Use this guide before any job you cannot or should not do yourself, from a new boiler to rewiring or a bathroom refit. Have a clear description of the job, photos, rough measurements and a budget in mind.
Step by step
Write a short job brief
Describe what you want done, what you want to keep, any access issues and your preferred timescale. Add photos and measurements. Giving every trader the same brief makes their quotes easy to compare.
Find several candidates
Ask neighbours and friends for recommendations, and look for traders who belong to a trade association or government-endorsed quality scheme. Be wary of cold callers or anyone who knocks on your door saying urgent work is needed. Aim for at least three traders to visit or quote.
Check registrations and insurance
Any work on gas must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer, so check their ID card and the Gas Safe Register. For notifiable electrical work, use an electrician registered with a competent person scheme, who can certify the work with building control. Ask for proof of public liability insurance.
Compare written quotes
Ask for a written quote, which is a fixed price, rather than an estimate, which is only a guide. Check what is included, such as materials, waste removal, making good and VAT, and whether any certificate is provided. Do not choose on price alone; a very low quote can mean corners will be cut.
Agree the job in writing
Before work starts, agree in writing the scope, price, start and finish dates, payment stages and who gets any permissions. Avoid paying large sums up front; a modest deposit for materials is common, with the rest on completion. If you sign the contract at home, you usually have a 14-day cancellation period.
Stay involved and sign off
Keep a record of any changes agreed during the job, in writing, with the price. Inspect the work before the final payment and ask for any certificates, warranties and instructions. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, work must be done with reasonable care and skill.
Ready-to-use checklist
- Written job brief with photos and measurements
- At least three traders contacted
- Gas Safe registration checked for any gas work
- Competent person scheme checked for electrical work
- Insurance confirmed
- Written quotes compared like for like
- Written agreement with payment stages
- Certificates and warranties received at the end
Practical tips
- Pay by card or bank transfer rather than cash so you have a clear record of payment.
- Ask whether the trader will be doing the work personally or using subcontractors.
- Keep all quotes, messages and invoices together in one folder in case anything goes wrong later.
Common problems
The final bill is much higher than the quote.
Check whether any extra work was agreed in writing. If not, you can dispute the extra charges; Citizens Advice can explain your rights and how to complain.
The work is poor or unfinished and the trader will not return.
Put your complaint in writing, describe what needs fixing and give a reasonable deadline. If they belong to a trade association, use its complaints or dispute process, and contact Citizens Advice for next steps.
A caller says my roof or drive needs urgent work today.
Do not agree to anything on the doorstep or hand over money. Take their details, get independent quotes, and report pressured doorstep selling to Citizens Advice, or to Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) if you think it is a scam.