How to find a reliable tradesman in the UK

Use platforms that verify trader credentials, not anonymous classified sites. Yolist, Checkatrade, and TrustATrader carry out background checks or require accreditation evidence before listing traders. A business listed on a verified directory has already passed a basic vetting filter.

Search using your specific need and your postcode. Narrow to businesses with at least 10 reviews and a rating above 4 stars. This threshold filters out most fake or low-effort listings.

Different trades require different accreditations. For gas work (boilers, gas hobs, gas fires), the tradesperson must be on the Gas Safe Register — check this at gassaferegister.co.uk using their registration number. It is a legal requirement.

For electrical work, look for membership of a government-authorised scheme: NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA. These allow self-certification of electrical work — without accreditation, your local authority building control must sign off the work.

For other trades, look for trade association membership: NHBC or FMB for builders, CIPHE for plumbers, RoofCert for roofers. These bodies have codes of conduct and dispute resolution processes.

For any job over £500, get at least three written quotes. Written quotes (not verbal estimates) are legally clearer if a dispute arises. Quotes should itemise: labour, materials, VAT (if applicable), start date, estimated duration, and payment terms.

Be cautious of quotes significantly below the others. This usually means the trader has underestimated the job (and will ask for more money mid-project), is planning to cut corners on materials, or lacks the accreditations to do the work to standard.

Any reputable tradesperson should carry public liability insurance (PLI) of at least £1 million. Ask to see the certificate — not just confirmation that they have it. PLI protects you if the tradesperson damages your property or a third party is injured during the work.

Ask for two recent customer references and follow them up. A quick five-minute phone call to a previous customer reveals more than any number of online reviews. Reputable traders will not hesitate to provide references.