By Costy Editorial Team 
A Practical Guide for UK Homeowners
Finding the right tradesperson can be the difference between a smooth renovation and a costly nightmare. This guide walks you through every step, from the first Google search to the final handshake.
Why Choosing the Right Trade Matters
Poor workmanship costs UK homeowners an estimated £4 billion every year, according to research by the Federation of Master Builders. Beyond the financial loss, bad work can create safety risks, void your home insurance, and add months of stress.
Step 1: Know What You Need Before You Search
Before you approach anyone, get clear on the scope of your project. A vague brief leads to vague quotes, and vague quotes lead to disputes. Write down:
- What you want done (the outcome, not the method)
- Your rough budget range
- Your preferred start and finish dates
- Any constraints, such as access limitations or building regulations requirements
Use Costy’s quick quote and scope builder to understand high-level costs and turn your ideas into a clear, structured document. Learn more here
Step 2: Find Candidates from Reliable Sources
Not all referral routes are equal. Here is how the main options compare:
| Source | Pros | Cons |
| Personal recommendation | High trust, verified experience | Limited pool, may not suit your trade |
| Checkatrade / Rated People/Mybuilder | Large database, reviews visible | Quality varies, paid listings, verification of some reviews is questionable. |
| Local Facebook groups | Fast responses, local | No formal vetting, unreliable reviews |
| Trade body sites such as Federation of Master Builders | High level of vetting to become a member | No visibility of trades reviews |
Step 3: Check Credentials and Memberships
Depending on the trade, certain qualifications and registrations are legally required or strongly advisable:
| Trade | What to Check |
| Electrician | NICEIC, NAPIT, or Part P registered |
| Gas engineer | Gas Safe Register (legally required) |
| Builder / general contractor | FMB membership, Trustmark |
| Plumber | WIAPS, CIPHE, or Water Regs accredited |
| Roofer | NFRC membership |
Always verify membership directly on the relevant scheme’s website.
Step 4: Get Multiple Quotes
Get at least three quotes for any project over £500. A good quote includes a detailed breakdown of labour and materials separately, the specific products to be used, start date and estimated duration, payment schedule and terms, and a clear scope of inclusions and exclusions.
Red flags: no written quote, a price dramatically lower than the others, requests for a large upfront payment, vague line items like ‘works as discussed’, or pressure to sign quickly.
Step 5: Check Reviews and References
Look for patterns in reviews rather than individual ratings. For larger projects, ask for two or three references you can contact directly. Ask past clients specifically whether the project came in on budget and on time, and how any problems were handled.
Step 6: Check their trading history
Look up the company on Companies House to understand how long they’ve been trading
If the business is less than 2 years old, ask about any previous ventures or experience
Note: this information is only available for limited companies
Ask directly:
- Have you been involved in any major disputes?
- Have you ever been bankrupt?
- Do you have any CCJs?
Step 7: Confirm Insurance
Before any work begins, confirm the tradesperson holds public liability insurance (minimum £1 million) and employers liability insurance if they bring employees or subcontractors onto your property.
Step 8: Make sure you have a suitable contract
- Make sure the contract reflects the scope and complexity of the job
- Clearly define what work will be done, how it will be carried out, and when it will be completed
- Set out payment terms and milestones so both sides understand when payments are due
- Confirm who is responsible for supplying materials, fixtures, and equipment
- Include any key assumptions, exclusions, and what happens if changes are needed during the project
Frequently Asked Questions
How many quotes should I get?
A minimum of three is standard advice. For larger projects above £5,000, aim for four or five. More quotes help you understand the realistic market rate and spot outliers.
Should I always go with the cheapest quote?
No. The cheapest quote is often cheap for a reason. Look at the full picture: materials specified, timeline, reviews, and payment terms. Choosing the second or third cheapest quote from a well-reviewed trade often delivers the best value.
What should I do if the work goes wrong?
Raise the issue in writing and give them a reasonable opportunity to fix it. If they refuse, escalate to their trade association, raise a small claims court action, or contact Trading Standards.
Do I need a contract for small jobs?
For anything over a few hundred pounds, yes. A simple written agreement covering scope, price, timeline, and payment terms protects both parties.
At Costy, we help homeowners get accurate estimates and connect with vetted tradespeople reviewed by real customers. Visit costy.com to get your free estimate.