The right accreditation
Work such as gas, electrics and windows needs a registered professional. Check the trade body’s own register, such as Gas Safe, NICEIC or FENSA, rather than relying on a logo.
Hiring safely
Check before you hire
Most tradespeople are honest and skilled, but rogue traders still catch people out every year. A few simple checks before you agree to any work make it far more likely the job is done properly, at a fair price.
Use this guide whenever you are hiring, whether you found the tradesperson through TradeWatch, a recommendation or anywhere else.
Good signs
Signs of a reputable tradesperson
A clear written quote
A detailed quote that breaks down materials, labour and timings, with no pressure to decide on the spot.
Fair payment terms
Payment in agreed stages as the work progresses, never a large sum up front or a demand for cash only.
Insurance and guarantees
Public liability insurance and a written guarantee on the work. It is reasonable to ask to see both.
Genuine references
Happy to share recent reviews or put you in touch with past customers, and has reviews on independent sites.
Proper contact details
A full business name, a trading address and a landline as well as a mobile number.
Warning signs
Red flags to watch for
Knocking on your door
Rogue traders often turn up unannounced, claiming they have spotted a problem with your roof or driveway. Never agree to work on the doorstep.
Pressure to decide today
Today-only prices and talk of urgent danger are classic pressure tactics. A genuine professional will give you time to think.
Cash or large deposits
Requests for full payment up front, cash only or a bank transfer to a personal account should ring alarm bells.
Cold calls and texts
Be cautious of unexpected calls or messages offering work or grants. Reputable businesses rarely cold-call.
Vague or verbal quotes
If the price is not in writing, or the scope of work keeps growing once the job has started, step back.
No verifiable details
Only a mobile number, no business address or a refusal to give references are all reasons to walk away.
Quick checklist
Before you agree to any work
Six steps that take a few minutes and can save you thousands.
- 1
Get more than one quote
Compare two or three written quotes for the same job, so you know what a fair price looks like.
- 2
Check the accreditation yourself
Search the trade body’s register by the business name or registration number.
- 3
Read independent reviews
Look beyond the testimonials on the trader’s own website.
- 4
Ask about insurance and guarantees
Ask for proof of public liability insurance and what the guarantee covers.
- 5
Put everything in writing
Agree the price, scope, start date and payment stages in writing before work begins.
- 6
Pay in stages
Avoid paying in full up front. Paying by credit card can give you extra protection on larger jobs.
Your rights
Your rights as a consumer
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a trader must carry out work with reasonable care and skill, within a reasonable time and for a reasonable price if none was agreed. If the work falls short, you can ask the trader to put it right. If they cannot or will not, you may be entitled to a price reduction.
If you agree a contract at home or anywhere away from the trader’s business premises, you normally have 14 days to cancel. The trader must give you this information in writing. If they don’t, the cancellation period can be extended.
For free advice, or to report a rogue trader to Trading Standards, contact the Citizens Advice consumer service.
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This page is general guidance, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, contact Citizens Advice or a qualified adviser.