Choose the right tradesperson

for you

2 whichtraders.co.uk whichtraders.co.uk 3
 Welcome
Hiring a tradesperson can that the traders included in Which? Trusted
be stressful, even if you Traders have been rigorously evaluated.
have recommendations Even with our help, however, its important
from friends and family. In that you protect yourself by taking care when
this guide, well explain how you appoint a trader. Resolving all your
Are you searching for a to go about hiring different questions before taking on someone is
reliable trader? Look no types of traders in order important. We hope you find this guide useful
to secure honest people who will do a when hiring a trader. To find a Which? Trusted
further than Which? professional job at a reasonable price. trader, visit whichtraders.co.uk.
Trusted Traders. We put Which? Trusted Traders could be your first
port of call. Its an endorsement scheme that
traders through a rigorous recognises reputable and trustworthy traders
who have successfully passed our assessment Paul Smith
assessment, meaning that process. You can enjoy peace of mind knowing General Manager, Which? Trusted Traders
consumers get the best
service and traders get the

Contents
recognition they deserve.

04 How to hire a builder 16 How to hire a handyman

06 
Get the legal work right 18 How to hire a glazier

07 
How to hire a plasterer 19 How to hire a carpet fitter

08 
How to hire a painter and 20 How to hire a locksmith
decorator
21 How to hire a gardener
10 How to hire an electrician or a landscaper

12 How to hire a plumber 22 Glossary

14 How to hire a carpenter 23 Useful contacts

Which? Ltd 2015 This guide does not constitute advice of any form and is provided for your information only. You
should take appropriate advice in relation to your circumstances. While every care has been taken in researching
Visit whichtraders.co.uk to find a local trader the information included in this guide, no responsibility can be accepted for any inaccuracy or omission, or for any
of the information being out of date. The information in this guide is subject to change without notification.

