Checking tradesmen out

shadowcreaper

shadowcreaper

shadowcreaper

Associate
Joined
29 Jul 2008
Posts
692
I going to have some work done on house with damp course ect, and looking to make sure all partys are legit and trusted.

I have been to the FMB site and the trust mark site and they appear on both sites which i guess means it legit.

But i also want to do some checks on if they are legit and can be trusted.

Any suggestions to see how i can check if the partys involved are legit and trusted?

Also how can i check somone has the qualifications they say they have on their card?

cheers tried google but isnt that helpfull just says the useall stuff like, if they look not right dont go though ect....not much help:rolleyes:
 
When I saw a poster called shadowcreaper and thread title "checking tradesmen out" the mind boggled. Thought you had a thing for builder's bums.

I would ask for references and actually check them out.
 
Well if they say that they can start straight away then don't take them on since all good tradespeople will always be busy and if you do ask for references don't just take their word if they take you to a house and they say that they did work there (it's a common trick used by cowboy builders) you should always talk to the people directly (never over the phone).

As for looking for trusted tradesmen I'd suggest you go to sites such as myhammer (sponsors of the cowboy builders program on five) as they will help you find reputable people to do the work for you.
 
Skidder said:
When I saw a poster called shadowcreaper and thread title "checking tradesmen out" the mind boggled. Thought you had a thing for builder's bums.

I would ask for references and actually check them out.
Click to expand...

Hahaha my exact thought, its why I hit the thread button. Thought it was a bit creepy!
 
you should be able to suss them out while talking to them.watch them closely when they first start and don't be afraid to throw them off the job if you don't like what they are doing
 
shadowcreaper said:
Any suggestions to see how i can check if the partys involved are legit and trusted?
Click to expand...

Decent builders/contractors usually have good relationships with previous clients and will allow potential clients to view the work done. If you haven't been personally recommended the builders by friends then I'd definitely request for this to happen. If they can't do that then walk away, there's plenty of good builders that can.
 
It's easy to get FMB don't just trust, it's quite quiet out there don't be put off if they can start straight away. Ask fro references and take them up, call the last clients and maybe drive by or ask to see, if the clients are happy with the work they should be happy for you to look.

If your having damp course done I assume your wanting a guarantee, ask to see the paperwork, ask if it's insurance backed or manufacturer, if it's manufacturer, phone the manufacturer and ask if they are nominated installers.

Don't pay any money till the work is done and if you feel the need get a building surveyor to check the finished work before you pay them, if they are leggit they shouldn't have aproblem with this, the building surveyor should only cost you a couple of hundred or less, you can find one on the RICS website under 'find a surveyor'
 
It's only damp course it shouldn't take more than a week, I'm sure they'll wait

Unless you have more work involved, then you might want the surveyor to do valuations and sign off work as complete

Never give them money to buy materials etc, if they haven't got credit accounts with builders merchants they aren't worth dealing with, infact ask them what builders merchants they use and ask the merchant if they are OK
 
with all damp course you got to pay most of the money front up when work starts.

bassically wondered what things i could do, as i remember somone saying you can check if they have started other companys before via some site but cant remember, this i guess would help a lot if anyone knows as i know most con men have had previous companys go under then restart under differant name.

sorry about titel lol it the best i can think of.:rolleyes:dirty minds.
 
shadowcreaper said:
with all damp course you got to pay most of the money front up when work starts.
Click to expand...

No you don't, I've never paid a builder a bean upfront and that includes a damp prof course and some fairly marjor structural work. the only thing you should ever pay for upfront is materials and you should see the materials and an invoice on site before parting with the cash.

The best way to find a good builder etc is too ask around and get recomendations, ask at work the chances are someone will know someone.

Also got to say I agree entirely with the guy who said never trust anyone who says they can start imediately and also never take on a builder who can't turn a quote around quickly and efficiently.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom