When there’s work to be done on your greatest asset, your home, you shouldn’t feel obligated to use the first tradesman you speak to or get a quote from.
Finding the right tradesman who suits you, your home and your budget can take time or you might be lucky and find the right one quickly.
The size of the job can influence the tradesman you use as some businesses aren’t interested in small jobs and only want to take on jobs like renovations or extensions.
When you’re going through the process of selecting your tradie ask yourself these questions:
- Were you able to communicate well with them?
- Did they seem interested in the job or dismissive?
- Did they arrive on time?
- Do they have a good reputation?
- Is their quote competitive?
- How and when do you have to pay?
- Did you get along with them?
While the last point is a little personal, it’s vitally important. If you didn’t get along with them do you want them to be working at your house, possibly when you’re not there?
Having a good rapport and being able to communicate freely will make the job less stressful and will result in a better outcome.
In saying that, don’t let a good talker convince you to do work you don’t want or need.
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A second (or third) opinion is always a good idea no matter who the tradie is.
You may speak with one tradie who says something isn’t possible and the next could say it’s simple.
This may be because they don’t use new technology or a new technique or may simply be because they like to do things a certain way.
Before agreeing to getting any work done it is vital to get at least three written quotes.
Depending on the prices you get back you have a few options:
- If all quotes are similar in price go with the tradesman you liked the most.
- If one quote is particularly expensive call and find out why this is the case. They could be supplying additional services that the others aren’t or they could just be more expensive.
- The same goes for particularly cheap quotes. They may not be accounting for certain costs like removal of rubbish or they could just be more competitive.
Once you know exactly what the quote includes and have selected the tradesman you want there is just one more step you should take before booking them in.
Check their licence and insurance. Their licence number and business name should be clearly displayed on the quote. A quick online search should tell you if their licence is current.
