Make sure you book with a real person rather than online
Do not pay any one hour charge upfront fee when booking
Check the company rates before commencing any work
Make sure suppliers have an authentic address and land telephone number
Ask for a DBS certificate in the name of the tradesperson
Make sure you are provided with the name, photo and vehicle registration of the engineer who is arriving. Make sure the tradesman has uniform, company id and preferably a liveried van.
Make sure the tradespeople are qualified and experienced.
Check what guarantees apply
Obtain written quotes/estimates for larger work
Make sure that the company you book with have not outsourced the job to illegal, unqualified foreign labour
Do not pay for 2 men at the job unless specifically needed – in most cases 1 + an apprentice is more than adequate
Ensure the company and tradesman is fully insured and Gas Safety/NICEIC for gas work and NICEIC for electrical work.
Ask for a breakdown of all costs including Time Sheets
Always get an invoice. Make sure the invoice shows a full breakdown of time spent, and material cost and charges
Check material costs with suppliers
Check scaffolding and plant costs with suppliers
Do not pay any hidden extras like parking, travelling or congestion charges. Do not pay more than one hour for time taklen to collect materials.
Do not pay a cancellation fee
Do not pay more than 30% trade markup on materials
Do not pay cash
Make sure your payment is to the company and not the tradesperson
