Trades you do not employ.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE ENGAGING
What they will do, precisely Their price and what it includes Their programme Who supplies materials Their standard of work
WHY MATERIALS EXPLICITLY
It is the commonest ambiguity.
WHAT TO VERIFY
Previous work, seen References Whether they are registered, where required
WHY SEE PREVIOUS WORK
It is the only reliable evidence of standard.
WHAT TO AGREE ABOUT PAYMENT
Stages tied to completed work Retention When final payment occurs
WHAT TO NEVER DO
Pay substantially in advance.
WHY
It removes their incentive to return.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT COORDINATION
When they may start What must be complete before them What they must leave ready for the next trade
WHY THAT LAST POINT
Trades damaging each other's work is a constant source of dispute.
WHAT TO RECORD
Condition when they start and finish.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT DEFECTIVE WORK
Raise it immediately, in writing.
WHY IMMEDIATELY
Once covered by the next trade, it is expensive to correct.
WHAT TO INSPECT BEFORE COVERING
Anything that will be concealed: services, waterproofing, structural fixings.
WHY
They cannot be inspected afterwards.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT LIABILITY
Who bears the cost of their defects.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
The client contracted with you.
