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Looking for someone reliable to work on your home?
Take a look at our guide before you make the call
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Finding a tradesperson you can trust to carry out work on your home is not easy. Here’s some ideas how to find a qualified tradesperson for your project.
Builder
Brian Berry of the Federation of Master Builders says “be clear in your own mind what you want” and “don’t be afraid to ask for references”. Use trade group information available via the web to locate a builder in your area
Electrician
The electrician you use should be a member of a trade organisation such as NICEIC or NAPIT. When using an electrician that is ‘Part P’ registered who is able to certify that their work complies with building regulations, you are not required to submit a building notice or pay building control application costs.
Plumber
Your plumber should be a member of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering. For boiler or work with gas, they also need to be on the Gas Safe Register and qualified to work with electricity.
Painter/decorator
Get three or four written quotes including materials and day rates for labour. To check whether any tradesperson you are contracting to carry out work is qualified, check out the websites of professional trade groups, such as Painting and Decorating Association. Members are required to have more than five years work experience and have adequate public liability insurance. They are also required to adhere to a code of practice.
Top Tips
- Check websites of professional trade groups to find member tradespersons
- Ask for references
- Obtain three or four quotes, including materials and labour
- Confirm that all work is guaranteed and ask about the tradespersons’ public liability insurance
Guild of Master Craftsmen
- Choose kitchen fitters, joiners, carpenters and more from national register, 01273 478449, www.guildmc.com
Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association
- Free advice, plus list of 300 specialists, 01623 818808, www.kbsa.org.uk
RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects)
- List of qualified architects and advice, 020 7580 5533,www.architecture.com
For more advice visit oft.gov.uk
Thinking of doing some home improvements yourself? visit our How To Guide Page for advice on how to get started.
For a quick glance at our interior design advice and tips From The Top, for designing your space click here
