Are you planning to hire a business to work in or around your home?

Whether the work is big or small, there are recommended steps to take. For your own protection, following this advice can save you time, money, and a lot of pressure.

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When using a business, you must:

Be specific and specify clear, detailed plans of the work involved, getting quotes from at least 3 businesses.

Ask friends and family for recommendations and check the TrustMark Online Directory to make sure the business is registered for the specific service you need.

Look for references, read reviews, talk to previous customers and if possible, visit previous jobs.

Don’t just choose the cheapest. Consider how you will communicate with business representatives, as well as the quality of their work.

Be sure to just pay for work that has been done. However, if the material needs to be purchased by the business ahead of work starting, it makes sense that the customer is invoiced for a certain percentage of these costs while work is underway.

Always use a written contract because it offers protection if there are errors and disputes arise.

Agree in writing any changes to the contract value agreed before the work is completed.

It is better to hire individual builders or pay a little more for certain traders, for example plumbers, electricians or carpenters, than “no job is too small” – jack-of-all-trade. For trusted expertise in a Drain Lining Company, visit https://www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/sewer-repairs-drain-lining-concrete-cutting/

Never employ traders or builders without checking their reputation.

Never hire anyone who calls cold at your door. Reliable and good traders are always busy and don’t have to knock on doors to get a job. Be careful using anyone who has placed flyers in your mailbox or advertised in small advertisements in local newspapers too.

Always get references from new customers. Try talking to people who have done work similar to what you planned.

Explain fully the work you want to do and whatever specifications you need. It is sensible to have a written plan to ensure all contractors value the same information. Save written notes of conversations as well.

Get a definite start date and an estimated end date that is informed. If a project finishes late, it can delay the start of any following work that you have planned. Good traders are usually busy and ordered a few weeks in advance, so be prepared to wait for the best.

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Check whether the builder is fully insured against third party responsibilities. Ask to see a copy of the certificate of public liability insurance and the policy schedule.

Is their work protected by a warranty or an independent guarantee?

Does the builder or individual have a website? Do some online company research. Visit their website and forum.

Do they provide realistic time for how long the work will last?

Always visit their trade place or address and check that it looks professional. Avoid contractors whose only contact point is a mobile number as what’s to stop them disappearing and leaving work half done?