How To Find A Reliable Tradesman
It can be difficult to know which tradesmen to trust. Horror stories about rogue builders and joiners are rife, and asking friends and family for recommendations can be confusing. Some may recommend a certain man or company for the job, whereas others might suggest that their services were overpriced or of a poor quality. The best way to find a hardworking and reasonably priced joiner or builder is to combine your common sense with these tips.
Establish your options
– Try to get recommendations, even if people do offer conflicting views. It is a good starting point to which builders and joiners are in your area, and you can work out their affordability and reliability from there.
– Have a look online too. For example, search for “joinery in Cambridge” on Google and you will see a wide range of choices to consider. A tradesman’s website is likely to give hints as to how reliable they are. Look for photographs of work they have completed and testimonials, although remain open minded about the latter. Check that they carry out the kind of work which you require, and that it appears to be carried out to a high standard. A good website to find tradesmen is www.safelocaltrades.com which is aimed at people within the PE postcodes, listing services such as joinery in Cambridge. To be listed on this website tradesmen are vetted and have to maintain a set level of standard in their work.
– Do not consider hiring anyone who approaches you. Good builders and joiners should be too busy working to knock on doors for business. This is one of the most likely areas where tradesmen disappear with money; you are left with no idea where they are from or how to get hold of them.
Assessing reliability
– It can be even worse than someone disappearing with your money; if you are not careful you could be left with damaged property which will cost more money to put right. You need to find a business with a fixed address, so check for an office address if you are using websites, notice boards or flyers. Ensure that this isn’t just an empty room and that it is genuine. If you are looking for a joiner perhaps visit their workplace to ask for your estimate; this way you will be able to look around at the quality of their work.
– Joinery and building companies with experience should be trusted more, and also look for members of trade regulation companies.
– Ask a number of companies for estimates but don’t let price sway you over experience, quality of work or reliability. When asking for a quotation make sure you get it in writing, including what the price will cover. Never agree to pay a full amount before any work is done, and try to avoid cash deposits too.
– Some joiners can produce a 3D computer aided design of what the completed work will look like. There are companies which provide joinery in Cambridge who offer this. Enquire as to whether the work will be covered by an insured guarantee.
– Once you have selected a builder or joiner ask to pay by credit card. Most credit card companies automatically cover against fraud.
Martin Thompson Joinery are one of the most reliable joinery companies in the UK, and are full members of the Safe Local Trades website. They create bespoke fitted kitchens, bedrooms and other joinery for Huntington, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
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