Where to Find Information on Good Trades People

Why Research Matters Before You Hire

Choosing a tradesperson to work on your home takes some groundwork. A bit of time spent checking their background can save you from poor workmanship, unexpected costs, or worse.

Most tradespeople who do good work are happy for you to look into their history. They want you to see their reviews, check their credentials, and speak to previous customers. If someone seems reluctant to provide references or proof of their qualifications, that should give you pause.

There are several reliable ways to find information on tradespeople in the UK, and most of them are free to use.

Government Approved Schemes

One of the most straightforward ways to check whether a tradesperson meets certain standards is through government approved schemes. These schemes are designed to ensure tradespeople meet essential criteria, vetting things like their qualifications, insurance, and in some cases their financial standing.

TrustMark is the main government endorsed quality scheme in the UK. Tradespeople registered with TrustMark have been assessed against recognised standards and agree to follow a code of conduct. You can search for TrustMark registered businesses by trade and location on their website.

For specific types of work, other approved schemes may apply. Gas engineers must be on the Gas Safe Register by law in England, Scotland, and Wales. Northern Ireland has separate regulations. Electricians are often registered with bodies like NICEIC or NAPIT, and for certain types of electrical work in England and Wales, registration with a government approved competent person scheme may be necessary to self-certify the work.

You can find a list of government approved schemes and what they cover on GOV.UK. Citizens Advice can also provide guidance on hiring tradespeople and what to look for.

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Trade Associations and Professional Bodies

Many tradespeople belong to trade associations relevant to their line of work. These associations usually require members to meet certain standards and may offer dispute resolution if something goes wrong.

Examples include the Federation of Master Builders for general building work, the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, and the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering. While membership indicates a commitment to quality and standards, it does not guarantee flawless work.

Most trade associations have online directories where you can search for members in your area. Some will also confirm whether a business is currently a member in good standing if you contact them directly. It is worth checking whether a tradesperson is covered by an alternative dispute resolution scheme, which can help if problems arise after the work is completed.

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Reviews and Recommendations

Personal recommendations from people you trust can be useful. Friends, family, or neighbours who have had similar work done may be able to point you towards someone reliable.

Online review platforms are another option. Websites like Checkatrade, Which? Trusted Traders, and Rated People allow customers to leave feedback on tradespeople they have used. When reading reviews, look for patterns rather than focusing on a single comment. A few negative reviews among many positive ones may not be a concern, but repeated complaints about the same issue could be a warning sign.

While most reviews are sincere, it is wise to remain discerning as some feedback may not fully reflect every customer's experience. A business with only glowing five star ratings and no criticism at all may warrant a closer look.

What to Check Before You Commit

Once you have found a tradesperson who seems suitable, it is advisable to consider the following before proceeding:

• Ask for proof of insurance, including public liability cover
• Request references from recent customers and follow up on them
• Get a written quote that sets out exactly what work will be done and what it will cost
• Check whether they are registered with any relevant schemes or bodies
• Confirm their business address and contact details
• For larger projects, agree a written contract covering payment terms and timelines

Taking these steps will not eliminate all risk, but it will reduce the chances of problems further down the line. A reputable tradesperson will expect you to ask questions and should be willing to provide the information you need.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Spot a Scammer lets you describe what a trader has said or done and find out whether it sounds like a scam. Try it now →