We understand how stressful home improvement projects can be. Whether the job is big or small, we advise you to follow this short crash course on what to look out for when employing tradesmen to work in or around your home. It could save you time, money and a lot of stress further down the line!
Initial Checks
Initial Checks
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Check our website
When employing a TrustMark tradesperson, check that they are listed for all the trades you are asking them to carry out. Our website will show this information when searching for a business.
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Get quotes
We recommend getting at least 3 quotes for comparison - but don’t just go with the cheapest, consider your ability to communicate with the firm and their quality of work.
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Vet potential firms on Google
Use good old Google to research the firm. A simple internet search on the company name may yield interesting information. Check Companies House information if applicable, check the company’s website and their accreditations they may claim to have, check their trading history and any County Court Judgements they may have been awarded.
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Seek references
Speak to previous customers, and if a reasonable-sized job, visit previous jobs
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Personal recommendatons
Do you know someone who is pleased with work they have had done? Will they let you come and have a look at it? Were there any problems they had?
Once you've selected a tradesperson
Once you've selected a tradesperson
Keep evidence to hand
Always agree everything in writing, even the smallest changes. In case there are any issues later, it will be useful to have all evidence and it will offer you protection if anything does go wrong.
For smaller projects you can use our free app which will help you ask your tradesperson all the right questions. Search for TrustMark App in your app store.
Take ’before and after’ photos.
Use Escrow
You can use our Escrow payment protection service which will ensure monies are released in a series of agreed stages. The tradesman will get 100% of the payment if the customer receives everything they were promised at the outset.
Important information
On 13 June 2014 the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 SI 2013 No. 3134 came into force.
These regulations now apply to contracts concluded on or after 13 June 2014. On this date, the Distance Selling Regulations 2000 and the Off Premises (Doorstep) Regulations 2008 were revoked. Read the full document here.
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