How to Find Reliable Tradespeople in the UK: A Homeowner’s Guide

Finding reliable tradespeople is one of the biggest concerns for UK homeowners. Whether you’re planning a small repair or a major renovation, choosing the wrong contractor can lead to poor workmanship, delays and unnecessary stress. This guide explains how to find trustworthy tradespeople — and avoid costly mistakes.

Why Finding the Right Tradesperson Matters

Your home is likely your biggest investment. Poor-quality work doesn’t just look bad — it can create safety issues, reduce property value and cost far more to fix later. Taking time to properly vet tradespeople is essential.

Check Qualifications and Accreditations

Always confirm that a tradesperson is properly qualified for the work they’re carrying out. Key UK accreditations include:

• Gas Safe Register – required for any gas work
• NICEIC or NAPIT – for electrical installations
• TrustMark – government-endorsed quality scheme

Accreditations don’t guarantee perfection, but they significantly reduce risk.

Read Reviews — But Be Selective

Where to Look

• Checkatrade
• MyBuilder
• Which? Trusted Traders

How to Read Reviews Properly

• Look for consistent patterns, not one-off comments
• Check how recent the reviews are
• Pay attention to how complaints are handled

A few negative reviews are normal — repeated issues are not.

Always Get Multiple Quotes

Getting at least three quotes helps you understand realistic pricing and spot red flags.

• Be wary of quotes that are significantly cheaper than others
• Ensure quotes are detailed, not vague
• Confirm what is included and excluded

The cheapest quote often costs more in the long run.

Check Insurance and Guarantees

Before work starts, confirm the tradesperson has:

• Public liability insurance
• Employer’s liability insurance (if applicable)
• Clear guarantees or warranties on work

Never rely on verbal assurances — ask to see documents.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

• Refusal to provide written quotes or contracts
• Requests for large upfront payments
• No fixed address or online presence
• Pressure to make quick decisions

If something feels wrong, it usually is.

The Importance of Written Contracts

A written contract protects both parties and should include:

• Scope of work
• Costs and payment schedule
• Timescales
• Dispute resolution process

Why Working with Fixiz Makes It Easier

At Fixiz, we remove the guesswork by providing fully vetted, professional teams for loft conversions, garage conversions and house extensions across London. Our clients benefit from clear contracts, transparent pricing and reliable workmanship from start to finish.

Planning work on your home?
Contact Fixiz today for a no-obligation consultation and let us take the risk and stress out of finding reliable tradespeople.