4 whichtraders.co.uk whichtraders.co.uk 3

How to hire
a builder
Building work is likely to be more expensive than other home improvements,
so do as many checks as possible and ask questions before you hire a builder
Any construction work that involves getting
planning permission or interacting with
building professionals, such as general
builders, structural engineers or district
surveyors, is best left to experienced
professionals. Which? Trusted Traders
can help you find good local builders, but
4 whichtraders.co.uk
recommendations from friends and family
are useful, too. Ask a builder the following
questions before you hire them:
Can they produce references? Ask your
builder for the phone numbers of three
satisfied customers who have recently had
work done of a similar nature. Follow this
Ask your builder for the phone numbers of
three satisfied customers who have recently had
work done of a similar nature
up by calling the referees rather than
accepting written references, which
are easily forged and establishing
through them that the builder is reliable
and capable.
Are they financially secure? Ask for the
phone numbers of three regular suppliers,
such as a brick manufacturer or a cement
supplier. Check if your builder pays on time.
Do they have the right experience?
Check whether the builder has specific
knowledge of the kind of work you require
before you hire them. Its important to see
recent examples of the builders work,
especially if you are hiring for a big project
such as an extension. The Federation of
Master Builders (FMB) can provide you with
information on specialist builders.
How long is their waiting list for new
clients? A good builder will always be busy
and may be booked up for more than a year
ahead. If so, it may be worth waiting to get
the best person for the job. Be flexible in
your work schedule, rather than choosing
someone you are unsure about because
they fit in exactly with your timetable.
Before you make your decision, obtain
detailed quotes from at least three builders
for your work and check carefully that these
are itemised. A good contract (see page 6)
will hold your builder to this original quote.
Building regulations and
planning permission
The Building Regulations detail how to carry
out building work to your home, regardless
of whether or not planning permission is
required. Depending on the nature of your
work, you will either need to submit a Full
Plans application or a Building Notice (for
smaller projects; this can be obtained from
your local council).
Whether you need planning permission
for your work will depend on its nature
and scale check with your local authority
planning department to be certain.
Spotting the cowboys
Rogue traders can be polite, charming and
professional. Watch out for the following
signs, which should set alarm bells ringing:
U
 ninvited calls offering to do work in
your home;
N
 o contract is offered, or the trader
wont sign one that you give to them;
Q
 uotes are handwritten and dont give
much detail;
Y
 our trader only provides a mobile
number as their point of contact,
and offers no other addresses or
contact numbers;
Y
 our trader never gives their company
name when answering the phone;
A
 discount is offered for cash, and
money is requested up front;
T
 hey refuse to give you references or
show you previous work theyve done.
Trust your instincts. If you have any
doubts, its best to look elsewhere.
whichtraders.co.uk 5
Get the legal
work right
A proper contract, agreed before the work starts, is the key to avoiding
and resolving disputes with builders and other tradesmen
Generally, small-scale home improvements
only need a letter of agreement to set out
a contract. It needs to be signed by both
parties. For larger works, you may require
more detail, but all contracts (including
those agreed with the other tradespeople
covered throughout this guide) should
include the following:
A description of the job to be done;
The agreed price for the work and how
this will be paid a lump sum at the end
or stage payments as work progresses;
The agreed start and finish dates;
A clause detailing whether any part of
the payment can be withheld in the event
of a dispute arising between the parties;
A requirement that the trader leaves the
site in a tidy state at the end of the work;
A requirement that the contractor returns
to put right any defects in the work, and
any damage caused to your property, at
the contractors expense;
The name of the person responsible for
obtaining any necessary official approval
for the work, if relevant.
Are they insured?
Check your trader is insured before you
hire them. Ask to see their insurance
certificates, and make sure they dont
expire during your project. Your trader
should have the following:
6 whichtraders.co.uk
Public liability insurance in case someone
gets hurt on your site;
Cover in case there is damage to your
property, so they can redo the work or pay
others to clean up their mess. For example,
decorators who may be required to cover
up any marks left by a poor plastering job;
Cover in case the builder goes bust or
has an accident, so you can pay someone
else to finish the job.
If your trader is going to employ sub-
contractors, make sure they hold proper
insurance too, so you arent held liable for
any accidents. You may also need to notify
your own buildings insurer that works are
being carried out.
Paying for the work
The size and nature of the work will determine
whether you need to pay a deposit. Never
pay more than 25% of the total cost up front,
and ensure the final instalment is only payable
once youre happy with the work.
