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Choosing trades people or services for work in your home

Help with finding a trusty trader or service provider

When looking for a contractor to do work in your home, you should consider your choice very carefully and check them out before employing them.

If you employ a proven, reputable contractor – in terms of price, reliability and workmanship – the potential for problems will be greatly reduced.

TrustMark Scheme

Look for tradesmen who are approved by the Government endorsed, TrustMark Scheme at www.trustmark.org.uk (external website**).

Top tips for choosing a tradesperson

• Research – Ask friends, family and neighbours about the home improvement workers they have used.
• Have a clear idea in your own mind of the project you want done – have pictures or sketches. Don’t be talked into something you’re not comfortable with.
• Compare quotes – get at least three and ensure these are in writing with a breakdown of works to be undertaken.
• Check the quotations carefully – compare like for like and examine what the contractor is providing for in the price. Keep in mind that the cheapest quote is not always the best deal.
• Choose establised contractors – with premises you can visit and ask how long they have been in business. Remember, a contractor with a reputation to preserve is more likely to be around if you have problems later.
• Check contractors out – ask if there is similar completed work they have carried out that you can view.
• Keep records of everything
• Agree payment terms before work begins – be careful on upfront payments – ensure you know what you are getting for any upfront payment. It may be difficult to get money back. Contractors offering cash or VAT-free deals are not easily tracked down if things go wrong.
• Go with your gut feeling – If you feel uncomfortable with a contractor, even if you don’t know why, follow your instincts and use someone else.

Help with security or safety measures in your home

Spirita Limited (external website**) (formerly Walbrook Care and Repair) works with Help The Aged and can help with fitting security items in your home. These can include locks, smoke alarms, door chains.

If you are aged over 60 and would like any advice or information on this service, you can contact Spirita Limited.

 

 

Phone 0845 850 8013.

Address:
Spirita HIA
Unit 16,
Masons Place Business Park,
Nottingham Road,
Derby
DE21 2YZ

email: beth.bailey@spirita.org.uk

Using a volunteer care and repair service

The Volunteer Centre – Buxton and District offers a service called Readycall (external website**). Readycall covers most of High Peak, and is available for anything from decorating a room, small joinery and plumbing work, building steps, supplying and fitting hand and grab rails and most gardening work. Contact them at:

The Volunteer Centre
16 Eagle Parade
Buxton
Derbyshire SK17 9SB

Telephone 01298 23970
Fax: 01298 70713

 

Energy Efficiency Advice Centre

A Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire partnership

For information on saving energy at home and a guide to grants, discounts and sources of information on how to make your home more energy efficient, just call the Energy Efficiency Advice Centre FREE on 0800 512 012 or email energyadvice@highpeak.gov.uk.

Consumer Direct

Consumer Direct offers clear, practical advice and support to help consumers sort out problems and disagreements with suppliers of goods or services.

To speak to a customer adviser, call 08454 04 05 06 (minicom users call 08451 28 13 84), or alternatively visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk (external website**)

 

Trusty Traders Advice

Guidance on choosing traders and service providers, for the home and community, can be found on the Directgov website (external website**).

 

 

 

**Please note: High Peak Borough Council does not make any representation, or give any warranty, either express or implied, as to the competency or fitness for purpose of the trades, or to the general content, contained in the links to external web sites.