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How to Find a Tradesman
It’s one of the questions, how to find a tradesman, which usually crop up when there’s a problem and sometimes, as when a pipe bursts, it can be an urgent problem which sends everyone into a panic.
So, and this might sound a bit too organised, try to build up a small contact list of people who you know and trust to do a good job. There’s nothing worse than scrambling through the Yellow Pages, desperately trying to find that a plumber will firstly be available and secondly, will not cost the earth.
Take the opportunity when you have the time, to build yourself a little time to find them.
And the best way to find a tradesman is by word of mouth. Personal recommendation is the best way of finding the right person for the job. Ask your neighbours, friends and family; find out who they use when it comes to a particular job. And the great thing about doing it this way, is that you’ll find out if they are good at their work, do they do the job promptly and if they are considered good value, or not. This should ensure that you’re not going to employ an out and out cowboy. And always ask for two, or three references from previous jobs; ensuring that you check them out.
If that’s not possible, then look out for tradesmen who might be working in your area. Builders especially put out signs with their names and telephones on, so when you’re walking past, have a quick nosy. There’s a lot you can glean from someone calling at another person’s house. Have a look at their van for example. Is it in good shape, with the tradesman’s name on the side? Be a little bit wary of vans that look on their last legs and are unmarked. Some tradesmen pretend that they might be jack of all trades, and in this highly regulated world, few tradesmen can swop across all trades.
For example, only qualified gas engineers can service a gas device. So no matter how cheap someone might offer to do your work on a gas boiler, or fire, don’t bother; it’s illegal and the implications might not just end you up in court, but it might also kill you. Every year in the U.K. there are some 32 deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning. Don’t be one of the statistics.
And whereas it used to be that only CORGI gas registered engineers could legally work on a gas appliance, it’s now engineers which are on the Gas Safe Register, run by The Health and Safety Executive. This took over from the CORGI gas registration process on 1 April, 2009, and was brought to improve service levels and benefits. Details can be found at the website www.gassaferegister.co.uk, or by telephoning 0800 408 5500.
Same as with electricity. Unless you want a job that comes under the building regulations (i.e. is checked out by an inspector), for most jobs involving electricity these days, you have to use an electrician who is registered under the Competent Person’s Scheme.
It’s different when using a plumber, but although these rules might be seen by some as an expensive nuisance, using a registered tradesman is usually a good idea. Firstly, check that they are actually registered (and not just that they say they are) and ask about their insurance. Secondly, they really should have third party and job cover, which means if they injure anyone whilst working on your property, or cause major damage, then they will be covered and will be able to in turn cover you against responsibility, or damage to your property. Bear in mind that you should be covered as well (third party liability), as if a tradesmen should injure themselves whilst working at your home, then they could sue you.
So, remember. The best way, when thinking how to find a tradesman, is: by word of mouth; always check references; make sure they are covered by insurance (and that you are as well); and, if it’s a job that’s covered by a legal competency clause (gas fires, electricity), then ask for their licenses. Always err on the side of caution.
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