Paying by a credit or debit card has
advantages, if the trader has the facilities
to accept this form of payment. You could
potentially claim for any breach of contract
or misrepresentation by the trader. This
means your credit card company shares
equal responsibility with the trader for the
service supplied, allowing you to put your
claim to the credit card company.
How to hire
a plasterer
The first step towards perfect plastering is avoiding the temptation
to do it yourself professional plasterers are experts who can build
and improve floors, ceilings and walls
The best plasterers will come highly
recommended by friends, family or other
customers. Have they undertaken work similar
to yours? Do they specialise in a particular
type of plastering, such as lime plastering,
rendering or coving? Do they hold an NVQ
or City & Guilds qualification? How long has
the business been trading? The Federation of
Plastering and Drywall Contractors has a code
of conduct for members.
Most plastering jobs will involve the trader
visiting your house for more than a day, so
look into their professional approach. Would
previous customers recommend them?
Getting plastering quotes
A plastering trader might give you an
estimate on the phone, but it would be
unusual for them to give you a fixed quote.
Good plasterers will want to see your
property first. This allows them to see the
condition of the area being plastered and to
tell you about your options.
As when hiring all tradespeople, aim to
get at least three quotes for any plastering
job, large or small. Check quotes are
directly comparable they should include
all aspects of the work, such as travel and
parking, removal of existing plaster, disposal
of waste and scaffolding costs for exterior
rendering jobs. They should also explain
any guarantee or warranty that applies,
including what is covered and how long the
warranty lasts.
Most plastering jobs
will involve the trader
visiting your house for
more than a day, so look
into their professional
approach
Hiring a plasterer
Before any work commences, be clear
about the work that will be carried out,
the cost of each part of the job, the likely
completion date and how payment will be
made. Ask to see the plasterers insurance
documents and check what happens if
the job is not completed to a satisfactory
standard, or takes longer than expected.
Find out more
i The Which? website
provides valuable
advice on consumer rights at
which.co.uk/consumer-rights.
whichtraders.co.uk 7
How to hire a
painter and
decorator
A little money goes a long way in painting and decorating. But how do
you find a reputable decorator to transform your home?
To find a painter and decorator, ask for
recommendations or check sites such as
Which? Trusted Traders. Look at the full
reviews as well as the ratings. Finding a
local trader who has good reviews for a
similar job (plastering, wallpapering or
external work, for example) will reassure
you that theyre right for your project.
Trade association membership doesnt
guarantee a brilliant result, but it can offer
customers some reassurance, and many
8 whichtraders.co.uk
Hitting the deadline
If you need a trader to complete a job by a
certain date, agree the deadline and
timeline and then specify time of the
essence as a condition of the contract.
That way, if the trader is unable to finish
the work on the date agreed, you will be
able to terminate the contract and instruct
another trader to finish the job, charging
the cost to the original trader you hired.
Though genuine cancellations do happen from
time to time, any trader who says they can start
work the next day should be hired with caution
may prefer to hire a professional who is
member of the Painting and Decorating
Association. Members must have been
trading for at least a year, be financially
vetted and can produce at least three
verified references.
Though genuine cancellations do
happen from time to time, any trader who
says they can start work the next day
should be hired with caution. Similarly,
painters and decorators who offer cash
deals or use other high-pressure sales
techniques are best avoided. Ask your
prospective decorator whether they
use sub-contractors, as membership of
professional organisations does not
usually extend to sub-contracting.
Ask for a visit
Good decorators will rarely give you a quote
or agree to undertake any work without first
visiting your property. Call or email three
recommended traders with a brief outline
of what youre trying to achieve and rough
measurements. They will be able to advise
you on the best options once theyve seen
the condition of your home and discussed
your budget and preferences.
Ask a decorator whether a slightly more
expensive approach, such as using high-
quality paint, might result in a better finish
or last longer. The initial outlay might be
marginally more, but it could end up being
better value for money.
Get written quotes
Always get quotes in writing. Usually these
will be accurate, but wallpaper removal can
be an exception. Most traders will give you
a quote based on an assumption that there
is just one layer of wallpaper and that the
walls underneath the paper are sound. If the
trader finds something unexpected, they
might reasonably charge more.
Dont forget to check that there are no
hidden charges, such as for parking or
working at weekends, before you agree
to any work.
Most painting and decorating jobs are
paid for when the work is completed and
youre happy with the results. For large
jobs, such as those that take more than
a fortnight, your decorator might ask for
an instalment up front. Costly or unique
