Homeowner Advice

General tips and advice for homeowners covering maintenance, seasonal tips and everyday property care.

Finding Trustworthy Traders: Questions To Ask

7th November 2018

At Trust A Trader, we are aware that many of our customers are put off doing home improvements because they are unsure of who to trust. Our directory gets you over the first hurdle, by bringing you a choice of rated and reviewed local traders.

Once you have created your shortlist, don’t be afraid to ask questions; a professional trader will expect you to ask, so that you both know what to expect. Here are the questions you should ask before settling on the trader you most trust.

Can I see customer references and recommendations, and a portfolio of work you have done?

If you have found your trader on Trust A Trader, it is likely that you have already seen their reviews. However, it still helps to ask to see additional reviews, as well as “before” and “after” pictures to give you inspiration and to help you to gain a good idea of the standards you can expect.

Can I have a quote in writing?

A quote itself may not be legally binding, but generally speaking, when someone commits information to paper, they are more likely to stick to it. Getting a written quote will give you a good idea of how much each element of your project will cost and it will help you to budget accordingly. It is also a good idea to have a contingency budget and an agreement that, should additional work come up, you will be notified before the work is done, to stop the costs from spiralling.

What can I do to streamline the process, save time or money?

It is unlikely that your traders will want you to be hands-on while they are working (unless you are skilled or friends, it is likely that you will hinder more than you will help!). However, there are things you can do beforehand to prepare the way. Stripping or disposing of plaster and rubbish can save you time and money in the long run. You will probably need to clear the space, lay dust sheets; find out beforehand so you are not wasting your trader’s time (and your money) by doing it while they wait.

How long will it take?

No trader is psychic, and there could be a multitude of complications ahead of you. Of course, you know this, but it is still helpful to find out from the trader how long they are likely to take, assuming that everything goes smoothly.

Whether you are looking for a tradesperson to fit a new boiler or build a brand-new extension, it is important that you trust them completely. By searching on Trust A Trader and asking the right questions, you can find a trader with total peace of mind.

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Looking for more homeowner advice advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common homeowner advice questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

What home repairs should I never attempt myself?

Gas work - full stop. Any work on gas appliances must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer by law. Structural changes like removing walls, altering roof timbers, or touching anything load-bearing need professional assessment and often Building Regulations sign-off. Electrical work involving the consumer unit or new circuits must meet Part P. And if your property was built before 2000, be aware asbestos may be present - it can only be handled by a licensed specialist.
Which home improvements add the most value to a property?

Improvements that add usable space or modernise the rooms buyers scrutinise most tend to deliver the strongest returns. Loft conversions consistently top the list - adding a bedroom and bathroom can add more value than the work costs in many areas. Kitchen and bathroom updates are next. Open-plan ground-floor extensions connecting to a kitchen-diner have become one of the most sought-after layouts in UK family homes. And energy improvements - insulation, a new boiler, solar panels - are increasingly influencing buyer decisions as running costs become a bigger part of the conversation.
Should I renovate my home or move house?

There's no universal right answer - it depends on your situation. Moving gets you what you want without living through a building site, but stamp duty, estate agent fees, and moving costs can easily add up to tens of thousands of pounds. Renovating lets you stay put and invest in your own property, but comes with disruption and unexpected costs. The most useful comparison: get a clear view of what your home could realistically be worth after the work, and what a move would actually cost end to end. A local estate agent and a builder's quote can give you those two numbers.
What does a home survey actually cover and do I need one when buying?

A survey is an independent assessment of a property's condition carried out by a qualified surveyor - separate from the mortgage valuation, which only tells the lender what the property is worth, not what's wrong with it. A HomeBuyer Report flags visible defects and anything that needs further investigation. A Full Building Survey goes deeper and is worth the extra cost on older, larger, or unusual properties. Given that a house is likely the biggest purchase you'll ever make, skipping the survey to save a few hundred pounds is a false economy - a single missed issue can cost far more to put right.
What should I do before starting any major home improvement project?

Get your paperwork in order before anyone picks up a tool. Check whether you need planning permission or Building Regulations approval. Find out whether a Party Wall Agreement applies. Confirm your home insurance covers you during the works. Get at least three written quotes and make sure the scope of work is clearly agreed in writing with whoever you hire. And have a contingency budget - on almost any renovation, something unexpected comes up. The projects that go smoothly are usually the ones that were properly planned before they started.
What is the difference between freehold and leasehold and why does it matter for home improvements?

If you own the freehold, you own the property and the land it sits on outright - you can generally do what you like subject to planning rules. If you own a leasehold property (common with flats), you own the right to live there for the remaining lease term, but the freeholder owns the building. This matters for home improvements because many leases require you to get the freeholder's written permission before making alterations - sometimes even internal ones. Always check your lease before starting any work, as doing alterations without the required consent can cause problems when you come to sell.

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