Being a landlord comes with responsibilities, and using contractors is a key part of ensuring your property is cared for and safe for your tenants. So, how do you find the right contractors? Follow these tips to make sure you are using the best contractors.
Reviews
If you are looking online for a contractor, you should be able to read reviews. Google often has company reviews, as does a company’s Facebook page. You can also turn to Trustpilot. Read reviews carefully and make sure they are verified. If the reviews all sound similar, this could indicate they are fake. A reputable contractor will have a decent amount of varied reviews. One or two negatives amongst hundreds of positives shouldn’t ring alarm bells, but any more than that should.
Other platforms to search for reviews are Which? And Glassdoor.
Accreditations
Contractors should always have the necessary industry accreditations. You can visit the website of the specific accreditation to see if the listed one is genuine. Here we detail some of the common accreditations for various industries.
- CHAS
- CITB
- Electrical Safety Register
- Constructionline
- NICEIC
- OFTEC
- Master Locksmiths Association
The Right Questions
It is best to ask questions upfront to ensure you choose the right contractor. Some questions you could ask are:
- Opening times
- Payment terms
- GDPR process
- Availability for the scale of the project in hand
- If they are happy to deal with the tenants or if it has to be direct with you.
Spotting the Rogues
Being a busy landlord may mean you are juggling your landlord duties around a full-time job, and being short on time could lead to making quick decisions with contractors, which could cause more harm than good. Taking the time to review the above information and looking out for warning signs could save time and money in the long run.
Signs a contractor could be a rough trader include:
- They only accept cash payment
- They do not take the time to quote for the work or investigate
- They are pushy and unprofessional
- Their price is considerably lower than the industry average
- Their reviews are negative, seem fake or are non-existent.
- They do not have an online presence
- They change plans last minute and lack communication
Many professional letting agents, such as Hardings lettings, can point you in the right direction for trustworthy contractors.
Contact Hardings Lettings on 01277 233400.
