Advice & FAQ
While we at 'Elite Tradesmen' do our very best to find the best trades people and pass them onto you, there are guidelines that you should always follow before hiring any tradesmen, whether its a builder, carpenter or a bricklayer.
You should always follow these guidelines to ensure your own piece of mind that the person you are hiring is the right person for you and for the job you have asked them to do. Through our set up we will hopefully help you avoid the most common problems related to hiring tradesmen.
Communicate
Talk to your tradesman throughout the project. There is no substitute for frequent, genuine communication. If they know what you want and you know what they're planning to do, it's much easier to nip any problems in the bud. A professional relationship with constructive communication is a great place to start!
Previous Customers
Find out what previous customers thought? Ask the tradesman for references or names of previous customers and if possible, try to see an example of previous work carried out.
Shop around don't pick the first Tradesman that you see, it is important that you get a selection of estimates so that you can compare what is being offered to you. You should pick the best available person / company for the job. The cheapest tradesmen isn't always the best choice, as the old saying goes "you get what you pay for."
By using 'Elite Tradesmen' you have the advantage of receiving several quotes and being able to view an online portfolio for each tradesman.
Headed Paper
When getting estimates, make sure it is written on headed paper and make sure that there is a full address with a telephone number.
Don't forget to check whether or not the price includes VAT and if it does make sure they display their vat number clearly on their stationery.
Quotation
Make sure you know exactly what you want and try not to be persuaded to have something that you don't need - Get a detailed quotation and be sure of the following:
Agree all stages including any preparatory work, when the work will begin, how long it should take and how the site should be left, i.e. clean and tidy with all rubbish removed etc.
Make sure you agree on any specific products or materials to be used to avoid being over charged for more expensive materials.
Agree final cost before any work starts. You should never make full payment in advance of work being carried out. Make sure you get receipts for any payments you make.
Estimates are not binding but quotations are (which means the price you are quoted for a particular job will not change if you accept the job, whereas an estimate is only a rough guide). Also check if the quotation is valid for a specific period of time.
Make sure you read everything and do not sign anything you have not read and understood.
In the week prior to work commencing 'Elite Trdesmen' will ensure a detailed quote provided by the tradesman is signed by both the customer and the tradesman. In addition to this 'Elite Tradesmen' will also provide a basic contract detailing work to be carried out, dates of work, payment details etc for both parties to sign. Establishing exact details between both parties at the begining of a project ensures everyone knows exactly what is expected from them and will lead to a smooth, hastle free completion of your work.
Trade Associations
If the tradesman is a member of a trade association and displays a membership number such as a CORGI number, visit the website of the appropriate trade association and, very often, you can verify their number.
If the tradesman is with a trade association it can often give extra security should a dispute arise.
If you need gas installation / maintenance work or have central heating problems make sure that the tradesman is CORGI registered which means they will have the appropriate training, knowledge and experience when dealing with gas.
It is not only illegal for people to work with gas unless they are CORGI registered, it is also very dangerous. If you do use a CORGI registered installer and their work is incorrect, CORGI can insist that they correct that work free of charge. You would first need to make a complaint about your installer to CORGI. Make sure that either the tradesman or your own insurance covers death and personal injury.Ask each tradesman who gives you a quote about guarantees, particularly any which are insurance-backed.
During registration of tradesmen we always check they have the relevent certificates concerning insurance and trade registration documents. This way you can be sure your tradesman is fully covered. We do recommend that you still check with any tradesman working on your property that they have all the relevent documentation and that it is all up to date.
If Things Go Wrong
First speak to your tradesman if you think things are incorrect. Try to sort problems out as soon as they arise, do not let them be brushed in to a corner and forgotten. If your tradesman does not resolve matters after you have spoken to them, put your complaint in writing. Always check work thouroughly before making a final payment. Don't be worried about offending someone, if there is anything you are concerned about then tell the tradesman concerned.They have been hired to complete the job to your satisfaction, until they have done so do not feel obliged to make that final payment.
If you are still experiencing problems, seek further advice from professionals such as a solicitor, Citizens Advice Bureau, Trading Standards, Trade Associations.
If you are unhappy with anything please let us know. We rely on feedback from all our customers in order for us to carry on providing a service people can count on.
FAQ
Q How do you select and ensure that all trade's people new affiliate with are trustworthy?
We do our utmost to ensure that all trades people we affiliate with are trustworthy. We have met with all our affiliated trades people, we have compiled refences and pictures from previous customers ourselves.
Q Which trades do you have on your books?
We have all types of trades on our books including, builders, roofers, plasterers, carpenters, bricklayers, Corgi plumbers, plumbers, kitchen fitters, garage door services and carpet fitters to name a few. All our tradespeople are from Southport and the surrounding areas, if we haven't mentioned something you require just contact us as we should be able to help.
Q How do we ensure all trade's people carry out good work?
We only affiliate with trades people who are proud of the work that they carry out, are reliable and reputable. As well as checking references of previous customers we also look at any portfolios that are available. We have a reputation to keep and so do our traders, so the happier they keep out customers the more work they receive. While we cannot guarantee any work, we rely on our customers to provide feedback to ensure quality and standards are maintained.
Q What happens if I am not happy with the work, do I come to you?
If you are not happy with any work that has been carried out this should be taken up with the trades person. After each job is completed by one of our affiliated tradesmen we request feedback is given to us by our customers. If negative feedback is received by one or more of our affiliated tradesmen their affiliation with us will be reviewed / revoked.
Q How do you monitor the quality of work carried out?
We ask that all our customers send us feedback after any jobs that are carried out. We will meet up with all our trades on a regular basis to discuss all feedback and all the work that they have carried out.
Q Are all trade's people insured?
Yes! We ask all of our affiliated trades people for copies of all relevant insurance certificates.
Q What happens to my details once taken?
Once we have your details we will ensure that these are kept on file and not disclosed to any third party unless authorised by yourself (i.e. to a trades person).