How To Vet a Tradesperson
- Lisa Marie Hindle
- Sep 12
- 3 min read
Choosing the right tradesperson or contractor is one of the most important steps in any project. Here’s a practical checklist to help you make sure you’re working with a reputable, reliable and properly insured business.
1. Business Identity & Legitimacy
Confirm the company is registered with Companies House (look up the registration number).
Check that the trading address and registered office are explained clearly (many businesses use accountants’ offices for filings).
Please scroll to the bottom of our contact page – we use our accountants office for filings
Verify that the name on the quotation matches the registered company or sole trader.
2. Insurance & Safety
Ask to see Public Liability Insurance (covers accidental damage/injury).
This is available upon request
If the business employs staff, check for Employer’s Liability Insurance (legal requirement).
This is available upon request
For design/specification work, ask if they hold Professional Indemnity Insurance.
We do not provide design or specification services
Confirm subcontractors (e.g. Gas Safe, NICEIC electricians) provide their own certificates.
This is available upon request
Check the company VAT number
Our VAT number is 483072978 and is shown on all of your quotes and invoices. VAT is added at the prevailing rate. If you would like to check our registration status you can do so on the GOV.UK website here: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-vat-number
Check the business has a Waste Licence and if it is Upper Tier or Lower Tier
Our registration number is CBDU400611
and here is our certificate -
3. Experience & Track Record
Request two recent customer references and contact them directly.
Look for detailed, recent reviews on third-party platforms (not just star ratings).
Ask to see photos or case studies of similar projects.
Check for memberships/accreditations (Checkatrade, Trustpilot, FreeIndex, etc.).
4. Quotation & Contract
Make sure the quotation is detailed/itemised (labour & materials or labour only, administration & preliminaries, licenced waste removal, sundries, consumables, access equipment, exclusions, VAT).
Ensure the scope of work is clearly written down in the quote — what is and isn’t included.
Check if the quote is in fact a legally binding contract or merely a fixed price quotation.
All our fixed price quotations are legally binding by both parties and are backed by a contract with Terms & Conditions. Payment of non-refundable deposit is deemed to be acceptance of this contract, but if our client wishes to them we can also sign two copies of the quotation and contract too.
Agree a payment schedule (a deposit followed by staged payments linked to milestones, not large deposits).
Confirm details on defects period/guarantees for workmanship.
The standard defects liability period (also known as rectification provisions) is set at 12 months after the project has been completed, during this time UIL the supplier has the right to return to the site to remedy defects.
Clarify how changes/variations will be priced and approved.
UIL always provide new written quotations for any additional work before proceeding.
5. Communication & Professionalism
Check consistency of contact details (phone, email, website).
Ensure you receive written communication and not just verbal promises.
Ask who will actually be on site, and confirm they carry ID/branding.
For bigger projects, agree who will be your main point of contact.
6. Payments & Protection
Avoid paying large sums upfront — stage payments protect both sides.
Pay via traceable methods (bank transfer, card, not cash-in-hand).
Keep all paperwork, emails and Waste Transfer Notes for your records.
7. Final Practical Tips
Start with a small job if you’re unsure, then scale up once trust is built.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions — a reputable company will welcome them.
Trust your gut: if something feels off, pause and recheck before signing.
✅ Why This Matters
A reliable business won’t mind you checking these things — in fact, they’ll encourage it. Following this checklist helps protect your home, money and peace of mind.
Get in Touch
Whether you’re after a full renovation or a small fix that makes a big difference, Upcycle Interiors is here to help. You can view more examples of our previous projects here
📍 Based in Weymouth
📞 01305 584459
Comments