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i'm currently using MyBuilder.com to get a tradesman for a bathroom fitting and we've decided to accept one of the 3 quotes we received. The tradesman we hired has asked for £1000 upfront for material costs, which he'll provide a written receipt upon me handing the cash over. However, I've asked for a list of requirements before doing so. Here's my email:
and here is the response from the tradesman:
He's basically refused most of my requests and as such I'm looking for any advice whether I'm being reasonable or not. He cites the reason he has references posted from previous customers on mybuilder, but my main issue with that, it's not impossible to get a friend to post a job, then leave a review. i don't want to read Mary is happy with his work, I want to hear from Mary herself.
Any help will be greatly appreciated, cheers!
Hi, that sounds fine.
Things i would need and require to see before handing any money over are:
1) Qualifications/certificates
2) A written detailed description of all work to be carried out, timescale and fixed price with any extras included
3) proof of liability cover
4) 2 contact numbers for 2 previous clients as to obtain reference (i'll only contact one)
5) Trade memberships
And i'd need a signed receipt of all materials upon handing the money over, not after. If this poses a problem, then i'm more than happy to pay the suppliers directly myself. I'm not doubting your abilities or trustworthiness, mate, but having done a trade myself, I've seen my fair share of shady characters and as such, I'm a little bit wary about just handing cash over when i have nothing to show for it. They also tend to be the most pleasant guys you'll ever meet until they've got your money.
and here is the response from the tradesman:
With regard to qualifications/certificates I do not give these out but if you check on the gas safe register you will see that I am registered, to get registered I have to have the qualifications and sit an exam and pass it.
I will drop off a full written estimate over the weekend but am away saturday but will advise my builder of the situation as they have already checked me out and sent me their invoice for getting this job.
Proof liability insurance - you should be able to have a look from my profile as my builder again check this out before even letting me join.
You will see that there are already three references on this and two of them have actually came through my builder and I would not give out another clients number.
With regard to trade membership that is personal to my company and do not give this information out.
I have my advanced plumbing and heating grading card in my wallet if you wish to see them and also my gas safe register card.
As you know I am a limited company which can be checked on companies house.
If this is not sufficient for you then I suggest you look elsewhere as people go through my builder to find reputable companies and workmanship etc not micky mouse plumbers or so called heating engineers.
He's basically refused most of my requests and as such I'm looking for any advice whether I'm being reasonable or not. He cites the reason he has references posted from previous customers on mybuilder, but my main issue with that, it's not impossible to get a friend to post a job, then leave a review. i don't want to read Mary is happy with his work, I want to hear from Mary herself.
Any help will be greatly appreciated, cheers!