If you’re in the process of buying a home, you’ve probably discovered that there are many different local contractors for home repairs and maintenance services to consider, each with their own specialties and track records of work quality. You may also have noticed that some of them are significantly more expensive than others. To help you get the best local home repair contractors in the UK while saving money, here are 10 tips on how to choose the best one (or ones) for your needs.
1) Take a look at all you need
Whether you’re looking for quality local home repair contractors, or you need help with any other type of home improvement project, start by gathering as much information as possible. There are a number of tips and tricks out there designed to help homeowners research and hire local home repair contractors and plumbers. Asking family and friends for recommendations is always a great place to start. Don’t be afraid to do an online search, either; if something is too good to be true, it usually is.
2) Consider your budget
Do some research into local home repair contractors, and get quotes from a few of them. You’ll quickly find out that just because a contractor is local doesn’t mean they’re more affordable. Consider your budget before you decide on your company; if money’s tight, consider looking for someone local who doesn’t have as many years of experience. Find out what questions to ask about their work and what type of guarantee they offer before you commit. If it feels like someone’s not being honest or straight with you, walk away; doing business with liars and scammers can cost you more than just time.
3) Think about your lifestyle
When you’re trying to find a new service provider—be it a plumber, landscaper or something else—think about how they can help your life. For example: Do you need someone who works fast? Do you want someone reliable? Is price your biggest concern? By thinking about these questions before calling up contractors, you’ll give yourself an advantage.
4) Avoid contractors who offer deals that seem too good to be true
Unfortunately, unscrupulous contractors sometimes offer deals that seem too good to be true. Perhaps they will waive their consultation fee, for example. This is not a good sign. No reputable contractor charges just for a meeting or consultation; if they do, it’s because you’re a prospective client and it means they think your money is worth more than your time or peace of mind. It’s also not uncommon for dishonest contractors to insist on cash-only payments.
5) Search online, but also ask friends and neighbors
If you want to repair your home and you’re looking for a local contractor, there are plenty of online options. Check out ads on sites like Craigslist or check out professional organizations such as Angie’s List and search their membership directories by category. But if you really want to make sure that you hire someone qualified and trustworthy, it’s best not to go it alone. Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations; even better, ask them who they DON’T recommend!
6) Look out for companies with positive online reviews
While there are many ways for you to find a reputable company for your home improvement needs, but one of the best is by looking at online reviews. Research has shown that most people tend not to write a review unless they’re really happy with their experience, meaning those who take time out of their day and write something are likely pretty happy with what they received from a local service provider. If there are plenty of positive reviews on multiple websites, then it may be worth considering hiring them.
7) Never pay all of the money upfront
When looking for someone to do a home repair job, it’s best to pay them as they complete each section of work. This prevents you from paying a larger fee upfront and ending up with less than satisfactory results. In addition, there is little money lost if you cancel before your service provider has finished working. Be sure to have a written contract that outlines exactly what will be done and when payment is due before beginning any home repair project.
8) Work with someone you trust
You want a team of talented professionals to help with your home project and you want a contractor who is trustworthy. You don’t want someone who will disappear, miss deadlines or run out of money. You need someone who can deliver what he or she promises. And you also need someone you trust—after all, they’ll be working closely with you in your home and may have access to all kinds of information about you and your family members.
9) Check references
Although you may already have a good idea of who you want to hire and how much it’ll cost, it’s important that you vet them thoroughly. Before agreeing to anything, always check at least three references—ideally, previous clients or people they’ve worked with professionally.
10) Use everything at your disposal to help pick the right company
Use consumer reviews and testimonials, and make sure to look for long-standing businesses that have been around for several years. Never take chances with your home—work with reputable contractors who can prove their success, efficiency and expertise time and time again. If you have any questions about what to look out for when selecting local contractors for home repairs, it’s always a good idea to consult an expert. A quality inspector can give a thorough overview of everything you need to know before making a final decision.
