These tips are applicable to all companies, trades and builders
Use these tips from the beginning with the tradesman or company rep. that you call to look at
the work or project for you and it will give you the peace of mind that
you are picking the right person to look at the job.
Not following these tips /guidelines during the selection of companies/ tradesmen will give you very little
recourse should you find problems with the transaction or quality of their work.
Tips:
- All quotes or estimates must be in writing. A hand shake, verbal agreement or price on the phone is not advisable.
Always obtain written quotes and the format should be:
- All work that needs to be done divided between labour, materials and other costs (hire charges etc.)
- Cost breakdown of each stage if job is large
- How payments will be made, in stages or at the end of project
- Paperwork from the contractor should be on a company letterhead or contain the person's name. It should also have their address, phone no. and licence no. if applicable
- Any paperwork should have your address or the site of work address. It should be dated and clearly state if the price is inclusive of VAT
Note: A written quote is a binding price whereas an estimate is only an educated guess that can increase as the work
commences
- Ask if they have insurance. Public liability insurance is standard through all trades and protects you and the people
working on your property
- 'Cash jobs' are fine for small repairs and the like but for larger, higher value jobs the economy of
'it's cheaper without VAT' is false. Without VAT there is no record of the works and no 'comeback' for you
should you have a problem. A company or tradesman is less likely to put his name to paper on a price without VAT and
that will conflict with rule one - get it in writing. No VAT is also illegal
- Deposits and other payments. Always be wary of requests for large deposits as a company or tradesman could go
out of business overnight and that will mean your money is lost. Generally 10-15% is an acceptable deposit. Staged payments
are common place as they can give surety to the contractor and the customer. But they must be agreed upon prior to the
work commencing and clearly documented. Most good builders or tradesmen have accounts with their suppliers, so if they say
"we need the money for materials" this isn't a good sign!
- Never let the contractor or companies know you are getting a few quotes as they will be less inclined to issue you with one or
even call to see the job if they think you are getting multiple quotes. Also don't be tempted to start a bidding war mentioning other
prices you have been given. If they can chop money off the job price they also can cut corners when the work commences.
- There are more tips sent to you on individual trades when you place an order for the 'quote /estimate review service' from Conspect.ie
Larger works have other factors and tips to consider which are available after we receive an order for this service.
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Dublin City - South & North county - 01 5242062
Midlands - 044 9222724
West - 0766 151788
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