9/10 people fear hiring a tradesman

13 million homeowners in the UK worry about hiring a tradesman to carry out work on their properties, suggests new research.

Almost 90 per cent of those surveyed said that they feared hiring a tradesman over concerns such as bodge jobs and being ripped off.

• Tradesmen reveal the worst part of their jobs
• Bristol builders come to the rescue of OAP hit by rogue traders
• Learn more about insurance for tradesmen

Timelines aren’t important, but money is

The research also looked into the reasons why people were so nervous about hiring tradesmen, revealing that 59 per cent of those who expressed fears were most concerned about finding someone they knew would be reliable.

Similarly, 51 per cent feared that the work wouldn’t meet their expectations or be completed to a good standard.

Timelines, however, proved to be less likely to play on the minds of homeowners, with less than a fifth saying that having the work completed on time was the main concern for them.

Londoners the most sceptical about tradesmen

Looking at the different regions, Londoners are the most reluctant to hire a tradesman, with only one in 20 saying they feel completely comfortable calling someone in to carry out repairs or improvement works on their homes.

Even in the West Country, the area where people are most confident hiring tradesmen, four out of every five still have their doubts.

Professionalism and transparency are key

Cem Savas, Co-Founder of Plentific.com, who commissioned the research, said that these days people want to see proper verification before they hire a tradesman.

He added that transparency, guarantees and secure payment methods are particularly important, as well as verifiable reviews and ratings rather than word-of-mouth.

Meanwhile, showing customers that you have the needed certifications or tradesman insurance could also alleviate fears.

Are people right to have these fears about tradesmen? Let us know in the comments.