Employing a tradesperson to work on your home can feel daunting without a clear plan. We have compiled a comprehensive hiring checklist covering what to do before, during, and after hiring a professional on MyTradesShop to keep your project on budget and completed to high standards.

1. Before You Hire: Vetting & Profile Checks

While MyTradesShop screens businesses before allowing them on our service, reviewing candidate profiles helps you select the best match for your specific project scope:

  • Business Information: Review company age, structure (sole trader vs. Ltd), and team size to ensure the business matches the scale of your project.
  • Qualifications & Trades: Look for verified trade certificates and specialization badges directly on their profile. We verify official qualifications before displaying them.
  • Customer Reviews: Read feedback left by previous local clients. Note: Newer members may have fewer reviews on our platform while still bringing years of trade experience.
  • Public Liability Insurance: Check if verified insurance coverage is listed on their profile. If not verified on file, ask the tradesperson directly for a copy of their insurance certificate before work begins.
  • References & Past Work: Ask to view photos of recent work or speak with past clients, especially for larger renovations or structural builds.
  • Written Contracts: For large-scale projects, draw up a clear written contract detailing scopes, materials, and expectations using standard legal templates.

2. During the Hiring & Execution Phase

Before work begins, clarify pricing structure and project milestones to prevent misunderstandings:

  • Quote vs. Estimate: Ensure you know whether you are receiving a fixed written quote or an open estimate. Confirm if costs include VAT, cleanup, and materials.
  • Deposits & Payment Schedules: Understand deposit requests. Small upfront deposits for custom materials or special ordering are common, but full payment should never be paid before work starts. Agree on stage payments for lengthy projects.
  • Timelines & Written Agreements: Agree on target start and completion dates, along with written invoices or receipts for all transactions.
  • Clear Communication: Keep communication open during the job. Changing project specifications mid-way is a leading cause of dispute—discuss additions promptly and confirm extra costs in writing.

3. After Job Completion: Review & Sign-Off

Once the work is inspected to your satisfaction and the final balance is settled:

  • Leave Customer Feedback: Submit a detailed review on MyTradesShop reflecting your experience. Your review holds tradespeople accountable and helps fellow homeowners make confident hiring decisions.
  • Retain Guarantee Paperwork: Keep any written guarantees, safety certificates, or maintenance documents provided by the tradesperson in a safe place.

Have additional questions about hiring a specialist? Contact our team anytime through our Support Page for assistance.