Buying services can be more complicated than buying goods. That’s why it’s important to carefully choose your service provider and have a contract in place. Below we talk you through some useful tips before making an agreement with a service provider.

Building regulations and planning permission

Check if you need any kind of permissions or approvals before starting work on your Project. If you hire a service provider registered with a government-approved ‘competent person scheme,’ you don’t need to apply for building regulations approval yourself.

• Building regulations approval: This might be required even for minor improvements, like replacing windows or doors.
• Planning permission: Typically needed for new constructions or major changes, such as building an extension.

Reviewing quotes and estimates

A quote is a promise from the contractor to do the work at a fixed price. Don’t rely on a verbal quote - get it in writing.

• Get Multiple Quotes: Always get multiple quotes to compare prices before you decide on one. If one is much higher, it might be overpriced. If one is much lower, they might not understand your needs or might do poor quality work.
• Quotes vs Estimates: Ensure you get a quote instead of an estimate. A quote provides a fixed price, giving you clarity on the cost and what you’ll receive. An estimate is just an approximate guess, which could lead to higher costs. While estimates can be useful for projects with unknowns, usually, it’s best to get a quote.

Business and tax registration

Registered business details – Request their business details, including name, phone number, email, and address. If they refuse or give incomplete details, it raises a red flag.

Service provider’s tax registration: Verifying a service provider’s tax registration is important for several reasons:

• Legitimacy: Confirms that the tradesperson operates a legitimate business and complies with tax laws.
• Avoiding Liability: Protects you from potential tax liabilities. If the tradesperson is not registered, you might be held responsible for any unpaid taxes.
• Professionalism: Indicates a higher level of professionalism and commitment to their trade.

Assessing their experience

Customer references are important because they provide firsthand insights into the service provider’s reliability and quality of work. It’s a good idea to ask for references from past customers for larger, more expensive projects.

• Verify credibility: Ensure the provider has a history of satisfied clients.
• Assess quality: Understand the level of service and results you can expect.
• Make informed decisions: Use real experiences to guide your choice.

Public liability insurance

Public liability insurance is important for homeowners because it provides protection if someone is injured or their property is damaged while on your property. It’s not legally required, but it’s smart to ask for it. A reliable service provider will happily show their insurance documents, especially for big projects.

• Legal Coverage: Helps with legal fees and compensation if a claim is made against you.
• Business Credibility: Having this insurance demonstrates that you are a responsible and professional business.
• Peace of Mind: Provides assurance that you are protected against potential financial losses.

Contracts and agreements

When purchasing a service, it’s usually wise to have a written agreement. This helps minimize the risk of disputes and misunderstandings. Document everything in writing (email or text) to ensure clarity.

• Time schedule: Agree on the start, duration, and completion dates.
• Payment Schedule & Method: Set a clear payment schedule & Method.
• Materials: Clarify what materials are included in the quote.
• Guarantees: Ensure any guarantees are provided in writing.
• Certificates: Discuss and document any necessary certificates before starting the work.