Find out whether the contractor is a member of a trade association that may give extra security should a dispute arise and check these claims are genuine by contacting the relevant bodies.
Establish that the company has permanent base, and be wary of companies that only provide a phone number. Increasingly companies are using freephone numbers, but these give no indication of where the company might be based, and could be linked to a mobile phone.
Finally, make sure the company you choose has insurance that covers any damage the trader might cause to you and your neighbours property. Also make sure that either the contractor's or your own insurance covers death and personal injury. |