Check their credentials
It is very important to check that the tradesperson is fully qualified and a registered practitioner with the relevant authority or industry body. In most states plumbers and electricians are required to lodge and provide you with a compliance certificate for their completed work. A tradesperson seeking to avoid a compliance certificate is a red flag - their work may not be compliant, could be unsafe for your family and fail an audit.
Are they insured?
This is one of the most important questions you can ask before working with a tradesperson. If they are not insured and something goes wrong, you could be held liable. Never work with an uninsured tradesperson, regardless of possible cost savings or promises of quality work.
What is their timeline?
Establish a starting date and finishing date before your tradesperson begins work. This will prevent them dragging out the work and costing you more money than you budgeted for. Do they return your phone calls and respond to emails in a timely manner? Are they professional in their communication and customer service? The level of their administration is often proportional to the reliability and professionalism of a tradesperson. These are important things to consider.
Do they have good reviews?
These days one of the best ways to determine whether a tradesperson is reliable and good to work with is by reading their online reviews. Look up their reviews on Google, Trust Pilot and Word of Mouth and see what other people’s experiences have been when working with them.