10 Tips When Using Trades

When you’re a landlord, there will come a time when you need specialist help to maintain or improve your property. Tradespeople – whether they’re plumbers, electricians, decorators, or builders – can be a real asset when things go smoothly. But sometimes, coordinating work on a property can turn into a headache, with miscommunication, delays, or unexpected costs.

To make sure your experience with trades goes well, we've put together some essential tips to help build a good working relationship and ensure you get quality work done on time and within budget.

1. Provide a Clear Brief 
   When working with trades, clarity is crucial. Start by providing a detailed brief of the work required. For larger projects, consider creating a formal Statement of Work (SOW). This not only allows you to gather multiple quotes on the exact same specifications, but it also helps keep everyone accountable. A clear brief should cover the scope of work, quality expectations, and specific requirements, setting a strong foundation for a successful project.
   

2. Provide Clarity on Timeline and Budget
   To avoid misunderstandings later, make sure you’re clear about timelines and budget expectations from the start. A well-defined deadline will help ensure that your trades stay focused, especially if they’re juggling multiple projects. Setting a budget cap in advance will also help manage costs and prevent any surprises when the bill arrives.
   

3. Be Clear on VAT and Insurance
   VAT and insurance can sometimes be forgotten in the quote stage, only to cause problems later on. Ensure you understand whether the quote includes VAT, as this can significantly impact costs. Additionally, confirm that the tradesperson or company has the necessary insurance to cover any potential damages. These details are essential for protecting both your property and your finances.
   

4. Don’t be Afraid to Ask Questions
   Don’t hesitate to ask questions throughout the process. During the quote stage, ask about materials, process, and warranties. During the work itself, feel free to check in on progress. Asking questions is a way to clarify any points of confusion and helps to ensure that both you and the tradesperson are on the same page.
   

5. Check-in regularly
   Frequent check-ins during the work can make a huge difference. Regularly visiting the site allows you to monitor progress, address any issues, and confirm that work is proceeding as planned. This helps avoid the risk of trades working on other projects at the same time, which can lead to delays. Plus, regular check-ins can flag any issues early so they’re resolved with minimal impact to your deadline.
   

6. Avoid Changing Requirements (Unless Absolutely Necessary)
   Changing requirements halfway through a project can lead to confusion, frustration, and increased costs. While minor adjustments may sometimes be unavoidable, try to avoid making major changes once the work has started. Instead, plan carefully from the outset to minimise the need for modifications, keeping the project on track and within budget.
   

7. Pay on Time
   Paying tradespeople on time is not just professional – it also helps maintain a positive working relationship. Reliable payment encourages trades to prioritise your job, and it also builds a reputation that can attract skilled trades for future projects. If there are multiple payment milestones, discuss these in advance to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding payments.
   

8. Set Expectations for Waste Removal and Cleanliness
   At the start of the project, make sure to agree on who will be responsible for waste removal. For larger projects, this might mean hiring a skip, while smaller jobs may only require minor cleanup. Set clear expectations for the cleanliness of the site upon completion, and clarify if parking permits are needed to ensure smooth access for trades.
   

9. Depending on Project Size, Allow Time for ‘Snagging’
   On larger projects, allow for a period of ‘snagging’ – a time to catch any minor issues or adjustments needed once the main work is completed. Whether it’s a slight paint touch-up or a cabinet that needs adjusting, snagging helps ensure that every detail meets your expectations before final sign-off.
   

10. Keep Good Relationships & Recommend to Others
    A good working relationship with tradespeople can pay off significantly in the long run. Not only does it increase the likelihood of them prioritising your work, but it also encourages a high standard of service. If you’re satisfied with the work, don’t hesitate to recommend them to others. Building a network of trusted trades can be invaluable for future property needs.

Working with trades doesn’t have to be a gamble. With a clear brief, regular communication, and realistic expectations, you can make the process smoother and avoid common pitfalls. Whether it’s a simple repair or a large-scale renovation, following these tips will help you get quality results and maintain positive, professional relationships with the people helping to care for your property.

For more property management advice, check out our other blog posts at Prime Living Blog.