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Getting three quotations?

(7 Posts)
Cabbie21 Fri 17-May-24 20:38:02

I have often read the advice to get three tradespeople to quote a price for a job, but I have had a couple of jobs done and broken the rule successfully.
The first was a decorator. He has done work for me before and is actually a close friend of my son. I booked a date with him but he forgot to give me a figure. He did a good job. I am happy with his work and his price.
The second was a roofer. He is said to be the best roofer in town, but he really doesn’t do admin. He responds to a message by turning up on your doorstep unexpectedly to tell you he’ll be coming next week, or even tomorrow. His invoice is hand written on headed paper, but he does at least accept bank transfers.
No I didn’t get three quotes.

For a third job I got three tree surgeons to quote. I went with the cheapest( not always wise, I know, but I liked his manner and his knowledge.). He did a great job, cleared up properly and included an extra tree at no extra charge. I would happily recommend him.

As for the first two, I am happy with their work. I am happy to employ people I know and trust, if I can, rather than a quote from someone unknown.
Next I need a gardener. There are plenty of recommendations on the local Facebook page but I don’t know any of them. I did use a recommendation once but was very disappointed so I sacked him.
What are your experiences?

AreWeThereYet Fri 17-May-24 20:44:53

We find it almost impossible to get anyone to quote. They seem to think it is a waste of their time if they don't get the job. We've had useless and expensive people from Facebook recommendations and useless and expensive people from Checkatrade. The people putting our solar panels in are the same people who put our charger in for the electric car - recommended by our garage and very good. Our fencers I bumped into in B&Q when I saw them getting into their van and asked them to come round and quote. They've also relaid our path and are coming to do the rest of the fencing and patio in a couple of months. The fencers are very local but don't seem to charge half what some of the others quoted during lockdown.

Grammaretto Fri 17-May-24 20:50:43

Interesting Cabbie.
I have had to get at least 2 quotes for a new ceiling to send to my insurers.
The first was a young man who was recommended, who works with his dad. He gave me a verbal estimate, followed by an official one, very quickly and very reasonable .

The next was much slower to come and much slower to quote. His is a large company. The quote came today and it's more than double the first one. It includes decorating which the other didn't but I will surely choose the first one.

It's hard to find tradespeople so I count myself lucky to find 2!

The Roofer who has been trying to find where the water is coming in and why the ceiling fell in has disappeared and I am waiting for someone else.
I wonder if I was a man and not a poor old woman I would get a better response. 🤔

Grammaretto Fri 17-May-24 20:52:13

BTW there's not a hope in hell of the insurers paying up.

Sparklefizz Fri 17-May-24 21:03:03

I haven't found Checkatrade much good at all.

Jaxjacky Fri 17-May-24 21:43:01

I’ve lived in our village for over 30 years and used the local pub for just as long, plenty of tradesmen use it and I now count at least three people I use as friends. A plumber, electrician, joiner and another friends mate is an accredited gas engineer.

petra Fri 17-May-24 22:27:11

Sparklefizz

I haven't found Checkatrade much good at all.

No tradesman/woman worth their salt needs to advertise on Checkatrade.