1. Ask around
Despite the wealth of information and advice available from the Internet, the TV and even the radio, sometimes your best bet when it comes to finding good tradesmen is to take the simple route and ask someone you trust. Ask your friends and family who they've used in the past for this particular task, and who they would recommend.
2. Get more than one estimate
We would recommend that you obtain at least three quotes before making any decision, even if you only use them for comparison.
3. Check their credentials
If the tradesman claims to belong to a trade association then it is always a good idea to phone them up to make sure their membership is up to date. Good tradesmen won't mind you asking for proof of their credentials, so don't be afraid to ask.
4. Get it in writing
ALWAYS obtain a clear, detailed and written quotation stating the scope of the services and, of course, the cost! Your agreement should also contain a completion date, plus the tradesman's name, address and telephone contact numbers.
5. Pay in stages
If the job is a particularly big one, it's normal to pay in stages, so don't be afraid to ask if this option is available. Paying in instalments will help you retain control over the project, and give you more confidence in your tradesman's promises.
6. Avoid paying too much up front
If you pay up front, you have no leverage if you're unhappy with the finished work. Be wary of tradesmen who expect a large sum of money in advance.
7. Be aware of regulations
ALWAYS make sure that the work complies with regulatory controls. Extensions and structural works or alterations can fall within this category as can gas and window installations.
8. Check the insurance
ALWAYS check that the tradesman has insurance backed warranty for the work covering damage to both your own and neighbours property.
What if things go wrong?
Just like the rest of us, tradesmen are only human, and even with the best preparation in the world, things can go wrong. If they do, try to maintain communication with your tradesmen and to resolve any problems amicably. Remember to put your complaint in writing, and keep copies of all correspondence. If you feel the damage is serious, take some photographs as evidence of what happened.
If no resolution is possible then we would suggest that seek professional advice from either a solicitor or Trading Standards.