FAQs

Problem Solved is all about reliable local tradesmen. Powered by public recommendation and user feedback, it’s free to use and aims to deliver the best and most relevant tradespeople for your job.

At the moment, there are over 60,000 tradespeople listed, so we need all the feedback we can get. Help make the site even better, and post a review.

We do our level best to ensure the accuracy of the information we offer, and ask our members to update their profiles as often as they can. As for the reviews, anyone can go in and post feedback, both positive and negative on any entry. That said, from December 2007, it becomes illegal under European Legislation to falsely represent a consumer opinion. So, if you’re here looking to get your own back on your ex husband, or slander the competition, think again.

Easy. Just click on the project or blog, scroll down to the comments form and fill it in.

In a world where burglars can sue us for having loose drainpipes, you can’t be too careful (well, that’s what some bloke in a wig keeps telling us).

Our aim is to deliver information that’s of value, and we hope that people use it in the spirit in which it is offered. Click here to read the Terms and Conditions – they’re a real page turner.

Yes, there is. The Boss tells everyone they need to stay late, and everyone complains.

No, seriously, if you have a genuine gripe towards a tradesperson, the best thing you can do is write a review. The tradesperson has the right to reply, and we’ve got a good eye for a porky.

Easy, you run a search on the reviews page - if they're already a member, you can add the review immediately.  If they're not, we'll add them to our list with your review included. Either way, other people will be able to see just how good (or bad) you think they are.

If you click here, we'll take you to the reviews page.

If you can't find anyone in your area, it doesn't mean that there aren't good guys out there, it just means that we haven't heard about them yet. If you need help, we'll do our level best to do so - there are some simple things which you can do to cover yourself and simple dos and don'ts to bear in mind:

The Dos…

• Check qualifications and membership of professional bodies such as Corgi (for plumbers) and NICEIC (for electricians) and ask for a registration number. Don’t be scared to call the relevant body to cross reference the number.
• Judge tradesmen on past work. Any reputable tradesperson will gladly supply references which can be checked. If they refuse, shake hands and walk away.
• Always ask for an itemised written quotation. This should include a VAT registration number and naturally the VAT, if the tradesperson is VAT registered.
• Trust your instincts. A polite, well presented tradesperson with professionally delivered quotations and a smart van will probably replicate the same traits in his work.
• Always check if a quotation is valid for a certain period of time. Unlike estimates, quotations can be binding.
 
The Dont's…

• Never pay in advance. With the money in his back pocket, a rogue trader will lose the incentive to do a good job or, worse still, any job at all.
• Don’t allow yourself to be pressurized into having extra work done but do allow a 20 per cent leeway for additional work which may not have been apparent at quotation stage.
• If paying in installments, never pay the final amount until you are entirely satisfied with the work.
• Don’t accept a quote until you understand where your money is going. A good tradesman will give you an itemized quotation and an explanation of the breakdown.
• Never assume the cheapest quote is the best - don't cut corners, it rarely pays off.

And when you're done, come back and tell us all about it...

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