A homeowner and a tradesperson shaking hands at the front door of a brick house

How to find a tradesman you can trust

You can find a good tradesperson by checking a few things before you agree to any work. Get at least three written quotes, check ID and insurance, search the right register and read independent reviews. None of these steps is hard, and together they filter out most bad hires.

We do not vet or guarantee any tradesperson, including those who reply to our quote form. This guide shows you how to do the checks yourself.

Start with three names

Word of mouth is still the best source, because a neighbour has seen the work and the manners. Online directories and review sites add more names. Whichever route you use, shortlist at least three tradespeople.

Three quotes show you the normal price and the odd one out. A single quote tells you very little. You can also send us your job and compare the quotes that come back.

Step 1: check they are who they say they are

Ask for the person’s full name, business name and address. A real business gives these freely. If it is a limited company, search for it on Companies House, which is free and shows whether the company is active.

Check the contact details too. A landline or a local address is reassuring, whereas a mobile number alone proves little. If the person is VAT registered, the quote should show a VAT number, and you can check it on the government’s website.

Step 2: check qualifications and registrations

Some trades have a register you can search. Always search it yourself, because a logo on a van proves nothing.

Gas work: the Gas Safe Register. Ask to see the ID card and check the number online.
Electrical work: a competent person scheme such as NICEIC or NAPIT, both with online searches.
Plumbing: WaterSafe lists approved plumbers.
Locksmiths: the Master Locksmiths Association lists approved members.
Builders: the Federation of Master Builders and TrustMark both have searches.
Roofers: the Competent Roofer scheme in England and trade bodies such as the NFRC.

Membership shows the tradesperson passed that body’s checks. It is not a promise about your job, so keep checking the other steps.

Step 3: confirm they are insured

Ask for proof of public liability insurance. It pays out if the work damages your home or a neighbour’s. Ask to see the certificate, check the dates and check that the cover matches the size of the job.

For bigger projects, ask how any guarantee works and who stands behind it. A guarantee is only as good as the company that gives it, since a firm that closes cannot honour it.

Step 4: read reviews with care

Reviews help, but they can mislead. Look at several sources rather than the tradesperson’s own site, because a business picks what it shows. Our guide to reading tradesperson reviews covers this in more detail.

Look for a steady pattern of recent reviews, written in plain, specific terms. Be wary of a flawless score with only a few reviews. Ask for the contact details of one or two past customers, and actually call them.

Step 5: get written quotes and compare

A proper quote lists the work, the materials, the total price, the start date and how long the job should take. It should say what is not included and whether VAT applies. Compare like with like, because a quote that leaves things out looks cheaper than it is.

Be wary of a price far below the rest. It may leave out work, or the tradesperson may plan to add costs later. Our questions to ask a builder work for any trade.

Warning signs

Walk away if you see any of these signs.

They knock on your door, or tell you the work cannot wait.
They ask for a large payment upfront, or for cash only.
They will not give a written quote, a full address or proof of insurance.
They claim a registration but cannot give a number.
They push you to decide on the spot.

Cold callers are a classic route for rogue traders, so Trading Standards advises against agreeing work on the doorstep. If something goes wrong, Citizens Advice can explain your rights.

Know your rights

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, services must be carried out with reasonable care and skill. If you sign a contract at your home or by phone, you normally have 14 days to cancel, although this changes if you ask for urgent work to start straight away. Ask about this before you sign.

Roofers by city

Compare quotes from roofers in your city.

Keep reading and compare quotes

Each city page covers prices, how to choose and how to get free quotes in that area. For other trades, start from our electricians page or plumbers page.

To weigh up the quote sites themselves, read Checkatrade vs MyBuilder vs Rated People.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check whether a tradesman is trustworthy?

Check ID, insurance and any registration on the official website. Then read independent reviews and ask for references. No single check is enough, so use them together.

What are the biggest red flags when hiring a tradesman?

Doorstep sales, big upfront payments, no written quote and pressure to decide fast. A tradesperson who cannot give an address or insurance proof is also a warning sign.

How many quotes should I get?

Get at least three for any job of real size. For a small repair, two may do. For a big project, compare more and visit finished work.

Are tradespeople who cost more better?

Not always. A higher price may reflect better insurance, better materials or more time, yet it can also reflect poor value. Compare what each quote includes, not only the total.

Written by the Trusted Tradesmen Quotes team. Last updated 9 October 2026.