Finding a local Tradie
find a tradesman - To find a local tradie the old fashioned way was to look in the phone book, get 3 quotes and then choose the cheapest one.
Another option would be to look in the local paper for current ads. But
is this still the best way to find a plumber, carpeter, builder or even
car workshop?
How do you know you will get the right person for the job? And is cheaper always better?
Simpler and easier is to get on the computer and have a quick look
there. More and more people are finding tradies that way. The statistics
are clear. Traditional advertising media are loosing more and more
ground every year.
While looking online is quicker and easier, you are still faced with the
same problem – Am I getting the right person for the job?
When deciding on who to give your job to, it’s a good idea to think about what your priorities are.
Is my budget limited?
Is it important when the job is started and/or completed?
Is it important to have a top quality finish?
Is flexibility important?
Is it important to communicate easily?
These are just a few possible considerations.
It’s hard to know that you will get what you are looking for by just
talking on the phone to prospective tradespeople. Even if you get the
quote done in person, you still have no idea if the promises made will
be kept.
One way around the problem is to ask family members or friends if they
can recommend someone who has been doing a good job for them, but often
they don’t know either. Another way around the problem is to ask for
references. Ask the tradie, if they can give you a list of recent
customers and if it is ok to contact them. If your tradesperson has
nothing to hide he will gladly give you the information.
Two more things to consider:
A cheap job is not always a cheap job. If it’s not done right it
might cost you a whole lot more to take it all down again and start from
scratch.
In Australia many trades are required to be licensed. Always ask for
a license number and check if it is current (more on that in another
article). Also check if the tradie has the correct insurance cover.
find a tradesman - The easiest and quickest way to find the best tradies
in Australia is to look for recommended tradesmen in your local area on
elitetradies.com.au