Whether you are looking for a builder, a plumber, an electrician or any trade-based professional, deciding who to work with can be overwhelming. Not knowing who to trust is often the cause of the overwhelm. Usually, we entrust some of our most valuable assets with these professionals. It can be a costly mistake to choose the wrong person.
Unfortunately, there are loads of tradie cowboys out there. These cowboys are busy earning a bad reputation for themselves and all the honourable trade professionals out there!
If you follow these five simple steps, you will sidestep the cowboys and enjoy a successful working relationship with every tradie you choose.
Do Your Research:
Research can save time and stress and go a long way to eliminating the risk and costly mistakes mentioned above.
Any tradesperson worth employing will hold accreditation from the relevant organisations that sanction their particular industry. Check for these accreditations and qualifications and accept them as a sign that you’re on the right track.
Check out their online presence (if any) to see if they present with a professional front. Websites and social media can be good indicators of professionalism.
Ask for examples of their work; this will help you ascertain if they can carry out your project.
Access Testimonials or Reviews:
One of the best ways to find a trusted trade professional is to ask for testimonials or reviews from previous clients. Any professional worth their salt will have a business profile on Google; this profile allows clients to leave reviews of their experience online. If they are really on the ball, they will have a website and a page dedicated to client reviews or case studies. If not, ask if you can call a few of their previous clients. Anyone who stands by their work will be happy to abide.
After reading a good sample of reviews, you will have a sense of the quality of their work and the experience you can expect should you choose to work with them. Remember, trade professionals, rely on their reputation to generate more work. Make sure yours has a great one!
Tip: Ask friends and family for recommendations. You know that you can trust them to provide an honest opinion.
Get a Written Quote:
Quotes apply to large-scale or more detailed jobs only. In this instance, your trade professional will assess the project, discuss it with you, and then provide a quote for your review. It is up to you to approve and accept the quote before work commences. Always ask for a written or documented quote and examine the details. It should provide a breakdown of the final price, itemising materials, volumes and labour to help you understand where the cost lies.
A quote can tell you a lot about a business. A should be well-presented and include licence numbers and accreditations. If so, this proves that you’re dealing with a professional operation. Something scribbled out on a plain piece of paper is a red flag!
Essentially, a quote is a contract between you and your tradesperson. Changes to the work or project can occur if both parties agree and the original document is adjusted.
Shop Around:
The only way to tell if you are getting a fair price is to get two to three companies to quote your job. You can then compare their approach, their pricing and the materials they intend to use.
Just remember, the cheapest quote is not always the best!
Agree on the Finer Details:
Be clear on what you want and communicate with your tradies effectively. Don’t drag the chain when making decisions or change your mind on a whim.
Pay invoices on time, and provide them with all the information they need to do the job well and on time.
There needs to be a commitment from both sides for the relationship to run smoothly. Your respect will go a long way to ensuring you have a great experience.
Remember, spread the word and provide a glowing review if you have a great experience. Not only does this endorse your tradie as a trusted professional, but it could save someone the heartache of making a wrong choice!