How to choose a tradie - 23.03.11

Tales of shonky tradespeople can send a shiver down your spine, and worse, a job badly done can be dangerous to your family.

Fresh Living Group Director Andrew Heath said there are some simple ways to ensure that work done by tradespeople is safe and that you are getting the best service for your money. Andrew said it was vital that a tradesperson is licensed with the relevant registration body (e.g. Plumbing Industry Commission, Energy Safe Victoria) and provides a guarantee for their services.

``Also ensure a tradesperson has a legitimate registered business name and fixed address,’’ Andrew said.
``Tradespeople who don’t have these are very hard to trace if you want to get your money back or a job complete,’’ he said.
``If it is a plumbing job ask for a certificate of compliance which gives you a 6 year guarantee and If it is electrical work, ask for a certificate of electrical safety.’’
And Andrew said the old adage “you get what you pay for’’ should be remembered when choosing a tradesperson.
``Watch out for cheap hourly rates,’’ he said.

If it is a big job, Andrew suggested getting a reference from a previous customer, just to make sure you feel confident in your choice of tradesperson or trades services company. Fresh Living group has client testimonials on its website.

For more information go to Consumer Affairs Victoria www.consumer.vic.gov.au