Checkatrade

Checkatrade is a directory of recommended and trusted tradesmen who have been fully vetted and monitored to ensure they meet a very high standard of trading.  

Checkatrade was first created in 1998, with the goal to rid the UK of rogue traders and Cowboys. Every trades person who wishes to become a member of Checkatrade must be interviewed and background checked, as well as being monitored by you, the consumer.

The Checkatrade website allows home owners to search for local, reputable tradesmen. All members must agree to have feedback from their customers displayed online for all to see so its easy to share your feedback of the company in question.

The Checkatrade Standard

All members promise to uphold the Checkatrade Standard. The company background checks and public feedback ensure that only the very best tradespeople are recommended to customers.

All recommended suppliers are committed to service and quality.

 Members Must:

• Be honest in all dealings with customers
• Let customers know of any call-out fees before visiting
• Let a customer know straight away if they are unable to complete the work
• Keep appointments and arrive on time
• Be realistic about when they can start any work and how long it will take them
• Be well mannered and treat customers and their property with respect
• Keep the customer in the know of all aspects of the work being completed
• Return customers phone messages promptly
• Create an additional contract for variations from the original agreement
• Deal with any customer complaints promptly and professionally
• Never demand a cash payment
• Never be rude or be abusive to a customer
• Not obtain work through cold calling

The Vetting Process

All tradespeople are thoroughly checked before they are displayed on the website. Vetting requirements are constantly being improved and adapted to keep in check with Government legislation and current laws.

Interview

The company is interviewed to ensure that membership is right for them. This also gives the Checkatrade team an indication of how they conduct themselves.

Accreditations and Experience

Any accreditations or qualifications advertised on a trader’s profile will have been independently checked by Checkatrade before being displayed on the website.

Public Liability Insurance

All new members must have valid Public Liability Insurance and this is confirmed by Checkatrade before advertised on the website. This is to ensure you and your property are fully covered. Up-to-date copies are required from their members upon each renewal.

ID Checked

Each new member must provide a valid, in date copy of a driving licence or passport so the team can verify their identity.

References

All Checkatrade members are continually monitored with you, the customers help. Before an installer makes it onto the website, Checkatrade contacts 5 of their previous customers to get a review and help build a profile of the company in question.

Address Verified

All Checkatrade members are required to provide proof of address which is verified by a credible form of documentation.

VAT Registered

If a company is VAT registered, then it will be recorded and their VAT registration number will be displayed on their profile.