materials, such as specially mixed paints,
may also be billed in advance.
Once the work is finished, carefully check
everything and address any issues before
making the final payment.
Find out more
i Which? Trusted Traders
also endorses interior
designers. An interior designer can
transform a home. The easiest way
to find the right interior designer is
to look at examples of their previous
work. Look at the drawings and
photographs they have uploaded to
their profile, in conjunction with the
business description and reviews.
Has the interior designer carried out
similar work to yours? Do they have
a signature style or can they adapt to
the preferences of different clients?
whichtraders.co.uk 9
How to hire
an electrician
Faulty electrical work is potentially
lethal, so hiring a reliable and
trustworthy electrician is essential
10 whichtraders.co.uk
Before hiring an
electrician, be sure to
check their hourly
charge-out rate
Which? Trusted Traders as a starting point.
Electricians must be Part P qualified
to carry out most electrical jobs, which
means they must have completed a
Building Regulations Part P Domestic
Installers course, after which they should
have registered with a Competent Person
Self-Certification scheme, such as the one
run by the National Inspection Council for
Electrical Installation Contracting.
To check if your electrician is registered,
visit competentperson.co.uk.
Check charges
Before hiring an electrician, check their
hourly charge-out rate, and ask them how
long the job will take so you have an idea of
the total cost. Make sure you find out if they
Do I need to hire an electrician?
Minor jobs that dont need to be carried
out by a certified electrician include:
R
 epairing or replacing fixed electrical
equipment, such as plug sockets,
switches, cables and ceiling roses;
A
 dding extra power points, light fittings
and switches to an existing circuit,
Electricians arent necessarily the most
unless they are outdoors or in rooms
expensive tradespeople, but given the
where water is present, such as the
importance of safety in their trade, you
need to be sure youre hiring someone
kitchen or bathroom.
who is reliable, experienced and properly If in doubt, however, get a professional
electrician to do the work dont take
qualified for the work you require.
chances if youre not confident about what
A recommendation from friends or family
youre doing.
is invaluable. Alternatively, use a site such as
will be adding on call-out fees, which can
bump up a reasonable hourly rate. Be wary
of tradespeople who charge more for the
first hour, too.
Dont automatically settle for the first
electrician you find. Get a range of quotes
to obtain the best overall price for the job
in practice, you may prefer to deal with
an electrician who is prepared to quote you
a fixed price for the work, rather than an
hourly rate.
Bear in mind that an electrician may need
to cut holes in your walls, depending on
what work is being done. They wont be
responsible for this damage, unless it can
be shown that they have been negligent and
fallen below the standard of a reasonable
competent electrician undertaking that
particular job.
For this reason, before the job starts, ask
how much potential harm may be caused
to your property as a result of the work.
Check whether the electrician is bringing
assistants along if the job is quite large, and
ask how much more they will add onto your
bill to cover this cost. Remember also that
the electrician you employ is liable for any
work that is subcontracted.
Insurance is vital
An accident caused by an electrician in your
home has the potential to be disastrous, so
make sure they are properly insured ask
to see their documentation before they start
work. Like other tradespeople, electricians
need insurance to cover:
Accidental damage to your home;
Accidental damage to adjoining
properties;
Personal injury or public liability insurance
for the trader and their staff.
Make sure any subcontractors used are
covered by the main contractors policy for
damage or injury.
whichtraders.co.uk 11
How to hire
a plumber
Whether its for an emergency or for scheduled work, you need
to find a plumber who will do the job well and for a fair price
Local plumbers who come highly
recommended by friends, family,
neighbours and online reviewers and
endorsement sites should be your first
port of call.
City & Guilds or NVQ qualifications
might strengthen the case for hiring one
plumber over another, but apprenticeships
and decades of experience shouldnt be
overlooked either. If your plumbing work
involves gas, you must use a plumber that
is Gas Safe-registered. The Gas Safe
Register is the official gas registration
body for the United Kingdom, Isle of Man
and Guernsey (replacing CORGI). Whenever
you look for a gas engineer, make sure
you check what type of gas-related work
they are qualified to undertake before you
commit to hiring them.
Otherwise, there are a number of trade
associations for the plumbing industry.
The Association of Plumbing & Heating
Contractors and the Chartered Institute
of Plumbing and Heating Engineering are
both well respected in the industry. Not all
reputable plumbers will be a member of a
trade association, but these organisations
do insist that their members have
appropriate insurance.
Before hiring a gas installer, plumber
or electrician, check their hourly charge-
out rate, and ask them how long the job
12 whichtraders.co.uk
will take so you have an idea of the total
cost. Make sure you find out if they will be
adding on call-out fees, which can bump
up a reasonable hourly rate. Be wary of
tradespeople who charge more for the
