In the world we live in it can be hard to know who you can trust. So, if you need to find a tradesperson to work on your home, how can you ensure you are getting an honest, trustworthy worker? Here are a few tips that can help:
Before hiring someone for a job, ask them questions about their previous work experience. If they do not hesitate to answer your questions, this is a good sign. An even better sign is if they are willing to give you specific details and references regarding jobs they have done in the area. You should also make sure they have the right kind of insurance coverage for the job you need doing.
Sometimes a company will quote different prices for the same job, depending on the area you live in. If you are getting quotes over the phone or by email, try to avoid giving your address before receiving the quote. This way, you will know that the price has not been raised, just because you live in a more affluent neighborhood.
When you eventually hire someone to do the job, avoid paying the whole amount upfront. It is reasonable to ask for a small deposit, but paying for a job before it is done may result in unwanted problems. As a customer, it is also best for you to have a fixed price arranged before work begins and have this detailed in a written contract. Otherwise, you may end up with a higher bill at the end than you were expecting due to “unforeseen added extras’’.
