SIGNpost : A Guide to Tradesmen

This item is an extract of a SIGNpost article that originally appeared in the Associate Magazine, but is updated with current data, links, addresses and other contact details.

Trying to find an appropriate tradesman that you can rely on is often difficult. We have put together this brief guide to try and help you be more aware of some of the issues.

The Knock on the Door

If you are not reacting to an emergency repair need in your home you should take your time and plan the work that needs doing. Do not respond to 'professionals' who knock on your door or send you a note suggesting that you need work carrying out. Key things to be wary of about such approaches to obtain work this way are:

• A phone call or a knock on the door from someone doing work in your area - it is only advisable to consider such an approach if you can talk to, and see the work done for a satisfied customer in your area. Also, beware that these tradesmen can exert a great deal of pressure and can often sound very convincing - avoid agreeing to anything immediately and always check out what they are suggesting with other tradesmen.
• Flyers through the door - these may be from reputable tradesmen, but check out the details first. For example, if you can only contact them by telephone, especially if only a mobile, beware - not necessarily that they may be rogue but consider how difficult it may be for you to contact them if things go wrong. And, of course, the same thing applies to those who knock on the door.

Often it is some form of urgent situation for which you need a professional. Try and build up a list of contacts that you can keep handy for when the need arises, so avoiding the need to just stick a pin in the Yellow Pages. A little bit of research now could save time and money later.

Finding Someone Reliable

• The most important aspect is to do your homework, take your time (if you can), and never just give the work to the first person that comes along.
• Recommendations from neighbours, friends or relations are always very useful.
• Look for long established locally based outfits wherever possible.
• Look at trade association lists of members or tradesmen schemes in your area - try local branches of organisations such as Age Concern, or Help The Aged who may have lists available. You could also try your local Council - a few may be able to provide you with lists of approved contractors or contact details of local consumer groups who may also have lists.
• You may be able to get advice from your household insurer.
• Some larger companies rely on sub-contractors to carry out their work. Always ask who will be carrying out the work if they are not employees, what is their experience, how much has the company used them in the past, and always obtain a telephone number in case of problems.
• Whatever the source ALWAYS check them out by asking to see examples of work and by talking to some of their satisfied customers. If they are not prepared to give you a contact then do not proceed.

Doing the deal

• Prepare a 'specification' - this just needs to be a list in writing (keeping a copy yourself with a date on it) of your requirements and expectations. Also, if it is a large job, state on the list how you would like the price broken down - this will make it easy for you to make comparisons with other companies.
• Always obtain at least three estimates. If they are reluctant to supply written estimates do not proceed. Make sure you understand the detail of the estimate - if not, ask.
• Obtain a timescale, again in writing for large jobs (i.e. anything over a day), for the work.
• If it is a large job with significant amounts of materials check the prices - variances may demonstrate where there is overcharging or skimping on quality.
• Where there are measurements - double check, it's always difficult to argue the point afterwards when you can't fit your car in the garage!
• If they belong to a trade association check with the association that they really are members. Also, not all Associations expect or enforce high standards so check what the Association expects of members and also what they can do to help you if things go wrong.
• You should look for value for money - the cheapest is almost always not the best - and always try and negotiate on price with your chosen organisation. You could try for a fixed price where appropriate (remember a fixed price gives you added security but the company is going to build a contingency into the cost of the job).
• Agree payment terms before they start - do not ever pay the entire amount up front - though you may have to make stage payments on big jobs. Keep at least 10% back until you are completely satisfied with the work including clearing up all the little snags you find after the work is complete. If it is a large job consider early completion bonuses or penalties for delays.
• When you have selected your contractor confirm the estimate in writing listing all the critical details such as dates, payment terms, quality specifications etc.
• Take an interest in the work as it proceeds - don't forget a little praise goes a long way. Keep a good supply of tea to hand!

Tradesmen Association Contacts

Listed below are trade associations you are most likely to need to contact. A more detailed list of a dozen or so trade associations is available from SIGNpost.

Most of these associations provide lists of members and also guides to finding appropriate individuals/organisations. A large number of associations have regional branches that deal with enquiries locally; we have just listed the main contact telephone number and address. For those of you with access to the Internet the associations listed all have websites.

Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors

The APHC is a trade organisation that promotes professional and reputable heating and plumbing contractors. The APHC encourages good working practises, professionalism and fair play for the consumer. Their members should be fully trained, competent, plumbers and heating engineers who are required to abide by a strict Customer Charter, thereby 'ensuring quality installations and maintenance'.
Contact:
APHC, Ensign House, Ensign Business Centre, Westwood Way, Coventry CV4 8JA
Tel: 020 7647 0626 www.aphc.co.uk

Institute of Plumbing

Founded in 1906, the Institute of Plumbing is the UKs professional body for plumbers and others in the plumbing industry. It has a membership of 11,000, some 3500 of whom are listed in the Member Directory on their website, where a local Registered Plumber can be found by simply entering a postcode.
Contact:
The Institute of Plumbing, 64 Station Lane, Hornchurch, Essex RM12 6NB
Tel: 01708 472791 www.plumbers.org.uk

The Electrical Contractors' Association

The ECA was founded in 1901. Its member firms range from local employers with only a few employees to national multi-service companies with many branches employing thousands of personnel - many operating worldwide. The ECA website contains members lists and guides to choosing an electrical contractor.
Contact:
ECA, ESCA House, 34 Palace Court, London, W2 4HY
Tel: 020 7313 4800 www.eca.co.uk

National Federation of Roofing Contractors

The NFRC is the UK's leading trade association for the roofing industry. Its Mission Statement is "to promote trade members to gain more work and through this achievement to help associate members to sell more products and collectively to achieve quality installations."
Contact:
NFRC, 24 Weymouth Street, London W1G 4LX
Tel: 020 7436 0387 www.nfrc.co.uk

Call Foundations on 01457 891909 or take the EAC link from www.cel.co.uk/foundations/index.html for more information or details of any HIAs in your area.