TRUSTWORTHY TRADESPEOPLE
Fri 20 Oct 2023
It is up there with late rents, difficult tenants, and broken boilers on a landlord's/letting agent's headache meter!
What are we discussing?
Finding (and retaining) trustworthy tradespeople who can manage property maintenance or issues that landlords and letting agents need to address.
Let us face it: being a landlord/letting agent can sometimes want to juggle a million things simultaneously. From collecting rent to dealing with tenant complaints, there is always a bright moment in property management. But one of the biggest headaches for any landlord is finding a reliable tradesperson for maintenance and repairs.
The Importance of Trustworthy and Rated Tradespeople
When something goes wrong in one of your rental properties, you need someone who can fix it quickly and efficiently. And more importantly, you need someone you can trust to do the job right the first time. Your reputation as a landlord/agent is on the line. Finding a dependable, trusted trader is more challenging than it sounds. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know who to choose. But fear not! I have some tips to help you find the perfect tradesperson for all your landlord needs.
Ask for Recommendations
One of the best ways to find dependable, trusted tradesmen and women is by asking for recommendations from other landlords or property managers. They have dealt with similar issues and can give you advice and insight into their experiences with different tradespeople in your area.
You should be bold and ask for two or three references and do it without hesitation. The next step is to call the references and ask them about the quality of the tradesman's work and service; if the task is vast, you might even want to stop by his place of business to evaluate his performance in person. If the tradesperson is unwilling to provide references, you should inquire about the reason; this is typically highly revealing.
Word-of-mouth recommendations are gold in the world of property management. If someone has had a positive experience with a particular tradesperson, chances are you will, too. Feel free to reach out and ask for their contact information - it could save you much time and stress down the line. For example, my trusted electrician relocated down south, and I was stuck, so I called a friend who runs a busy country restaurant and bar; he kindly gave me the name and number of the electrician that they use when they have a problem. I called the tradesman, and he arrived the same day; the job was done, and now he is saved for the next time I need an electrician.
Never hire someone who just randomly approaches you. Always say no to service providers who knock on your door uninvited. Many con artists are out there, and honest businesspeople are only sometimes hired through unsolicited calls.
NOTE!
Before hiring any tradesperson, it is essential to do your research. Take the time to look up their company online and read reviews from previous customers. This will give you an idea of their reliability and professionalism.
You should also check if they have any certifications or qualifications that are relevant to their trade. This ensures that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to manage your property's maintenance needs.
Here's a list of different types of tradespeople in the UK:
• Plumber
• Electrician
• Carpenter
• Painter and Decorator
• Roofer
• Bricklayer
• Joiner
• Tiler
• Plasterer
• HVAC Technician
• Landscape Gardener
• Flooring Installer
• Welder
• Fencer
• Glazier
• Stonemason
• Locksmith
• Scaffolder
• Drainage Engineer
• Pest Control Technician
• Drywaller (Plasterboard Installer)
• Carpet Installer
• Arborist (Tree Surgeon)
• Blacksmith
• Solar Panel Installer
• Stonemason
• Cabinetmaker
• Upholsterer
• Insulation Installer
• Metalworker
• Paving Contractor
• Building Surveyor
• Quantity Surveyor
• Building Inspector
• Elevator Technician
• Window and Door Installer
• CCTV Installer
• Fire Alarm Technician
• Flooring Inspector
• Surveyor (Land, Quantity, Building)
This list covers a wide range of trades and professions involved in construction, maintenance, and repair work in the United Kingdom. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, as there are many more specialized trades within the construction and related industries.
Get Quotes
Once you have narrowed your list of potential tradespeople, it is time to get some quotes. Feel free to shop around and compare prices. Remember, though, that the cheapest option is only sometimes the best.
For any job, you should always get three quotes. You can better understand how much something costs if you get more than one quote for each job. Also, you are less likely to get ripped off. Prices can change so much that it is unbelievable.
