How to Find a Trusted Trader

Having any work done on your home can seem pretty daunting so employing a tradesman you can trust goes a long way in relieving some of this stress. The Warmer Homes Heating and Renewables team pride ourselves on our workmanship, professional staff and honest pricing, and this has been endorsed by our acceptance on to the Which? Trusted Trader scheme, the reviews we receive online and winning the Customer Service Award at the Thurrock Business Awards. But if you are employing a tradesman for any work around your home, how can you make sure you will get the best person for the job?

Get recommendations from friends or family
The best way by far to choose a reliable plumber, electrician or builder is by word of mouth. Ask family, neighbours, colleagues or nearby friends for referrals. You can also check out completely independent reviews of Warmer Homes Heating and Renewables on our Facebook page, Checkatrade, Which? Trusted Trader and Trustatrader pages and our website.

Get a written quote
Ask for written quotes from three separate traders to get an idea of cost for comparison. A quote is a tradesman’s offer to do work at a fixed price and will outline full costs (this is different to an estimate, which is just a rough idea of the cost). The price should be accurate barring any extenuating circumstances. We give all our customers written quote which outlines all the work we plan to do so there will be no nasty surprises once the work is complete.

What are their qualifications?
It’s worth checking what qualifications are recommended with the relevant trade association and what qualifications are compulsory. All heating engineers must be Gas Safe registered and you will find Warmer Homes Heating and Renewables on the Gas Safe Register.

Check insurances
Always ask your tradesman what insurances they have and ask to see their certificates.  Ask to see the their public liability insurance certificate. Any building work may also affect your home and contents insurance so check with your insurance company before work begins.

What are their contact details?
It’s still important to have a telephone number and address so you know they’re a genuine company and you can track them down if needs be. Our full address details, including telephone number, are all listed on our website.

Agree working hours
As well as agreeing the price in advance, it’s worth talking through some of the other practical details. Are you happy with your plumber turning up at 8am in the morning and leaving 6-7pm? Also, find out their daily/hourly rate: helpful if additional work is required over the agreed quote. Our team try, where possible, to fit in around the hours that best suit you and your family.