Tips
Avoiding Rogue Traders...
DOOR TO DOOR TRADESMAN
There are a variety of things to consider when youre looking out for rogue traders and learning these should help you avoid any problems with the work youre having conducted.
Firstly, no matter how convenient it may seem for a workman to appear on your doorstep and tell you that theyre carrying our work in your area, dont be tempted into handling over cash.
Most reputable tradesmen are too busy working to go door to door touting for business. If you are really keen to try this route, then you should at the very least speak to someone in your local area who has already had work carried out by the tradesman.
FLYERS, MOBILES AND SHOP ADVERTS
When you receive flyers through the post from local tradesmen, you must always do some further research before you decide to employ them. The flyers may be from reputable tradesmen, but cant take that for granted.
Getting flyers out is an easy way for a rogue trader to get more interest in his or her services, so find out as much information as you can about them before contacting them.
ASK QUESTIONS
Always have a list of prepared questions to ask them also. If a tradesman can only provide you with a mobile number, take this as a warning sign. Most reliable tradesmen will provide you with a landline number, as well as a business address that you can contact them at.
If something goes wrong during the work being carried out, only being able to get in touch with your tradesman through a mobile number isnt your best option. Likewise if you find a local tradesman in a shop window advert. Remember that anyone can put an ad in a shop window and youre really going into the situation fairly blind.
Always research as much as possible and try to avoid these obvious rogue trader scams.
DEAL DIRECT, NOT WITH SUBCONTRACTORS
If you enter into an agreement with a tradesman you should always ensure that it will be them or their staff that are carrying out the work.
Many rogue traders will push you into an agreement at your home or over the doorstep and then simply subcontract out.
Get it in writing that the person youre signing the contract with will be the one doing the work.
MONEY HANDLING AND ROGUE TRADERS
Never hand over money to a tradesman before the work has been carried out. Many rogue traders will look for a large amount of cash up front or will ask specifically for the full amount before the work begins.
If youre having a job carried out that is likely to take some time, agree to a payment schedule that reflects the stages of progression from your tradesman.
Never feel pressured into agreeing a deal there and then that may not be available the next day. Reputable tradesmen will quote you the same amount on different days as the work hasnt changed. Rogue traders will try and convince you theyre cutting you a deal when all theyre really doing is making a ploy to get as much money from you as possible.
Keeping Track of your Tradesman...
KEEPING TRACK OF YOUR TRADESMEN
One of the most common complaints that most people have about their tradesman is that they find it difficult to keep track of him while he is carrying out work for them.
A good tradesman should always keep you informed of his progress, but if youre struggling to keep track of this there are a few tips to follow that should help.
GETTING THE BASICS FROM YOUR TRADESMAN
Before you sign any contract with a tradesman there are some very basic pieces of information you should obtain that will help you keep track of him.
Most good tradesmen will have a business card with all their details on it. If you are not offered this, ask for one. The absolute minimum you should expect from your tradesman with regards to contact details are:
COMPANY NAME
ADDRESS NOT A PO BOX IF POSSIBLE
LANDLINE TELEPHONE NUMBER
MOBILE NUMBER
ORGANISATION OR AUTHORITY NUMBER
If your tradesman can provide you with all of these, it should be easier to get hold of him when you need to. Only having one form of contact can be difficult, especially if its only a mobile number.
START AS YOU MEAN TO GO ON WITH YOUR TRADESMAN
One of the best pieces of advice when it comes to keeping track of your tradesman is that you should set up regular meetings from the beginning.
If your tradesman realises that you want to be kept informed about the progress hes making on a regular basis, he will be more likely to keep to a schedule. This is especially effective if youre having a large project carried out.
Ask for progress updates on a daily or weekly basis as is appropriate to your project. Set aside a time each week, making it the same time if possible, and always be there to see how things are progressing.
Outline that you want a written undertaking of progress if youre particularly concerned about the speed at which your tradesman is working. If you can provide your tradesman with a schedule sheet to fill in to give you an indication of what stage your project is at.
Continue these meeting for the entirety of your work as it will show your tradesman that youre on top of the project and are aware when hes not living up to expectations.
Its always worthwhile giving your tradesman a little breathing space for unexpected delays, but generally he should be relatively close to this original timeframe.
KEEP A HARD COPY OF DATES AND PROGRESS
Always keep your own hard copy of all progress stages and the dates when youre dealing with a tradesman for a long time.
You need to always to able to refer back to your hard copy should you need it in future and having it organised at the beginning can be easier. You can use a simple excel worksheet to even just write it down in word or in a notepad. However you choose to keep track, get dates, progress, any issues and outline what your tradesman has told you.
This will help you stay focused on the end of your project as well as letting your tradesman know that you are serious about getting the work down in a timely manner.
Randle Building Solutions Ltd
T:01952 550079
M:07779 605900 Mitch Randle
info_randlebuilding.com
Deepdale Farm
Chester Road
Chetwynd
Newport
Shropshire
TF10 8BH
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