Handy hints

Do's and don'ts

DO

• Ask friends, relations, or neighbours if they can recommend a tradesperson who has carried out work for them.
  
  
• Get the relevant trade associations and organisations to give you a list of their members within your area.
  
  
• Ask your chosen firms to give you a written quotation (that is a firm price rather than an estimate). 
  
  
• Make sure the quotation includes VAT. Also check if there is a call-out charge and how much you would have to pay.
  
  
• Get a firm date for starting and finishing the job.
  
  
• Get details of the work / the contract in writing. Here is a sample contract for you to download, print out and use. 
  
  
• It may be useful for you to have a relative, friend or neighbour there if you want someone you know there to support you when the trader returns. 
  
  
• Remember to ask the tradesperson for their name, address and telephone number. If you're satisfied with their work, write their number down so you can hire them again. Here is a telephone contact number sheet for you to download.
  

DON’T

• Don’t be pressurised into having work done on the spot by someone who knocks on your door – if you need time to think about it, ask them to call back later. 
  
  
• Don’t pay money in advance if possible.  Even if you have decided to pay in stages – pay only for work that has been done.  Don’t make the final payment until you are completely satisfied with the job.