Most tradespeople do honest, skilled work. The trouble starts when a homeowner hires on price alone or on the promise of a quick start, then discovers the work is unsafe, uncertified or unfinished. A few checks before anyone picks up a tool protect your home and your money.
Gas work needs a Gas Safe registered engineer
By law, anyone working on gas appliances, boilers or pipework in your home must be on the Gas Safe Register. Ask to see the engineer’s Gas Safe ID card, which shows their photo, licence number and the types of gas work they are qualified to carry out. Check the number on the Gas Safe Register website before work starts and make sure the card covers the job you need.
Electrical work must meet Part P
Electrical work in homes in England must meet Part P of the Building Regulations. Larger jobs, such as a new circuit, a consumer unit replacement or changes to circuits around a bath or shower, are notifiable, which means building control must be told. The simplest route is an electrician registered with a competent person scheme such as NICEIC or NAPIT, who can self-certify the work. On completion you should receive an Electrical Installation Certificate and confirmation that the work has been notified.
Ask for proof of insurance
Public liability insurance covers damage or injury caused by the work. Ask to see a current certificate and check the level of cover and the expiry date. If the tradesperson employs other people, they must also hold employers’ liability insurance, which is a legal requirement for most employers.
Get a written quote with a clear scope
An estimate is a rough guide that can change, while a quote is a fixed price for a defined job. Ask for a written quote that sets out the scope of work, materials, start and finish dates, payment stages and what happens if the scope changes. Compare quotes on what they include rather than the headline figure, as a low price can hide a narrow scope.
Agree fair payment terms
Be wary of anyone who asks for a large payment upfront. A deposit to cover materials is normal on bigger jobs, with the balance paid in stages as the work progresses. Hold back the final payment until the job is finished to your satisfaction and the relevant certificates are in your hands.
Know your rights
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires a trader to carry out work with reasonable care and skill, within a reasonable time and for a reasonable price where none was agreed. If you sign a contract in your own home rather than at the trader’s premises, the Consumer Contracts Regulations usually give you 14 days to cancel. If you want work to start within that period, you will normally need to request it in writing and may have to pay for any work already done.
Check waste is removed legally
Anyone who takes waste away from your property must be registered as a waste carrier with the Environment Agency. Householders have a legal duty to check. Waste that is fly-tipped and traced back to your home can leave you facing a fine. Ask for the carrier registration number and check it on the public register at GOV.UK.
Look for evidence of past work
Ask for references from recent customers and photos of similar jobs. Reviews on independent platforms help, though a short conversation with a past customer tells you far more about how a tradesperson works.
How Aspire Trades make it simple
Aspire Trades bring plumbing and heating, electrics, carpentry, plastering and decorating together in one team, handpicked for their craft, care and consistency. You deal with one team instead of several contractors while every trade works to the same plan and programme. Ask us for our registrations, insurance certificates and references at any stage and we will share them.
Talk to Aspire Trades
Need a skilled tradesperson in Worcester, Hereford or the surrounding area? Call us on 01905 935043 or email Enquiries@alwaysaspire.co.uk to tell us about the job. Our office is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
