Things to check before hiring
A review score is only one part of choosing someone for a job. Compare the scope of work, qualifications and total cost before agreeing to a visit. Select a profession below to see the checks for that type of service.
Find a local electrician
Search for electricians near you for rewiring, fuse boards, lighting, sockets and fault finding. See ratings, opening hours, phone numbers and directions from public Google Maps listings.
- Ask whether they are registered or certified with your country's electrical safety body.
- Request a written quote that lists materials and labour separately.
- Ask for a safety certificate when the work is finished.
Find a local plumber
Find plumbers near you for leaks, blocked drains, boilers, bathrooms and emergency call-outs, with contact details and reviews from public listings.
- Check whether they charge a call-out fee before they arrive.
- For gas or boiler work, confirm they are registered for gas work.
- Ask if parts and labour carry a guarantee.
Find a local carpenter
Find carpenters near you for doors, floors, fitted wardrobes, decking and repairs, with ratings and phone numbers.
- Ask to see photos of previous similar jobs.
- Agree on the type and finish of wood in writing.
- Confirm who supplies the materials.
Find a local painter and decorator
Find painters and decorators near you for interior and exterior painting, with reviews, contact details and directions.
- Ask whether preparation (filling, sanding) is included in the price.
- Confirm the brand and number of coats of paint.
- Agree how furniture and floors will be protected.
Find a local roofer
Find roofing contractors near you for leaks, slates, tiles, flat roofs, gutters and chimney work.
- Get more than one quote for larger roofing jobs.
- Ask whether they hold public liability insurance.
- Ask what guarantee is given on the work.
Find a local locksmith
Find locksmiths near you for lock-outs, lock changes, key cutting and home security upgrades.
- Ask for the total price before they start, including call-out.
- Be ready to show proof that you live at the property.
- Ask for a receipt that lists the locks fitted.
Find local heating and air conditioning repair
Find heating, boiler and air conditioning engineers near you for servicing, repairs and installations.
- Book an annual service to keep warranties valid.
- Confirm the engineer is qualified for your fuel type.
- Ask for a written service report.
Find a local house cleaner
Find house cleaning services near you for regular cleans, deep cleans and end-of-tenancy cleaning.
- Ask whether cleaning products and equipment are included.
- Agree a checklist of rooms and tasks.
- Check how cancellations are handled.
Find a local gardener
Find gardeners and landscapers near you for lawn care, hedge cutting, planting and garden design.
- Ask whether green waste removal is included.
- Agree whether the job is one-off or a regular visit.
- Ask for a quote after they have seen the garden.
Find a local handyman
Find handymen near you for small repairs, flat-pack assembly, shelves, hanging pictures and odd jobs.
- Group several small jobs into one visit to save on cost.
- Ask whether they charge by the hour or by the job.
- Use a specialist for electrical or gas work.
Find a local dog walker
Find dog walking services near you, with ratings, contact details and directions.
- Arrange a meet-and-greet with your dog first.
- Ask how many dogs are walked together.
- Ask whether they hold pet care insurance.
Find a local dog groomer
Find dog groomers near you for baths, haircuts, nail trims and de-shedding.
- Tell the groomer about any health issues or anxiety.
- Ask how long the appointment will take.
- Ask to see photos of their work with your breed.
Find a local car repair garage
Find car repair garages near you for servicing, repairs, diagnostics and pre-test checks.
- Ask for an estimate before any work begins.
- Ask the garage to call you before doing extra work.
- Keep the receipts for your service history.
Find a local car wash
Find car washes and valeting services near you, with opening hours and directions.
- Check opening hours before you go.
- Ask what is included in each wash package.
- Ask whether they offer mobile valeting.
Book a local cab or taxi
Find local taxi and cab companies near you with phone numbers and websites, plus links to major ride-booking apps.
- Confirm the fare or meter rate before the journey.
- Check the driver and vehicle match your booking.
- Book airport trips in advance.
Find local skip hire
Find skip hire companies near you for house clearances, renovations and garden waste.
- Ask which skip size suits your job.
- Check whether you need a permit to place a skip on the road.
- Ask which materials are not allowed in the skip.
Compare quotes, not just prices
Describe the same job
Give each professional the same description, photos and preferred dates. Ask for a written quote showing labour, materials, any call-out fee and applicable taxes. Check whether the amount is a fixed quote or an estimate.
Check the right qualifications
For electrical or gas work, check registration with the relevant safety body in your country. Ask about insurance and examples of similar work. A Google Maps listing or rating is not proof of qualifications or insurance.
Agree before work begins
Confirm the start date, payment schedule, waste removal and any guarantee in writing. Agree that extra work needs your approval first. Keep the quote, messages and receipts in case you need to follow up.
Check listing details before you book
Business names, addresses, reviews and available contact details come from public Google Maps listings. We do not independently verify businesses, licences or the quality of their work. Confirm that the business serves your address, that its contact details are current and that it can handle your specific job.
For cabs, confirm the fare, pick-up arrangements and the driver and vehicle details supplied with your booking. Major booking-app links are listed separately from local businesses; a coverage-directory link does not guarantee availability in your city.