Finding A Tradesman.

[Bigbad]

Has anyone used any of these “find a tradesman” sites.

I’ve left messages for 3 damp proof specialists, 2 builders and a kitchen company this last few days, and nobody has got back to me!

Do these sites work, or do you just get contacted by weirdos.
I’m a bit wary of giving any information to someone who contacts me, rather than the other way around.

Thanks.

[teacake44]

Always look for someone local to were you live, these sites are just interested in getting paid from a trader who quotes for your job, and anyone can join their site for a fee.

[Old_Geezer]

They aren't all as good as they claim to be.
I use the government approved one on occasion, but even then it's a traders' market. Blooming nightmare unless you get a personal recommendation.

[choux]

Bigbad, that must be very annoying for you. Do you have a local Nextdoor app? I joined one quite recently and find it very informative. People are always looking for tradesmen and some kind soul is usually able to suggest one with a testimonial.

You could always ask family/friends/neighbours if they have any experience of trades you are seeking. If a firm is ever recommended to me I am happy to follow them up. It does pay to ask around. Good luck with your searches.

[Bigbad]

You’d think these people would get back to me just out of courtesy, even if they don’t want the work.

I was going to use a “fake” name and email address on the site, but as I’d have to meet anyone by myself at a property with no near neighbours, then I’m a bit wary of an axe murderer turning up!

[Bigbad]

No, choux, nobody to ask about the stuff I need doing.
What’s “a local Nextdoor app” please?
If it’s a social media thing, then it would be no good to me. This is the only social-type site I use.

[dannyk13]

I used Checkatrade and found a local plumber who I contacted by phone.

[teacake44]

By no one getting back to you within at least 24 hours, really tells you that the site is not worth bothering with in my view, and like you say, you don't know who is going to turn up for sure. do some local homework within about 20/25 mile of were you live first.

[dannyk13]

Checkatrade lists businesses by location.

[The Builder]

I think Danny has been a lucky exception. As said above, anyone can join these organisations.

I'm sure that, at times, these can work. I know it can be a demoralising process, but local recommendation is still the best way to go.

I've never had to advertise in my whole life, and I'm nothing special. I've never had business cards or signwriting on the van either ;o)

[david small]

Because The Builder you know your trade, do a good job, and have integrity. We need more of your ilk.
I was registered with the national institute of some trade, they just wanted an annual fee and lip service.

[Bigbad]

Thanks danny.
I looked on Checkatrade for a damp specialist, there was one listed in my area. Phone answered straight away, told the guy what was needed, said I could email what the building survey showed, and he said he could give me a quote end next week/beginning of week after.

And thanks everyone else for your answers.
I'm not the sociable type, so don't really have people to ask for recommendations.

[dannyk13]

Hope you get a satisfactory job done Bigbad.

[Bigbad]

Me too, danny.
I’ve spent 18 months looking for a house, so I wasn’t going to let a bit of damp put me off.
The estate agents did send someone out to look at the surveyors recommendations, but I also wanted to find someone myself.

As far as the kitchen company goes, if they can’t phone me back, then they won’t get my business!

[david small]

Their loss Bigbad, vote with your wallet.

[douglas9401]

The sites are nothing more or less than glorified adverts.
Word of mouth works best.

[Rosie29]

I find the My Builder site good. You can view about èach tradesperson and see photos of their work.

[Buenchico]

Nearly all of the websites which promise to direct you to a decent tradesman are operated by firms who simply charge traders a fee to get listed on those sites (with little done to check that they're actually any good at their jobs).

TrustMark though is Government-approved and operated in conjunction with Trading Standards. It's the only site that I'd have any real faith in:
https://www.trustmark.org.uk/

[alavahalf]

For the past 15 years I have worked with a National Charity working with the retired, the disabled and the vulnerable. As I specialised in small repairs I often had to go along an see what a customer needed doing. If it was beyond my scope or would take more than half a day or so, I would always do the same thing regarding recommending tradesman. Contact your local trading standards ( do it online) and get a list of recommended tradesmen for the particular job in question.
They will also state which ones will take on smaller tasks and show you the rates they may charge.

[margarettom]

I use the AgeUK website to get local tradespeople. They usually have reasonable rates.

[Bigbad]

Thanks for the suggestions since my earlier post.

I’ll see how the company I spoke to earlier pans out, and if no good, I shall check out your recommendations.