first hour, too.
In an emergency
If you need a plumber in an emergency,
call and explain the nature of the problem
in as much detail as possible. The plumber
should be able to tell you the price for a
call-out, but additional costs may depend
on the nature of the problem and any parts
required. You might also be charged for
travel and parking costs.
Get three plumbing quotes Are there any additional costs, such as undertaken and how much it will cost?
If the work that needs to be done isnt travel, parking or waste disposal? If your job includes extensive work, you
urgent, spend a little longer looking for the Depending on the nature of the job, the may be asked to pay an instalment before
right contractor. Call at least three plumbing plumbers might be able to give you a price the work begins. If this is the case, dont
companies and aim to get comparable on the phone, or they may wish to visit your pay more than 25% of the total cost, and
quotes you need to compare like with like. property. Any quote given on the phone will only pay the full balance when you have
Questions to ask include: be based on assumptions (that your pipes checked and accepted the work.
How long has the trader been in are in good order, for example), so treat it
business? as an estimate.
Can I see references or examples of Inviting prospective plumbers to visit Find out more
similar work? your property should give you an idea of i Which? Trusted Traders
also provides details of
Is the work guaranteed? Is the guarantee whether they are trustworthy. For example,
insurance-backed? do they arrive on time and explain your bathroom fitters who have passed our
quality checks. Visit the website for
What insurance does the business have? options without too much jargon? Are
details: whichtraders.co.uk.
Does it cover my property? they clear about what work should be
whichtraders.co.uk 13
How to hire
a carpenter
It is important to hire the right
carpenter for your job. A trader
who specialises in building
cupboards, for example, may not
have the skills to carry out major
construction work
14 whichtraders.co.uk
Carpenters may specialise in various types
of work, from building stud walls, floors
and staircases, to fitting joists, kitchens and
worktops. Joiners differ from carpenters as
they will cut and fit joints in wood without
using nails. They also tend to operate from
workshops, while carpenters will work in
your home.
Most of us dont need to employ
carpenters or joiners frequently, which can
Paying a carpenter
Most jobs are paid upon completion of the
work to a satisfactory standard. If the job
demands lots of costly materials, it isnt
unreasonable for the carpenter to ask for a
deposit up front. Never pay the full
amount in advance, though you may
want to withhold the final payment until
any niggles or disputes are resolved.
make it difficult to find the best tradespeople.
Start with recommendations from friends,
family and previous customers, but cross-
reference these with a site such as Which?
Trusted Traders (or start with this service if
you cant find a personal referral).
Finding a good carpenter or joiner
Look for traders with lots of reviews and
check their profile photographs and
websites. Have they undertaken work
similar to yours? Do they specialise in
a particular type of carpentry, such as
wood flooring installation, doors and
gates or summer houses? Do they hold a
qualification in carpentry or joinery, such as
an NVQ or City & Guilds award? How long
has the business been trading?
Carpenters may be registered with a
number of trade organisations, such as
our partner organisation, the Institute of
Carpenters, or others such as the British
Woodworking Federation, the Guild of
Master Craftsmen or the Federation
of Master Builders. Membership of
such organisations doesnt necessarily
guarantee excellence, but it might indicate
a certain level of professionalism. Dont
underestimate the value of years of
experience, though avoid choosing a
carpenter based on their professional
memberships alone.
Getting quotes
The nature of your job will determine whether
a trader can give you a quote over the
telephone. In most cases, its likely the trader
will want to visit your property first to take
measurements and discuss your options.
Get at least three quotes for any
carpentry and joinery job, large or small. Try
to get quotes that can be easily compared,
and make sure they include any hidden
costs, such as waste disposal or car
parking charges.
If youre working from a fixed budget,
make sure you understand how money
will be saved in order to meet your desired
price, as each carpenter might give you
different suggestions. Do you understand
the difference between a laminate and a
real wood floor, for example? How durable
or attractive is a cheaper type of wood?
Be clear about the work that that is due
to be carried out before it starts. At the
very least, you should be comfortable with
the cost of each part of the job, the likely
completion time and how payment will
be made.
Ask to see the carpenters insurance
documents and dont be afraid to discuss
what happens if youre not satisfied with
the standard of the work. Good traders
will always produce insurance documents
and talk about complaints procedures a
carpenter who is reluctant to do so should
be avoided.
Find out more
i
Which? Trusted Traders also
provides details of kitchen
installers who have passed our quality
checks. Visit whichtraders.co.uk.
whichtraders.co.uk 15
How to hire
a handyman
A handyman may be perfect for small and occasional jobs.
We explain how to find a reliable trader and how to pay them

