Finding a GOOD Tradie

So you need to find a tradie, and this is someone you can have in your back pocket for future changes and upgrades to your rental property.  We've all heard the horror stories of tradies not showing up on time, not following directions, blowing deadlines and having poor workmanship. All these things can turn a profitable job into a nightmare and not to mention blow the budget and wreck your profits, so what do you do?

1. Ask Around

Do you know people who have used trades before and have had a good experience with them? Do you have a friend who's a builder who can vouch for his/her mates? Once you get a few names, then talk to the people they have done jobs for, ask questions about, the timeliness, quality of work and how easy they are to work with. 

If getting recommendations is turning into a problem, go on-line and find out who people are recommending.

2. Quotes

Once you have the names, get 2 or 3  from the same profession (be it builder, plumber, painter etc) to come and quote on the job - but not all at the same time!  Make sure that you give the exact brief to each of them. Don't tell the first tradie one thing, and then change your mind and add (or subtract) tasks for the next tradie. If you change the brief you won't be able to reliably compare prices. This will give you an idea if they are all in the same ball park for money and time. If one comes back with a quote that is quite different, ask why? If they are twice as expensive, do they work twice as fast?

3. Communication

Once you have chosen your team, make sure you communicate very clearly about what your vision is - especially if it's complicated.  Painting the exterior of the house in 1 colour is one thing, but if it's more of a remodel you will need to be very clear. When you are requesting a quote make sure you are specific, about colours, finishes, materials and hardware. The more detailed information you give them, the easier they will be able to create what you are after and the faster they work! Plus of course there will be fewer money surprises along the way.

Remember often the biggest slow down on the job is YOU! When decisions aren't made fast enough or early enough for things like what sort of tile you want, or hardware, or paint finish. Do your research beforehand, it will pay of in the long run. Of course getting input from your tradie is vital (they might be able to get a better deal, or know that that particular paint finish would be awful in wet areas etc). 

4. Write it down

At every point in the process, make sure you write everything down! This is vital.  Having a plan that is detailed with everything laid out will save time and heartache and keep your project on task. The more planning and thought you do on the front end, the more time and money you save down the road. With a detailed plan that both parties have signed off to you will have something to keep your team accountable to.

Do your homework and communicate clearly about what you want and how you want it done. This will ensure you get the right tradie and the job done on time and on budget. You also minimise the "Double it and Add 30" concept (double the time, double the money or both).

So have you had a great experience with a tradie? How did you find yours?