Boilers, driveways, windows, electricial, plumbers, decorators. Using a Tradesman? Make sure you get the right service rather than being taken for a ride
Whether you need your boiler fixed, a driveway laid, rubble cleared away or your house painted, it can be a challenge to find a tradesperson at all. But you need to make sure too that you get the job done right for the right price and without any issues.
So how can you get the job done properly?
Voluntary Action North East Lincolnshire (VANEL) is working with North East Lincolnshire Council and Trading Standards; Humberside Police; and our Neighbourhood Watch Network to try and help people deal with trades in a safe manner to ensure we reduce the risk of rogue traders and doorstep con-men taking advantage of people. In North Cleethorpes too we’re working with Big Local North Cleethorpes to support residents in the area covered by that project.
Citizens Advice have a six step plans for dealing with tradepeople:
step 1 – check if you need permission or approval for the work you need done
step 2 – find a good tradesperson
step 3 – get quotes before you decide who to use
step 4 – check that there is insurance in place
step 5 – get a written contract
step 6 – be prepared to deal with problems
You can read all of their advice on their website here https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/getting-home-improvements-done/before-you-get-building-work-done/
Finding a tradesperson who is reputable is also important. Citizens Advice again have an advice page here https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/find-a-trader-and-check-you-can-trust-them/
In North East Lincolnshire there is a Buy with Confidence scheme operating too. So you can use that to look for a trade which has already been vetted. Visit the website here https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/trading-standards/buy-with-confidence/
Humberside Police have some advice for avoiding rogue traders too. Read their page here https://www.humberside.police.uk/distraction-burglary-and-rogue-traders