful links

• ServiceMagic tradesman directory
• Does your tradesman have the correct insurance?
• How to hire a contractor
• How to avoid rogue traders and scams
• Why hire a rated tradesperson?
• Home improvement tips and advice
• Home improvement resources