If you occasionally need help with odd jobs
around the house, you might consider hiring
a handyman or woman. But tread warily,
as they are most likely to be a sole trader
who is not covered by a trade association.
Make sure they have some experience in
the sort of work you require and ask to see
examples of their recent work, if possible.
Request the phone numbers of at least
three recent clients to make sure their work
was of a professional standard.
You can search for handymen and
women online via a number of websites.
For example, MyHammer.co.uk offers a free
service whereby you can post your jobs,
and traders will respond to your advert
with quotes tradespeople listed on the
site are also rated by former customers,
so you can get an idea of the sort of person
youll be hiring beforehand as well as some
information on their skills. Visit myhammer.
co.uk to post a job online.
A personal recommendation from friends
or family can also be an excellent way to
source a handyman or woman. However
you find potential workers, though, you
should always check their references.
Talk to previous employers by phone or
in person, rather than trusting written
references, which are easily faked.
How to pay your handyman

Check the handymans

Find out straight away how theyd like to be
paid some may prefer cash, but others
will accept cheques or online payment from
Quotes for work from handymen will most
likely be based on an hourly rate, though you may

insurance details
Not all handymen and women will have
insurance that protects their clients, but
you should think twice about employing
anyone who doesnt. Even if youre asking
them to do a relatively small job of low
value, theres always the possibility that
a mistake or accident could cause a
problem that proves expensive to remedy.
If they dont have insurance to cover such
circumstances, you may end up paying for
their error.
your bank. If they do want to be paid in
cash, ask for proof from past accounts that
they have declared this on their annual
self-assessment tax return.
Quotes for work from handymen will most
likely be based on an hourly rate, though
you may prefer to negotiate a set price
for a specific job. Make sure you establish
this before any work gets underway and, if
possible, find out how long your handyman
thinks the job will take. Materials will almost
always cost extra, so you may prefer
to source these yourself in order to be
prefer to negotiate a set price for a specific job
confident youre getting the best possible
price for them.
Many handymen and women do an
excellent job and prove to be highly
trustworthy. Nevertheless, take precautions
to protect yourself if you are let down.
Make sure you have a home number for
your handyman and an address, too, so
your trader cant just disappear if things go
wrong. Find out how many clients they have
already, and whether they will be able to
fit you in easily or if you will be waiting
weeks for their services.
If youre employing a handyman to do
work as part of a larger project, you will
need to schedule in their time in order
to suit the other tradespeople you are
employing, as these smaller tasks can be
built in around the more major electrical,
plumbing, flooring and tiling jobs.

16 whichtraders.co.uk whichtraders.co.uk 17
How to hire
a glazier
If youre looking for a reliable
glazier, a little research will ensure
you hire the right person at the
right price
Recommendations are the best starting
point when looking for a glazier. If friends,
family or neighbours cant help, look at
reviews for local glazing companies on
sites such as Which? Trusted Traders.
The Double Glazing & Conservatory
Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) is well
regarded in the glazing industry. Which?
Trusted traders undergo a rigorous
assessment in order to join the scheme, but
a DGCOS membership could provide extra
reassurance that youre hiring a reputable
double-glazing trader.
demonstrated by the trader during the visit
and survey before making your final decision.
Before agreeing to any work, ask about
insurance. What happens in the event of
accidental damage to your property or
your neighbours car, for example? Good
glaziers will also offer an insurance-backed
warranty. Make sure you review written
details of this before you proceed.
Glaziers should supply a written contract
and terms and conditions for larger jobs.
Check the following:
Are there penalties if the work is late?
Would prolonged adverse weather affect
the job?
What materials will be used and who will
supply these?
Will outsourced labour be used?
What happens if the work does not meet
a satisfactory standard?
How to hire a
carpet fitter
It is possible to fit your own carpets and flooring, but as you may be
dealing with very expensive materials, it makes sense to leave the job to
the professionals
Many companies selling carpets will provide
their own fitters, but if you need to arrange
one, visit the National Institute of Carpet
and Floorlayers website for a database
of approved fitters. Members must have
completed a written or oral examination and
need to have supplied the details of three
referees who can attest to the standard of
their work.
If youre hiring your own carpet fitter,
obtain the usual references and, if possible,
recommendations from friends or family. Aim
to get three written quotations for the work
required, so that you can compare like with
like, checking each fitters terms carefully. required to have done before the fitters

Always find out exactly what your arrive. Does the room need to have been
Paying a glazier
Good glaziers will Always agree a schedule for payments
quotation covers if youre buying your
carpet from a shop, will you need to pay
cleared and existing flooring materials
removed?
offer an insurance- before the work begins. Its not unusual the fitter on the day, and if so, how much Ask the trader to give you an estimated

backed warranty
Getting glazing quotes
Contact at least three glaziers and ask them
to visit you at home. If a double-glazing firm
uses pushy sales techniques or starts offering
time-sensitive discounts, however, be wary.
Choosing the cheapest quote for the
work might not be the best option. Check
and follow up on customer references,
and consider the level of professionalism
to be asked for an instalment up front,
especially for larger jobs. On completion of
the job, review your contract and check:
Is everything complete?
Are you happy with the work?
Has the site been tidied up?
Have all relevant certificates and other
paperwork been supplied?
Pay the final instalment only when you are
satisfied that all the terms of the contract
have been met and that the work has been
completed to a satisfactory standard.
will this cost? Is VAT included or on top of
costs? Will there be any additional costs
for materials, such as special glue to fit
the carpet?
Prices for fitting a carpet are worked
out on a square-metre basis. Check that
the price of the carpet and any underlay
and other fittings, such as door plates, are
itemised separately.
On the day of the fitting
Also check what preparation you are
arrival and fitting time on the day youve
agreed for the work to take place in
order to avoid having to wait in all day.
The same principles apply to choosing a
flooring fitter.
Find out more
i
The Which? Trusted Traders
site offers further advice on
how to hire a wide range of tradesmen.
Visit whichtraders.co.uk.

