While cheapest may not always be best, when you are getting quotes from tradesmen, don’t assume the most expensive will always be the best either. Sometimes they are just companies overpricing to get money more quickly but the work may not be better or more efficient. Some with an hourly rate can stall and use delaying tactics to string out the cost.
I have to admit too when looking for tradesmen to do a job, we go by our personal gut reaction. Mick and I tend to sum people up fairly quickly. If they are too pushy trying to get us to sign on the line that day and telling us how we won’t get a better deal and there’s not need to check further, Mick and I tend to back right away. Never sign anything without taking time to get other quotes and think it over. Don’t be rushed into it.
Mick and I never ever hire people who come to the door or who contact us by phone drumming up business. When we were young and foolish we did. We got caught. We make it a firm policy now to never to buy from anyone who contacts us over the phone or from anyone who comes to the door. If we want a tradesperson we will contact them.
Sadly I’ve heard of many people who have been caught by people coming to the door looking for work. They can be con men, just wanting to get inside and scope out the place.
It’s always better I think to go with a local company. After all they have to live in the area so if they do a bad job they know people will bad mouth them around the area and that is not good for business.
The other option is to learn to do some jobs yourselves, except when it concerns structural changes, electricity or plumbing. Specialized jobs require specialized skills.
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