(Newswire.net — June 26, 2017) — If you need help fixing a leaky tap, rewiring an electrical socket, or larger home improvements, it’s hard to know where to begin when it comes to finding the right person for the job. Television programmes and the news are full of homeowners who have been taken advantage of by cowboy builders and traders. Traditionally, homeowners could consult a local newspaper or phone directory, but both are on the decline, meaning if you’re on the hunt for a perfect tradesman, you have to look elsewhere.
If you’re struggling to find a good trader for your home repair or renovation, sometimes it can be as simple as asking friends and family members for a recommendation. Word of mouth is the most trusted form of advertising for a reason – we generally respect and understand the opinions of our family and loved ones. If you need a tradesman for a particular job, then it pays to ask friends and relatives for recommendations, particularly if they live in your area and can recommend someone local to you. They might know someone who has a reputation of providing good work at a competitive price.
However, if you’re new to an area or if your friends and family aren’t able to recommend someone, you can feel left in the dark. Instead, you can look online for a tradesman that will suit your needs. If you live in the UK, then you can find a tradesmen online, on the UK website Plentific, which has a database of certified professionals, including plumbers, electricians, builders, gas fitters and gardeners. In some areas, you can even book your service online, with either a flat fee or a specialized quote. Plentific ensures that all tradesmen who use their service are fully certified, and they also have a guarantee which promises a full refund if there are ever any disputes. It’s important to find a website that has a strong disputes policy in case the relationship breaks down and you have to request a refund.
If you are using a tradesman for the first time, then it pays to use a website like Plentific, which guarantees the certifications of all its member workers. However, if you don’t have this option in your area, then it’s possible to perform some online research. Use a direct website, or even Google, to search for tradesmen in your area, and then look up these people yourself. Check if they have positive or negative reviews on the many websites that rate tradesmen and service providers active on the internet, and if you find positive reviews online, try and get in touch with the reviewer to see if they can provide a photo so you can see a potential tradesman’s work for yourself. You can also check the certifications of potential tradesmen online to make sure they have correct licences and that they are up to date. A simple Google search will also show if they’ve ever been in trouble for bad business practices on consumer watchdog websites or on news sites.