18 whichtraders.co.uk whichtraders.co.uk 19
How to hire a
locksmith
There is no government-based licensing for the locksmith industry,
so anyone can define themselves as a locksmith. Take the following
precautions to avoid a rogue trader
1 Get recommendations
Trade associations that accredit
qualifications for locksmiths include the
British Locksmiths Institute and the Auto
Locksmiths Association. Members of the
Master Locksmiths Association will have
undergone criminal-record checks and
regular inspections to ensure the work
theyre producing is of good quality.
2 Get a specialist
Some locksmiths focus on particular
areas of their trade. Ask your locksmith
what they specialise in and hire them
according to the job if it might be complex.
General services include:
Helping you to get back into your home
after a lock-out;
Changing locks on cars and homes;
Fitting new locks;
Maintaining and repairing existing locks,
including doors, windows and padlocks;
Access control. Locksmiths may also fit
security shutters, bars or grilles, fit safes
or change combinations for safes if youve
forgotten the code.
3
Shop around
As with all trades, get several quotes
before you commit to any work. Make
sure you establish whether the locksmith
will levy a call-out charge in addition to
his or her fees. Check that the locks to be
20 whichtraders.co.uk
supplied will conform with British Standard
safety marks.
4 Ask for a no-obligation survey
Good locksmiths will visit your home
to assess security and advise on minimum
requirements as well as appropriate
additional security measures. This is also an
opportunity to judge how comfortable you
are with having the individual in your home.
5
A one-off payment for piece of mind
The cheapest quote is not necessarily
the best. If youre replacing or upgrading
your locks and other devices, think of it as
a one-off payment to secure your home for
a lifetime. Choose a locksmith who shares
this approach and seems knowledgeable
about the various products on the market.
How to hire
a gardener
Everyone loves an attractive, tidy garden, but we dont all have
the time or ability to plan, plant and maintain one. If youd rather call in
the professionals, heres how to do it
Gather recommendations and search
endorsement sites for traders for a
one-off gardening job or regular garden
maintenance. Check the business
description, photographs and customer
reviews to find a business that carries out
the kind of work you need.
Hiring a gardener
A gardener will usually quote for small
jobs, such as hedge trimming and lawn
mowing, over the telephone. For larger
jobs or regular work, a gardener should
visit your property, as should a landscaper
in either case try to get quotes from at
least three traders. Ask for the quotes
in writing and make sure they list all
components of the work in sufficient
detail. Is disposal of green waste or
Legal warning
Strict rules may apply to what you can do
in your garden. A tree preservation order,
for example, may prevent you pruning or
chopping down a tree, so make sure your
gardener has checked this. Also, find out
from your local authority whether
planning issues restrict the planting of
trees or hedges.
other rubbish included? It can be much
cheaper to use your councils green waste
collection service.
The contract
In most cases, before work commences,
you should receive a contract detailing
the work to be undertaken, a schedule for
payments and a timeline. You may have to
pay a deposit, but dont pay the balance
until you are satisfied with the work.
Hiring a landscape gardener
If its a landscape gardener you want,
recommendations from friends or family
are valuable. Look for designers with
plenty of reviews and check their profile
photographs and websites. Have they
undertaken work similar to yours? Do
they specialise in a particular aspect
of landscape design, such as hard
landscaping or decking?
Countless gardening qualifications exist,
such as NVQ, HND, NPTC and RHS. A
gardener with one of these qualifications
is more likely to be professional. The
Association of Professional Landscapers
is well regarded in the industry. APL
members must trade for at least two
years, hold insurance and undergo regular
inspections.
whichtraders.co.uk 21
Glossary
As you deal with traders you may encounter legal terms and other
jargon you are not familiar with. Here we explain the main terms in plain
English to help you understand the process
Building Regulations
The Building Regulations,
created under the Building Act
1984, detail how to carry out
building work to your home
across England and Wales.
In Scotland, the Building
Regulations were set out in the
Building (Scotland) Act 2003.
Contract A written agreement
setting out all the terms and
conditions of your engagement
with the trader covering the
price of the work, when and
how it will be done, and how
any problems will be resolved.
Estimate An informal
assessment of how much
your job will cost, often given
