Finding someone reliable to work on your home can feel like a minefield. Too many people have been burned by tradespeople who don't show up, do shoddy work, or disappear after taking a deposit. Here's how to find the good ones.
Where to Look
Personal Recommendations
Still the best way. Ask:
- Neighbours - especially useful for local knowledge
- Friends and family - they'll tell you the truth
- Local Facebook groups - Exeter has several active community groups
- Nextdoor - neighbours often share recommendations
The advantage of local recommendations is accountability - a tradesperson who relies on word-of-mouth can't afford bad reviews.
Online Platforms
Checkatrade / Rated People / MyBuilder
These can work but understand their limitations:
- Trades pay to be listed
- Reviews can be cherry-picked
- Vetting varies
Use them as a starting point, not the final decision.
Google Reviews
Often more honest than platform-specific reviews. Look for:
- Volume of reviews (more = more reliable picture)
- Recent reviews (things change)
- Responses to negative reviews (tells you a lot)
Trade Associations
Membership doesn't guarantee quality, but it's a positive sign:
- Federation of Master Builders - for builders
- NAPIT / NICEIC - for electricians
- Gas Safe Register - mandatory for gas work
- Which? Trusted Traders - rigorous vetting
Red Flags to Watch For
Before Hiring
- No fixed address - legitimate businesses have a base
- Pressure to decide now - good trades are busy but not pushy
- Cash only - usually means avoiding tax
- No written quote - always get it in writing
- Large upfront payment - standard is no deposit or small deposit
- No insurance documentation - they should happily provide it
- Can start tomorrow - if they're that free, why?
During the Quote Process
- Vague pricing - "it'll be about..." is a warning sign
- Won't itemise costs - you should know what you're paying for
- Dramatically cheapest - often means corners cut
- Talks down other trades - unprofessional
- Won't provide references - what are they hiding?
What Good Tradespeople Do
Communication
- Return calls/messages within 24-48 hours
- Turn up when they say they will
- Let you know if running late
- Explain what they're doing and why
- Happy to answer questions
Documentation
- Provide clear written quotes
- Have terms and conditions
- Give receipts for payments
- Provide invoices (important for guarantees)
- Document any changes agreed
Quality Signs
- Clean up after themselves
- Protect flooring and furniture
- Take pride in finishing details
- Point out problems they notice (even unrelated ones)
- Stand behind their work
Getting Quotes Right
How Many?
Three quotes is the standard advice, but two might be enough for smaller jobs. Getting five quotes for a £100 job wastes everyone's time.
What to Provide
Make the quote process easy:
- Clear description of what you want
- Access to the work area
- Any relevant history (previous problems, etc.)
- Your timescale
Comparing Quotes
Don't just compare the bottom line. Check:
| Factor | What to Compare |
|---|---|
| Scope | Same work included? |
| Materials | Same quality specified? |
| Timeline | How long will it take? |
| Payment terms | Deposit required? |
| Guarantees | What's covered? |
| Exclusions | What's NOT included? |
The cheapest quote often becomes the most expensive when extras pile up.
Payment Best Practice
Standard Practice
- No deposit for small jobs (under £500)
- 10-25% deposit for larger jobs
- Progress payments for big projects (tied to milestones)
- Final payment on completion and satisfaction
Never
- Pay everything upfront
- Pay cash without a receipt
- Pay before you're satisfied
- Be pressured into payment
Good to Know
Card payments / bank transfers create a record. Cash is harder to dispute if things go wrong.
What To Do If It Goes Wrong
First Steps
- Raise concerns immediately - don't wait until the end
- Document everything - photos, messages, dates
- Put complaints in writing - email creates evidence
- Give chance to fix - reasonable trades want to put it right
If That Doesn't Work
- Trading Standards - can advise and intervene
- Small Claims Court - for disputes under £10,000
- Trade association - if they're a member
- Checkatrade etc. - can mediate if booked through them
Exeter-Specific Tips
A few local things worth knowing:
Victorian/Edwardian Homes
Areas like St Leonard's and Heavitree have beautiful period properties, but they come with quirks:
| Challenge | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Solid walls | Standard fixings often don't work |
| Lime mortar | Can't use cement-based products |
| Lath and plaster | Needs careful drilling technique |
| Old wiring | May need electrician assessment |
💡 Tip: Always ask if a tradesperson has experience with older properties before booking.
New Builds on the Outskirts
Pinhoe, Cranbrook, and other new developments have different considerations:
| Factor | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Builder warranty | Often valid for 2 years - get them to fix it for free |
| NHBC coverage | Structural issues covered for 10 years |
| Stud walls | Affects what you can hang and where |
| Snagging list | Previous issues may still need addressing |
Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas
The city centre and parts of Heavitree have strict rules:
- ⚠️ Planning permission may be needed for visible external changes
- ⚠️ Like-for-like materials often required (no uPVC windows!)
- ⚠️ Specialist trades sometimes necessary
Contact Exeter City Council's conservation officer before starting major work.
Looking for a reliable handyman in Exeter? I've been serving local customers since 2008. Check our reviews or call 01392 964094 for a quote.
Sam Hembury
Sam is the founder of Hembury Contracting, providing professional handyman services across Exeter and Devon. With years of experience in property maintenance, he shares practical tips to help homeowners tackle common tasks.
