It’s not always easy to find a reliable tradesman that completes the job to your expectations. That’s especially true if you’re hiring one for your commercial space. Shops, restaurants and offices endure high traffic daily, so these spaces get worn out over time. Plus, you may have unique requirements depending on your business.

So how to find tradesmen? How do you find someone you can trust? Is there anything that can make the process easier for you?

To help you, we have put together five tips for choosing a great tradesman. Having the most common trades under one company at Mathiou Services ensures that the facilities we maintain only need one number to call for all their maintenance requirements.

We primarily supply trade services to commercial facilities like child care centres, aged care and other more extensive facilities. But if you have a minor project or want to have an idea before hiring a commercial tradesman, here are some tips to help you:

Here are the Top 5 Tips for Finding a Reliable Tradesman:

  1. Check out the licence
  2. Check out the insurance
  3. See the website
  4. Do online research
  5. Ask for a quote

But First, What is a Tradesman?

A tradesman is a skilled worker who concentrates on a specific craft or trade. A tradesman or tradeswoman is often equipped with formal vocational education and on-the-job training. They may also need some work experience before they can get a licence.

Examples types of Tradesman or Tradeswoman

Now, here’s how to choose a tradesman or a tradeswoman to ensure your residential and commercial buildings are repaired or improved efficiently:

1. Check Out the License

Check if the tradesperson holds a current trade licence applicable to the work being performed. Most of them are required to carry their licence, which is excellent because the tradesmen’s licence is more important than qualifications. You can even compare the licence holder’s details against a photo ID such as a driver’s licence.

2. Check Out the Insurance

You may also want to see if the tradesman has current public liability insurance before he works on the job. Plus, it helps to check if he’s a member of the trade’s peak organisation.

3. See the Website

The good thing is that most commercial tradesmen for hire will list their licence details on their website if they have one. Check it out and look for any current work pictures and other information, such as length of time operating, building materials used, whether they employ subcontractors or anything that you find important.

4. Do Online Research

While you are online, try looking for tradesmen by finding any reviews of undertaken work. It helps to know the experiences of the commercial tradesman’s previous customers, but don’t settle on those posted on their website. It’s better to look at different channels, such as their Facebook page or Google Business listing, to find more credible tradesman reviews.

5. Ask for a Quote

Get detailed quotes in writing. These should include the job scope, building materials, travelling time and labour. Try to lock in a completion date with clauses, such as subject to weather delays, etc.

You may also want to note how the tradesmen deliver their quotes. Did they email the quote promptly? Is it detailed and presentable? If they aren’t performing well at this stage of the game, then you can almost guarantee it won’t get any better during the project.

More Tips for Choosing a Great Tradesman:

  • Be clear on details for the job at hand and preferably provide this in writing to the tradesman to minimise errors. Discuss any points that aren’t clear between parties.
  • If you are not comfortable communicating with the trades person, take that as a warning.

  • Ensure there is a progressive payment plan in place, including not finalising all payments until the completion of work is satisfactory.

  • Be careful if a quote seems too low for the tradesman’s job.

  • There are so many different types of tradies – ensure you are searching in the correct avenues for the the trades person to fit your needs.

  • Ensure the tradesman has a current ABN number and check validity online at http://abr.business.gov.au/.

Let Us Help You!

Mathiou Services is your one-stop-shop for all building and maintenance requirements, with being guaranteed that all trade insurances and licences are current. No tradesman job is too much for us! Contact us today; our commercial tradesmen are ready to offer a quote & serve your business.