verbally. The estimate is
not binding.
Guarantee A guarantee from
a tradesman can be
reassuring, but it has more
value if it is backed by
insurance that will pay out if
the trader is no longer able to
because the firm has gone
bust, for example.
Joint Contracts Tribunal
The JCT produces standard
22 whichtraders.co.uk
forms of contracts and
guidance notes for the
construction industry.
Planning permission Check
with your local authority to
see if your proposed works
require planning permission.
The answer is likely to be yes
if you wish to:
Extend your home upwards
or forwards;
Build extensions of more
than a certain size;
Change the use of your
home in any way, including
converting it into flats.
Quotation
A formal assessment of how
much your job will cost,
supplied in writing. The
quotation should be binding
unless the job specifications
change or there are
unforeseen circumstances.
Schedule of works
If you are planning a big
project, draw up a schedule
of works a document that
details an overview of the
entire job. This will break
down the work into stages,
detailing payment and
Useful contacts
Association of Plumbing Hornchurch www.guildmc.com
& Heating Contractors Essex RM12 6NB Institute of Carpenters
12 The Pavilions 01708 472791 32 High Street
Cranmore Drive ciphe.org.uk Wendover
completion schedules for Solihull B90 4SB Double Glazing Bucks HP22 6EA
each phase. 0121 711 5030 & Conservatory 0844 879 7696
aphc.co.uk Ombudsman Scheme instituteofcarpenters.com
Snagging list A compilation of Association of Astley House Joint Contracts Tribunal
any small defects or problems Professional Landscapers 29 Queens Road 28 Ely Place
you have identified with work 19 High Street Chorley PR7 1JU London EC1N 6TD
done on a particular project. Theale 0345 053 8975 jctltd.co.uk
Dont pay the final bill until Berkshire RG7 5AH dgcos.org.uk Master Locksmiths
these have been resolved. 0118 930 3132 Federation of Association
landscaper.org.uk Master Builders 5d Great Central Way
Trade associations and Auto Locksmiths David Croft House Woodford Halse
professional bodies Association 25 Ely Place Northants NN11 3PZ
These groups have no 91 Ryddings Street London EC1N 6TD 01327 262 255
statutory powers, but it Accrington BB5 3EY 0330 333 7777 locksmiths.co.uk
is reassuring to deal with autolocksmiths.net fmb.org.uk National Inspection
traders who are members British Institute of Federation of Council for Electrical
of them. Many have codes Interior Design Plastering and Drywall Installation Contracting
of conduct and complaints 9 Bonhill Street Contractors (FPDC) Warwick House
procedures. Since London EC2A 4PE Unit 4 Houghton Hall Park
traders tend to prize their 020 7628 0255 Olton Bridge Dunstable LU5 5ZX
membership highly, even the biid.org.uk 245 Warwick Road 0870 013 0382
threat of a complaint to an British Locksmiths Institute Solihull B92 7AH niceic.com
association may be effective. See Master Locksmiths 0121 707 0077 National Institute of
Some associations demand Association thefis.org Carpet and Floorlayers
more of their members than British Woodworking Gas Safe Register 4c St Marys Place
others, though, and none Federation PO BOX 6804 Nottingham NG1 1PH
have any legal authority The Building Centre Basingstoke 0115 958 3077
over their members. 26 Store Street RG24 4NB nicfltd.org.uk
London WC1E 7BT 0800 408 5500 Painting and Decorating
VAT Value added tax is 0844 209 2610 gassaferegister.co.uk Association
chargeable at 20% on most bwf.org.uk Guild of Master Craftsmen 32 Coton Road
spending. Always ask traders Chartered Institute of 166 High Street Nuneaton CV11 5TW
whether VAT is included in Plumbing and Heating Lewes 024 7635 3776
the estimates and quotations Engineering East Sussex BN7 1XU paintingdecoratingassociation.
they provide. 64 Station Lane 01273 478449 co.uk
whichtraders.co.uk 23
 Trusted Traders

Take the guesswork out

of getting work done
Use Which? Trusted Traders to find professional tradespeople near you.
As a customer of Which?, you know you can rely on us when it comes to
your home. Thats why we thought youd like to know about Which? Trusted
Traders who can help you choose a trader for your home with confidence.
We assess each trader rigorously before endorsing them, including checking
their customer references and business procedures. So whether your boiler
needs sorting or your house needs painting we make it easy to find a trader
that best suits you.

Youll find over 120 trade services represented

on the Which? Trusted Traders site, including:
Plumbers
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Roofers
Painters
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Mechanics
Removers

Find a Which? Trusted Trader,

visit whichtraders.co.uk
Can you recommend a trader you trust? Tell us who
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vouchers* as a thank you. Visit trustedtraders.which.
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24 whichtraders.co.uk