Builders additionally, every time you talk to a builder about the job, you will understand it better and be able to tell if they are telling the truth or just making stuff up. Soon, you will notice that getting a quote from a builder is surprisingly complex but keep at it. Start by getting quotes from at least five tradespeople. This will give you enough facts to compare their prices.
Communication is Key
When dealing with tradespeople, communication is critical. Finding someone who is responsive and keeps you updated throughout the process is essential. Good tradespeople will promptly answer your calls and emails and clearly explain the work that needs to be done.
Suppose you are having trouble contacting a tradesperson, or they are slow to respond. In that case, it might be a red flag that they must be more dependable and trustworthy. Remember, you need someone who respects your time and understands the importance of maintaining your properties.
Building a Long-Term Relationship
Once you find a reliable and trustworthy tradesperson, building a long-term relationship with them is essential. This way, you will have someone you can rely on whenever an issue arises in one of your properties. By establishing a good working relationship, you will benefit from discounts or priority service as loyal customers. Plus, having a familiar face on hand can help put your mind at ease when unexpected problems occur.
Finally
Finding trustworthy people may seem daunting for any landlord or agent. But with some research, recommendations, and practical communication skills, you can find the perfect team to manage all your property maintenance needs.
Remember, it is all about building trust and reliability when finding tradespeople who will make your life as a landlord/agent easier. So do not rush through this process - take the time to find those diamonds in the rough that will keep your tenants happy and your properties in tip-top shape.
Trust me; it will be worth it overall!
Suggest a Trader
If you are a Trusted Trader and you know or work with other fantastic traders in the area, we would love to hear about them. Alternatively, we sponsor several Facebook groups in the areas where we conduct our business; you may add your suggested trusted trader to one or all the groups we sponsor. Find recommended Builders in Barnsley in your area with
Find recommended plumbers in the HuddersfieldTrusted Traders Group
Find recommended roofers in the Barnsley Trusted Traders Group
Find recommended builders in the Sheffield Trusted Traders Group
Ian Butcher (CEO) Butcher Residential & Commercial Sales and Letting Agents
Barnsley, Penistone, Stocksbridge, and Denby Dale, West Yorkshire.
What are we discussing?
Finding (and retaining) trustworthy tradespeople who can manage property maintenance or issues that landlords and letting agents need to address.
Let us face it: being a landlord/letting agent can sometimes want to juggle a million things simultaneously. From collecting rent to dealing with tenant complaints, there is always a bright moment in property management. But one of the biggest headaches for any landlord is finding a reliable tradesperson for maintenance and repairs.
The Importance of Trustworthy and Rated Tradespeople
When something goes wrong in one of your rental properties, you need someone who can fix it quickly and efficiently. And more importantly, you need someone you can trust to do the job right the first time. Your reputation as a landlord/agent is on the line. Finding a dependable, trusted trader is more challenging than it sounds. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know who to choose. But fear not! I have some tips to help you find the perfect tradesperson for all your landlord needs.
Ask for Recommendations
One of the best ways to find dependable, trusted tradesmen and women is by asking for recommendations from other landlords or property managers. They have dealt with similar issues and can give you advice and insight into their experiences with different tradespeople in your area.
You should be bold and ask for two or three references and do it without hesitation. The next step is to call the references and ask them about the quality of the tradesman's work and service; if the task is vast, you might even want to stop by his place of business to evaluate his performance in person. If the tradesperson is unwilling to provide references, you should inquire about the reason; this is typically highly revealing.
Word-of-mouth recommendations are gold in the world of property management. If someone has had a positive experience with a particular tradesperson, chances are you will, too. Feel free to reach out and ask for their contact information - it could save you much time and stress down the line. For example, my trusted electrician relocated down south, and I was stuck, so I called a friend who runs a busy country restaurant and bar; he kindly gave me the name and number of the electrician that they use when they have a problem. I called the tradesman, and he arrived the same day; the job was done, and now he is saved for the next time I need an electrician.
Never hire someone who just randomly approaches you. Always say no to service providers who knock on your door uninvited. Many con artists are out there, and honest businesspeople are only sometimes hired through unsolicited calls.
