general question about guarantees and verification

[iffy100]

Im looking for a floor to be fitted and had a few people come round to give me an estimate. Two of the estimators that came round today I just wouldn't hire! They definitely didn't look professional. The other guy that came along actually was a well spoken man. So Im leaning towards his service but my questions are:

1. how do I enforce the guarantee he offers?
2. How do I verify his work before hiring him?

A guarantee in the form of a receipt and contract is offered but enforcing that in court would be time consuming. He did say he had public liability insurance, but I don't public liability extends to defected workmanship. Also what measures should I take to be sure he isn't a cowboy? References I don't think work because he will choose whom I would contact.[/list]

 

[foxhole]

Professional company will not ask for deposit and only ask for payment when you are happy with result.

 

[longdogs]

Sorry but I don't think you can judge someone's integrity by the way they speak. Would you let Prince Charles build your wall?

 

[Dave54]

Sorry but I don't think you can judge someone's integrity by the way they speak. Would you let Prince Charles build your wall?

Took the words right out of my mouth. All the best conmen sound great. The bloke who turns up dirty from work, and doesn't spout a load of spiel may be better.
Worth having a word with trading standards just to see if anything is known about whoever you employ.
There's no 100% guarantee of anything when having any work done. A recommendation from someone you actually know is best. I don't see that references are any good unless you can at least speak to the person who has had the work done.

 

[longdogs]

If you are buying your flooring from a shop, they should be able to recommend a fitter to do the work - and it's their reputation at stake so they will guarantee the work.

They might even turn up in an Aston Martin and wearing bow ties.

 

[JBR]

How do I verify his work before hiring him?

Word of mouth.

If none available, a reliable and independent review web site. I use Which? Local.

 

[JBR]

Sorry but I don't think you can judge someone's integrity by the way they speak. Would you let Prince Charles build your wall?

I wouldn't let Prince Charles talk to my plants!

 

[longdogs]

Sorry but I don't think you can judge someone's integrity by the way they speak. Would you let Prince Charles build your wall?

I wouldn't let Prince Charles talk to my plants!

Mind you, that is something he is really good at.