Why it matters so much
Home improvement scams cost UK homeowners an estimated £2.5 billion a year. Rogue traders operate across every trade — from cowboy builders to unlicensed electricians. The good news: a few simple checks before hiring dramatically reduce your risk.
Get recommendations, not just reviews
Word of mouth remains the gold standard. Ask neighbours, family, and friends for recommendations from people they have actually used. Online reviews can be fabricated — but personal recommendations come with accountability. When using a platform like Quote2, look for tradespeople with verified reviews from previous jobs rather than generic star ratings.
Check registrations and qualifications
Certain trades must be registered: electricians should be Part P registered (NICEIC, NAPIT), gas engineers must be Gas Safe registered, and installers of solid fuel stoves should be HETAS registered. Check these registers directly — do not just take the tradesperson's word for it. For general building work, membership of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) or TrustMark provides some assurance.
Get three quotes
For any significant job, get at least three quotes. Not just for price comparison — but because the quoting process reveals a lot about a tradesperson. Do they turn up on time? Do they clearly explain what the job involves? Do they provide a written, itemised quote? A vague verbal estimate is a red flag regardless of price.
Never pay everything upfront
This is the most important financial rule. Agree a staged payment schedule tied to milestones. For a week-long job, a reasonable deposit is 10–25%. Never pay more than 50% before work begins. Be especially wary of anyone who asks for cash only, a large deposit to "buy materials", or full payment before the job is done.
Check insurance
Any tradesperson working in your home should have public liability insurance. This covers damage to your property or injury to third parties. Ask for evidence of their policy. A professional will have it readily available — anyone who cannot provide it should not be allowed on site.