NOTE!
Before hiring any tradesperson, it is essential to do your research. Take the time to look up their company online and read reviews from previous customers. This will give you an idea of their reliability and professionalism.
You should also check if they have any certifications or qualifications that are relevant to their trade. This ensures that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to manage your property's maintenance needs.
Here's a list of different types of tradespeople in the UK:
• Plumber
• Electrician
• Carpenter
• Painter and Decorator
• Roofer
• Bricklayer
• Joiner
• Tiler
• Plasterer
• HVAC Technician
• Landscape Gardener
• Flooring Installer
• Welder
• Fencer
• Glazier
• Stonemason
• Locksmith
• Scaffolder
• Drainage Engineer
• Pest Control Technician
• Drywaller (Plasterboard Installer)
• Carpet Installer
• Arborist (Tree Surgeon)
• Blacksmith
• Solar Panel Installer
• Stonemason
• Cabinetmaker
• Upholsterer
• Insulation Installer
• Metalworker
• Paving Contractor
• Building Surveyor
• Quantity Surveyor
• Building Inspector
• Elevator Technician
• Window and Door Installer
• CCTV Installer
• Fire Alarm Technician
• Flooring Inspector
• Surveyor (Land, Quantity, Building)
This list covers a wide range of trades and professions involved in construction, maintenance, and repair work in the United Kingdom. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, as there are many more specialized trades within the construction and related industries.
Get Quotes
Once you have narrowed your list of potential tradespeople, it is time to get some quotes. Feel free to shop around and compare prices. Remember, though, that the cheapest option is only sometimes the best.
For any job, you should always get three quotes. You can better understand how much something costs if you get more than one quote for each job. Also, you are less likely to get ripped off. Prices can change so much that it is unbelievable.
Builders additionally, every time you talk to a builder about the job, you will understand it better and be able to tell if they are telling the truth or just making stuff up. Soon, you will notice that getting a quote from a builder is surprisingly complex but keep at it. Start by getting quotes from at least five tradespeople. This will give you enough facts to compare their prices.
Communication is Key
When dealing with tradespeople, communication is critical. Finding someone who is responsive and keeps you updated throughout the process is essential. Good tradespeople will promptly answer your calls and emails and clearly explain the work that needs to be done.
Suppose you are having trouble contacting a tradesperson, or they are slow to respond. In that case, it might be a red flag that they must be more dependable and trustworthy. Remember, you need someone who respects your time and understands the importance of maintaining your properties.
Building a Long-Term Relationship
Once you find a reliable and trustworthy tradesperson, building a long-term relationship with them is essential. This way, you will have someone you can rely on whenever an issue arises in one of your properties. By establishing a good working relationship, you will benefit from discounts or priority service as loyal customers. Plus, having a familiar face on hand can help put your mind at ease when unexpected problems occur.
Finally
Finding trustworthy people may seem daunting for any landlord or agent. But with some research, recommendations, and practical communication skills, you can find the perfect team to manage all your property maintenance needs.
Remember, it is all about building trust and reliability when finding tradespeople who will make your life as a landlord/agent easier. So do not rush through this process - take the time to find those diamonds in the rough that will keep your tenants happy and your properties in tip-top shape.
Trust me; it will be worth it overall!
Suggest a Trader
If you are a Trusted Trader and you know or work with other fantastic traders in the area, we would love to hear about them. Alternatively, we sponsor several Facebook groups in the areas where we conduct our business; you may add your suggested trusted trader to one or all the groups we sponsor. Find recommended Builders in Barnsley in your area with
Find recommended plumbers in the HuddersfieldTrusted Traders Group
Find recommended roofers in the Barnsley Trusted Traders Group
Find recommended builders in the Sheffield Trusted Traders Group
Ian Butcher (CEO) Butcher Residential & Commercial Sales and Letting Agents
Barnsley, Penistone, Stocksbridge, and Denby Dale, West Yorkshire.