Do you trust your Tradie?

A while ago, I attended a property to provide a quotation to re-secure some internal cornice. Approaching the driveway, I noticed some fairly ‘shoddy’ repairs to the gable. Discussing this with the home-owner, she said “I had a handyman come out to fix this”. Not only was I shocked to learn that a handyman had done this, but that he had also refused to return to the ‘scene of the crime’ to repair it properly.

All too often I get phone calls from people, especially from the elderly or people who do not understand English very well, who have had sub-standard repairs done to their property and the trades person who has completed the repairs no longer wants to know about it.

So ask yourself the question……Do you trust your Tradie ? Always make sure you do your research when engaging a trades person. I recommend a check list on the following:

  • Google Reviews – make sure you read the google reviews of the trades person you are considering engaging.
  • Experience – Ask the trades person whether they are experienced in your particular repair requirements and how long have they been in business.
  • Referrals – Ask your friends and family if they have a trades person they have used and would be happy to recommend.
  • Price – Make sure your trades person is up front about their hourly rate. If they are quoting you, make sure this is in writing and they complete all the repairs listed on the quotation.
  • Never pay cash up front – only pay the full amount once the work is completed.