Before you get a quote
If possible, get three quotes to compare costs.
Ask how long the tradesman has been in business.
Ask whether they have ever been sued.
Check they do exactly the type of work you want them to do.
Ask when they might be able to do the work.
Ask what qualifications the tradesman has. To find out which ones are recognised in the industry, contact the relevant trade association (see our Links section).

Know the difference between an 'estimate' (which is a rough guide to price) and a 'quote' (which can't be changed without consent once it's agreed).
 
Before you accept a quote
Make sure the quote includes all the work you need done, so you can properly compare quotes from different tradesmen. Don't forget to check if VAT is included (it is only very small companies that can avoid VAT registration).
Ask for details of recent jobs the tradesman has carried out which are similar to yours and don't be afraid to contact the previous customers for an opinion on the work.
If the tradesman is a member of a trade association (see our Links section) and has a membership number, contact the association (either by phone or via its website) to verify this.
Ask for written details on how to make a complaint should things go wrong.
Check the tradesman has insurance cover for accidents - including for areas outside your property ie your neighbour's home.
Check you will be given a printed invoice for the work, which can act as an official record of the job.
Check if an initial deposit is expected, and if so, what this covers. Good tradesmen have credit accounts with suppliers, so should not request money for materials, or anything else, in advance.
Especially for larger jobs, check the tradesman offers an insurance-backed warranty, covering the work for a set period of time (and ask to see it before work starts).
Check if the tradesman uses sub-contractors and if so, if they are covered by any insurance and guarantees.
 
Putting it all in writing


Finding a good tradesman can be such hard work, you may end up forgetting to set the ‘ground rules’ before work begins. No matter how small the job, a contract can prevent misunderstandings and make sure both parties agree on the cost and duration of a project. It can also cover the minor details which, although may seem silly now, can become a bone of contention further down the line. Contracts can also be a great help in the case of a complaint.

For larger jobs, such as building work, standard contracts are available in WH Smiths or online (see our Links section), which you can simply fill in with the details of your job.
Whether you use a pre-formed contract, or simply write one yourself, make sure it includes:
   
Full contact details of all parties involved.
A description of the work that needs to be done (you may find it helpful to refer to the wording on the original quote) and the procedures or materials to be used.
The cost of each part of the job, plus the overall cost.
The timings of the job, although allowances should be included for any unforeseen delays, such as bad weather.
Details on how and when payments will be made, and whether money may be held back until any problems are sorted.
 
And the smaller details:
 
Whether the tradesman should provide their own refreshments.
Whether the tradesman is allowed to use the bathroom in the house.
If necessary, whether the tradesman can use the home telephone for calls relating to the job.
How any rubble or debris will be disposed of.
The level of cleanliness expected at the end of the work.
Whether the tradesman will bring their own supplies to clean up after the work.
Whether any 'touching up' will be required to the décor, and if so, if the tradesman will do it.
Between what times of day the work can be carried out.
 
And don't forget, if the job changes, to ensure these details are also put in writing.