We all need some help from time to time. People who have the expertise and experience to offer their guidance are incredibly valuable, whether you’re moving house, doing a renovation or re-designing your garden. However… How can you make sure you’re choosing the right person for the job?
There are some little tips and tricks everyone uses like getting personal recommendations and shying away from the telltale signs of rogue tradesmen (very cheap service costs, not offering written quotes and no references). Here we want to offer you 5 positive steps to guide you to finding the right person for the job.
Do your research beforehand
Before you look online for all of the tradesmen or companies that could possibly give you the home improvement you want, do some independent research. Companies that provide you with information about their products are primarily trying to sell to you, so try to find independent resources, or aggregate resources.
You want to find out as much as possible about the home improvement project you’re thinking of doing. We don’t usually think about load-bearing walls or the intricacies of uPVC windows in our day to day lives, so it’s best to do some research so you can have an educated conversation with the company or tradesman you choose
Compare, compare, compare
It’s a well known fact that comparing multiple quotes gives you a better chance at getting a lower price for big purchases. Even if you decide to go for a pricier option, you’ll have made this decision with clear eyes by knowing what the going rates are. But there are some techniques to use when comparing to make your decision even more effective.
Don’t just compare prices – compare company profiles, reviews and ratings. Sites like this one allow you to do so. An in-depth comparison will allow you to find the exact right person for the job. Purely going on prices won’t be nearly as effective.
Take your time
One sales technique used by many companies, including home improvement services, is to put pressure on potential customers by offering “same-day discounts” and other time restrictions that offer certain benefits. These are very tempting, but in most cases resisting the temptation will mean you are better off in the long run.
To make the calmest and most informed decision, it’s best to act based on a reflection. Take a few days to think about your interactions with the roofer you’ve been talking to. Did they seem trustworthy and did they have your best interests at heart? What convinces you they’ll be the right person for the job? Careful consideration is key.
Get a detailed plan
Once you’ve narrowed down your search to just a few tradesmen or service companies, get as detailed a plan as possible. This means getting answers to questions that start with who, what, where, when, why and how. When we’re having our kitchen or bathroom redone, it’s enough of a stressful time without the unknowns that come along with it.
Reducing unknowns and improving your planning reduces stress. If you can eliminate as many of these unknowns as possible, you’ll feel a lot better about the person you’re working with. To be honest, if they aren’t willing to give you a detailed plan, do they truly have your interests in mind? It’s important to think about these things.
Maintain your relationship
This is less about choosing the right person and more about ensuring they remain the right person. Once you’ve found your absolutely ideal service professional, it’s time to make sure they give you the best they’ve got. Support them in any way you can. Offer them cups of tea. Chat to them about their day.
This sounds silly and trivial (you’re paying for a service after all, aren’t you?), but it’s undeniable that we like to do things for people we like. So by making friends with the people who are working for you, you may get an extra special service. It pays to be nice!