The best way to choose a tradesperson to work on a property you’re renting out in Edinburgh is to ask around for recommendations or compare local profiles on trusted directories.
Once you’ve found someone who seems suitable, there are a few questions you should ask before hiring them for your job. Failure to obtain pertinent information can result in choosing the wrong person for the job, paying more than you need to, or, in the worst cases, having to deal with insurance companies.
To ensure these situations don’t arise, take a look at the kind of queries you need to raise with potential contractors.
1. Experience in similar projects
Although tradespeople may advertise their experience, finding out whether they have completed projects similar to yours is essential. Project-specific references will help you decide if they’re the person or company you need.
A general builder who has never completed a loft conversion may be cheaper than a loft conversion company, but you may not get the same standard of work, safety checks, or compliance with Building Regulations.
2. How long have they been in business?
A new business doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of experience, but it’s good to check just in case. Someone who has served time with a large contractor may strike out on their own and have a wealth of knowledge and experience. Or they may be brand new to the industry. Asking the question will give you clarity.
3. Estimated cost
Potentially the most important question for homeowners is the project cost. For this, you need to know the difference between a quote and an estimate. As the name implies, an estimate is an educated guess at how much a job is likely to cost. Often based on assumptions and limited information, this amount can change.
On occasion, a tradesperson may not know the extent of required work until they get close access – for example, stripping back a roof and revealing rot of the timber structure. This would substantially increase the project cost.
A quote, on the other hand, is a fixed price and is not subject to change unless agreed with the homeowner. You should always carefully read your quote to see what’s included and what may be charged as extra. MyJobQuote.co.uk lets you compare up to three quotes from local tradespeople by providing them with a few details about your project and your location. You can then choose which tradesperson to hire, but there’s no obligation to go ahead.
4. Expected project duration
Construction work of any kind in your home is disruptive, even when necessary. Asking how long the job will take is a reasonable question, so you can plan ahead. For very loud or dusty work, you may even decide to move out of the property, so you’ll need to know the project duration.
5. Relevant insurance cover
Failing to ask about insurance cover can be an expensive mistake. Enquire about a contractor’s level of insurance cover, and ask for copies of their Certificates of Insurance. Carefully check the start and expiration dates as well as the cover limits.
Building contractors should have public liability insurance, all risk insurance, and professional indemnity insurance.
6. Proof of qualifications
Tradespeople who work with gas and electricity need to be officially registered to do so. By law, gas heating engineers and plumbers who work with gas boilers must be on the Gas Safe Register.
Electricians carrying out work that is covered by Part P of the Building Regulations must be registered with a competent person scheme like NAPIT or NICEIC. You should ask for proof of registration for either of these trades before allowing them to carry out any work on your property.
7. Warranties and guarantees
Ask tradespeople about the type of guarantees or warranties they offer. Most reputable builders will provide workmanship guarantees, which usually last 1 – 2 years after completion. Structural warranties typically last 10 years.
An insurance-backed guarantee protects the work if the original contractor ceases trading, dies, or retires. Fixtures installed as part of the project should hold manufacturer’s warranties.
8. Health and safety policy
Building sites, even internal works, carry inherent dangers, so it’s essential to check that any tradesperson you hire has a comprehensive health and safety policy and set of procedures. If you have any concerns about the safety of the work, make sure to voice them to the contractor.
9. Check reviews
By using directories, checking reviews of local tradespeople is simple. You can note feedback from previous clients and read their profiles on the website to help you make a decision.
