How to Vet a Tradesman in Ten Minutes: A UK Checklist

13 October 2026

Homeowner at a wooden kitchen table with a blank sheet of paper, a pen and a closed laptop

You can check most tradespeople in about ten minutes, because the tools are free and most of them are online. This article shows what to search, where to search it and what a good result looks like, trade by trade.

We do not vet or guarantee any tradesperson, including those who reply to our quote form. These checks put the power back in your hands.

Before you search

Ask for the tradesperson’s full name, business name, address and the registration they claim. Write them down, because you will use them in each search. A real professional gives this information without fuss, and a hesitant answer is itself a signal.

Keep the quote in writing, because you will compare its details with what the registers show. For a fuller walk-through of the principles, read our guide to finding a tradesman you can trust.

Check the business exists

If the business is a limited company, search for it on Companies House. The search is free, and it shows whether the company is active and who runs it. A company that was only set up last month is not automatically bad, yet it has no track record.

If the quote shows a VAT number, you can check it on the government’s VAT number checker, although small firms may not be registered. A name or address that does not match is a reason to ask questions.

Check the registration for the trade

Use the register for the job. Search it yourself, because a badge on a van proves nothing.

Gas and boilers. Use the Gas Safe Register’s check, or text the seven-digit licence number from the engineer’s ID card. The card should also list the type of work they may do.
Electrics. Check the scheme the electrician names, such as NICEIC or NAPIT. In England and Wales, the Registered Competent Person Electrical register covers the approved schemes.
Locks and security. The Master Locksmiths Association lists approved locksmiths.
Builders. Search the Federation of Master Builders or TrustMark.
Roofing. In England, check the Competent Roofer scheme or a trade body such as the NFRC.
Plumbing. WaterSafe lists approved plumbers.

Check insurance

Ask for proof of public liability insurance and look at the dates. It should still cover the type and size of your job. A tradesperson without insurance may leave you to pay for damage. If you are unsure, ask the insurer to confirm the policy, which most will do.

Read reviews, then call a reference

Look at reviews on independent sites, not only the tradesperson’s own page. Read recent ones, and read the words as well as the stars, because words show detail. Then ask for one or two past customers and call them. Our guide to reading tradesperson reviews explains what to look for.

Locksmiths need extra care

Lockouts are stressful, which makes them a favourite for overcharging, since people pay fast. Agree the total price before the locksmith sets out, including call-out, labour, parts and VAT. Ask for a local address, and be wary of firms that will not give one. Our page on emergency locksmiths lists more tips.

Local pages: Locksmiths in London, Locksmiths in Birmingham, Locksmiths in Manchester and Locksmiths in Leeds. See also our overview of locksmiths near you.

Know your rights

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, services must be done with reasonable care and skill. While you sign at home, you normally have 14 days to cancel, with exceptions for urgent work you ask for. Citizens Advice can explain your options if something goes wrong.

Put it together

Run the checks in this order: business, registration, insurance, reviews, quote. If a step fails, ask why, because there may be a fair answer. If you do not like the answer, move on to the next quote. You can send us your job to compare quotes from local tradespeople.