Top Qualities of a Good Contractor and Their Qualifications

Whether you are contracting or employing trades for a construction project, it is essential to ensure you are working with quality tradesman.

It can take a while to find the right person for a job. We’ve put together some handy tips to consider to ensure you’re working with quality trades.

Ensure your trades are appropriately licensed

Always ensure your trades hold the correct qualifications and license to carry out the necessary work. It is essential that you verify the trades license rather than skills. In most cases, a license is a legal requirement, and they are not able to work without one.

Check that your trade has the correct insurance

A quality tradesman should have two types of insurance:

• Income protection insurance to cover themselves and their income should they injure themselves on-site; and
• Public liability insurance which will cover injuries to third parties and damage to property.

Ask to see their certificate of currency.

Know what you’re going to get - ask for a written quote

Getting a written quote applies particularly to homeowners engaging trades.

Always seek a detailed written quote, never accept cash jobs.

A written quote ensures you know what you are getting for your money, and you have something to refer to if there is a dispute.

You also know exactly what you are paying - ask if the quoted price is an estimate or a fixed price.

Make sure the required payments are clearly stated and agreed to and never pay in full upfront for any construction work.

Ask around about their reputation

Particularly in the construction industry, many trades know each other. If you’re about to start working with someone new, ask around the industry to find out about the quality of work they complete and their work ethic.

A trade must be professional both on the worksite with other trades and with clients.

Carry out a quick Google search on them and check their reviews. If they have a website or Social Media page for their business, have a look at their previous work and comments and reviews left. If the trade has completed construction jobs locally, drive by to have a look at the work yourself.

Whether for professional use or your own personal construction jobs, finding a quality tradesman is key to the smooth running and success of your project.

Learn more about How to Improve Your Building Company’s Efficiency
here.