Whether you are looking for a builder, a mechanic, 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.
Choosing the wrong person can become a costly mistake. Unfortunately, there are loads of tradie cowboys out there. They are busy earning a bad reputation not only for themselves but for all the honourable trade professionals out there!
Follow these six simple steps, sidestep the cowboys, and enjoy a successful working relationship with every tradie you choose to work with.
Do Your Research:
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 – check out their website and social media. Ask for examples of the jobs they have worked on; 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. These days, any professional worth their salt will have a Google My Business profile, allowing clients to leave reviews 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 few 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. Trade professionals rely on their reputation to generate more work. Make sure yours has a great one!
Top tip: Ask friends and family for recommendations – you know that you can trust them to provide you with 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 details of the project, discuss this with you and then provide a quote for your review. It is up to you to approve and accept the quote before work commences. A professional quote should give a breakdown of the final price, itemising materials and labour.
A quote can tell you a lot about a business. Well-presented quotes will include licence numbers and accreditations; this is proof 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 know if you are getting a fair price is to get two to three companies to quote your job. You can then compare their approach, pricing, and the materials they intend to use. Just remember, the cheapest quote is not always the best!
Agree on the Finer Details:
Discuss timeframes – start and end dates. Agree on payment terms or a payment schedule. Expect to pay a deposit on larger jobs to secure the booking. It is prudent to discuss what will happen if the plan changes due to unforeseen hold-ups.
Keep Up Your End of the Deal:
Make sure that you are 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. There needs to be a commitment from both sides for the relationship to run smoothly, and your respect will go a long way to ensuring that you have a great experience.
Remember, if you find a diamond, spread the word and provide a glowing review. Not only does this endorse your tradie as a trusted professional, but you could be saving someone the heartache of making a wrong choice!
Royal Clean boast a spotless reputation. We deliver quality work time and time again – your satisfaction is guaranteed!
“Absolutely outstanding! I chose this company because of their reviews, and they did not disappoint! Billy and his team are very respectful of your property, clear on what they’re doing and very thorough with their work. I couldn’t be happier with the results!”