Jack and Lesley's advice

Before getting someone in to do some work - particularly if a trader has approached you directly - take a look at this checklist

• Does the work need doing?
   
• Never agree to work being done on spur of the moment by someone who knocks on your door.
   
• Treat special offers for show houses or discount prices because they are in the area with suspicion.
   
• Just because a trader advertises in a newspaper or telephone directory does not make him any more or less reputable than one who does not.  Such organisations do not have the time or facilities to check a trader out and must therefore take the advertisement at face value.
   
• Do not choose a contractor just because a generous guarantee is offered.  A guarantee is in addition to your statutory rights - it cannot remove or replace them and may be worthless if the trader goes out of business.
   
• Ask the trader of examples of his work already in the area.  If possible try to speak to the person who had the work done to check that they are completely satisfied with it, and that it really was that trader who did the work!
   
• Have you heard of the Company before?  Does the Company have a recognisable address and a non-mobile telephone number?  Check these out!
   
• Always get at least three written quotes, before deciding on who you are going to entrust with the work.
   
• Always insist on a written quotation on proper paperwork and make sure it lists all of the work to be carried out.
   
• Avoid paying in advance.
   
• Do not pay until the work is completely finished and you are satisfied.
   
• If you have any doubts DON'T HAVE THE WORK DONE!