Check the accreditation
Use the relevant trade body’s own register. Do not rely only on a logo shown on a van, leaflet or website.
Homeowner guidance
Practical help before, during and after the work
Hiring someone to work on your home should feel straightforward. A few sensible checks, clear written agreements and good records can prevent many of the problems homeowners face.
Use these resources whether you are planning a job, comparing quotes, managing work in progress or deciding what to do when something has gone wrong.
Before you hire
Start with the right checks
Compare written quotes
Ask for the same work to be priced by more than one business, with labour, materials, timescales and payment stages set out clearly.
Read independent reviews
Look beyond testimonials controlled by the business and pay attention to how recent complaints have been handled.
Confirm who you are hiring
Keep the full business name, address, telephone number and the name of the person responsible for your job.
Avoid pressure
Be cautious about doorstep approaches, today-only prices, urgent claims and requests for a large payment before work begins.
Keep everything together
Save the quote, contract, messages, invoices, receipts, guarantees and photographs in one place.
While work is underway
Keep the job clear and documented
Good records make misunderstandings easier to resolve.
- 1
Agree changes before they happen
If the scope or price changes, ask for the reason, revised cost and effect on the timetable in writing.
- 2
Use agreed payment stages
Match payments to clear stages of completed work and keep a receipt or transaction record for each one.
- 3
Raise concerns early
Explain the problem calmly and specifically, and give the trader a reasonable opportunity to respond.
- 4
Photograph progress
Take clear dated photographs before work starts, during key stages and when the job is complete.
- 5
Check the handover
Before the final payment, check the agreed work and collect any certificates, instructions and written guarantees.
When something goes wrong
Take the next step calmly
Write down the problem
Record what happened, when it happened and what outcome you are asking for. Keep copies of every message and document.
Contact the trader in writing
Set out the issue clearly and give a reasonable deadline for a response or proposed remedy.
Check how you paid
Your bank or card provider may be able to explain whether any payment protection or recovery route applies.
Get consumer advice
Citizens Advice can explain your consumer rights and pass appropriate complaints to Trading Standards.
Report threats or crime
Contact the police if you believe a crime has occurred. Call 999 where someone is in immediate danger.
Ask for further support
TradeWatch’s support page brings together routes for people affected by trade-related crime.
Report crime
Use the right police route
Call 999 when a crime is happening, someone is in immediate danger or urgent police help is needed.
For a crime that has already happened and is not an emergency, contact your local police online or call 101. Keep relevant messages, receipts, photographs and other evidence ready.
Visit Police.uk’s crime-reporting guidance for current information.
Anonymous information
Contact Crimestoppers without giving your name
Crimestoppers is an independent charity, not the police. It accepts information about crime anonymously through its online form or by telephone.
You can call 0800 555 111 at any time, day or night. Crimestoppers says it does not take personal details and guarantees anonymity.
Give information anonymously through Crimestoppers. For an emergency, always call 999.
More help
Homeowner guides and support
How to check a tradespersonThe checks to make before agreeing to work
How TradeWatch vets tradespeopleThe checks behind TradeWatch Approved status
Citizens Advice consumer serviceIndependent guidance about consumer problems
Support for victimsHelp after trade-related crime or serious misconduct
Safe Trades DirectoryBrowse approved local businesses
Hire with confidence
Find a vetted local tradesperson
Tell us about your job and we will connect you with up to 3 vetted local tradespeople to quote. It is free, with no obligation.
This page is general guidance, not legal advice. For advice about your own circumstances, contact Citizens Advice, the police or a qualified adviser as appropriate.