Find the Best Local Tradesmen for Your Home Renovation

Everyone has heard horror stories about cowboy tradies, shonky builders, and simply unethical contractors, and finding someone who is local, trusted, and reliable is a huge priority when you have something need doing that requires a professional. However, many people are not sure how to find good local tradesmen that are both affordable, ethical, and most importantly, trust worthy.

Below are some tips to finding a good tradie that should help you find the right one for the job.

Ask Family or Friends for Recommendations

A great way to find a recommended tradie, such as a painter, renovator, or landscaper, is by word of mouth. If you know of a friend or family member who has recently hired a tradesman, ask them how their experience was, and if they would recommend them.

If you have already had a good experience with a tradie, for example, an electrician, and now need a plumber, you can also ask your electrician for a recommendation. Many tradesmen work together on some jobs and can often recommend someone with similar work ethics.

Look on the Internet

The Internet is a valuable tool when looking for local tradesmen. Many websites and directories list a wide variety of tradesmen, such as builders, handymen, roofers, carpenters and more, and often include a number of reviews that you can browse. When searching through directories, it is a good idea to find out how the directory works.

Many are simply a form of advertising and tradesmen have to pay a fee to be listed. Of course, any reviews should still be legitimate, but this type of directory does not check out the tradie before listing them. Literally, anyone can be listed as long as they pay.

Other directories may not list as many tradesmen but that is because they spend a little time checking them out to ensure they are legitimate, legal, and ethical before they will list them. Obviously, this type of directory is a better choice as they only list top of the line tradesmen.

How to Ensure you get the Best Work

Once you have found two or three potential tradies, there are a few things you can do to narrow down your choice, and ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

• Make sure that you are specific about what you need.
• Ask for a detailed quote that includes start and finish dates, and agreed upon payment terms.
• Ask for references from previous customers.
• Always use established businesses – that have an ABN and that have been operating for more than a few years.
• Only pay for completed work, never pay in advance. Check your states Fair Trading or Consumer affairs sites as to how much the tradesman may ask for a deposit.
•  Always use a written contract.
• If the job is large, set a penalty clause in case the work is not completed by the agreed upon deadline.

Once you have found two or three potential tradies, there are a few things you can do to narrow down your choice, and ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

Need help finding good tradies for your home repairs and renovation?

Let the Tradebusters Free Tradesmen Concierge help you here!