The Right Way to Choose Trades

Hiring a tradesperson is the most critical step of any home renovation. While platforms like Checkatrade have made it easier than ever to find local professionals, the fear of hiring a “rogue trader” remains a major concern for UK homeowners. A recent survey found that 1 in 3 homeowners have had a negative experience with a tradesperson, leading to lost money, project delays, and immense stress.

But what if you could virtually eliminate that risk? What if you had a foolproof system to not only find great tradespeople but also ensure their quotes are fair and transparent?

This guide will walk you through the ultimate 5-step vetting process to hire with confidence. A powerful new tool from RefurbMate that is changing the game for renovation budgeting and quote verification.

Step 1: Create Your Checkatrade Shortlist (The Right Way)

Don’t just pick the first profile you see. A methodical approach to creating your shortlist is the foundation of a successful hire.

Actionable Steps:

• Identify 3-5 Potential Trades: Use Checkatrade to find tradespeople in your area with a high number of positive reviews.
• Read the Reviews (Not Just the Score): Look for detailed reviews that mention communication, punctuality, and cleanliness. Are the reviews recent?
• Check Their Profile Thoroughly: Do they have insurance? Are they a registered company? How long have they been on Checkatrade?
• Review Their Photos: Look for a consistent portfolio of high-quality work that matches the project you have in mind.

Step 2: The 15-Minute Phone Screen

A quick phone call can tell you almost everything you need to know about a tradesperson’s professionalism and suitability.

Key Questions to Ask:

• “What’s your availability like over the next [X] weeks?”
• “Have you completed projects similar to mine recently?”
• “Do you have a team, or do you work alone?”
• “Are you happy to provide a detailed, written quote?”

Red Flag: If they are hesitant to answer questions, seem rushed, or can start tomorrow (good trades are often busy), be cautious.

Step 3: The On-Site Quote & The ‘Vibe Check’

Invite your top 2-3 candidates for an on-site visit. This is as much about their assessment of the job as it is about your assessment of them.

What to Look For:

• Punctuality: Did they arrive on time?
• Professionalism: Are they asking smart questions and taking notes?
• Transparency: Do they explain potential challenges and offer solutions?

Request a detailed quote from each. A vague quote is a major red flag.

Step 4: The RefurbMate Quote-Check (Your Secret Weapon)

You’ve received 2-3 quotes. One is £5,000, another is £7,500, and a third is £10,000. How do you know which is fair? This is where homeowners often make the biggest mistakes.

Instead of guessing, it’s time to use your secret weapon.RefurbMate have developed an AI-powered tool that generates a detailed, impartial renovation cost report based on your specific project and location. It’s like having a Quantity Surveyor in your pocket.

How It Works:

1. Get Your RefurbMate Report: Upload photos and a detailed description of your project to the RefurbMate AI Cost Calculator.
2. Receive an Itemised Estimate: Within minutes, the AI provides a detailed breakdown of expected costs for materials and labour, benchmarked against RICS standards.
3. Compare with Your Quotes: You can now confidently compare the quotes you’ve received against an impartial, data-driven standard.

Get Your Free AI Renovation Report Now →

Step 5: The Final Decision & Contract

Armed with your Checkatrade reviews and your RefurbMate cost analysis, you’re ready to make a final, informed decision.

Final Checklist:

• Choose Your Tradesperson: Select the one who communicated well, has strong reviews, and provided a quote that aligns with the RefurbMate report.
• Get a Written Contract: Never proceed without a contract. It should include the total cost, payment schedule, start/end dates, and a detailed scope of work.
• Agree on a Payment Schedule: A common schedule is a small deposit, milestone payments, and a final payment upon satisfactory completion. Never pay the full amount upfront.

Conclusion: Hire Smarter, Not Harder

By combining the verified reviews of Checkatrade with the data-driven insights of RefurbMate, you create a powerful, modern vetting process that protects you from rogue traders and ensures you pay a fair price for quality work. Stop the guesswork and start your next renovation project with total confidence.

Ready to find your perfect tradesperson? Start browsing on Checkatrade today, and don’t forget to validate your quotes with a free RefurbMate report.