Homeowners are at risk of losing thousands of pounds if targeted by a rogue tradesperson, especially after bad weather hits.

With most of the storms out of the way, we’ve prepared the below seven tips on how to choose a reputable tradesperson to repair damages.

If they have a legitimate website, this should be able to tell you whether or not they are a recognised company. Make sure their contact details are credible too – a quick online search of the phone number should return their website if linked to the company. Also ensure you have contact details for anything that might go wrong. Whether that’s a form of ID, or a customer services contact number.

You may be asked to pay the full amount upfront before the work is complete. This is not recommended and not necessary. Some workers, however, may want ten percent or a small deposit of the money upfront which isn’t unheard of, but make sure you are comfortable with the price agreed and you trust their skills. Paying a deposit may secure the workers with the materials they need to complete the job, but remain cautious and get everything in writing to stay safe if problems occur further down the line.

It’s normal to have a few bad experiences, but anything that seems very negative all the time should be steered away from. Have a look at their reviews. If they contain words such as ‘efficient’ or ‘helpful’ then chances are they are reputable. However, if most comments are related to work not being done correctly or demanding money upfront, move on.

Illegitimate tradespeople will target the elderly and the vulnerable. If the trader is unable to fix the problem themselves, they might be happy for someone to take over – but this can come with a large bill at the end of the job! If you’re helping an eldery or vulnerable friend, neighbour or family member, tell them that you are available if they need a second opinion, and, if you can, be in the house when the repairs are being done.

A damaged roof might need to be looked at, and some prices can be very eyewatering. Don’t be afraid to get a couple of quotes for the work. Try not to always go for the cheapest option but get an average price that you are happy to pay. Remember, repairs will now be very popular, meaning demand and costs will be higher.

Many of us think that the quicker, the better, only to run into problems later down the line. Speak to your home insurance provider beforehand, they might even be able to point you in the right direction.

To save further legal issues down the line, get a contract in writing. You might not be offered this, but it is within your right to ask for one, no matter how small the job is. Make sure it includes:

1. Contractor’s name, address, phone number, and license number.
2. An estimated start or completion date.
3. Any agreements made during the conversation, whether they’re related to the issues the tradesperson is resolving, or an estimated cost of labour or materials.
4. An agreement regarding a cancellation.

Remember, don’t feel pressured into having work repaired if you are not sure.

If you have someone offer their services to you, even if you requested them to come and look at a job in the first instance, don’t feel obliged to say yes. You can tell them that you need to discuss this with your partner, family member or friend before you decide. You can also tell them that you’re waiting on another quote. It’s always best to take a few days to assess the situation, especially if you feel like something isn’t quite right. You will then have the time you need to research into the legitimacy of the company and get the answers that you need.