Red Flags to Spot Before You Book a Tradesperson

Pressure to pay a large deposit upfront, especially in cash and before any written confirmation of the work, is one of the clearest warning signs. Reputable firms are usually happy to confirm scope and price by email before asking for anything.

Be cautious of a company that can't say clearly who will actually be doing the work on the day — subcontracted, unvetted labour is harder to hold accountable if something goes wrong.

Vague answers about insurance, or reluctance to provide any written quote, are both worth pausing on. It's a reasonable ask, and most established companies will answer without hesitation.

Finally, trust a consistent pattern of reviews over a single glowing recommendation. A company with a steady track record across many jobs is a safer bet than one with a handful of enthusiastic but unverifiable testimonials.