Tidiness is what homeowners expect most from trades people, according to a recent survey.

They say an Englishman’s home is his castle and trades people should wipe their feet on the way in - according to new research conducted amongst 2,000 UK homeowners by Checkatrade.com, the website for monitoring the reputation of trades people.

Two-thirds of homeowners prefer to employ a tradesperson who clears up after himself, as opposed to one who gets the job done in no time but who leaves behind muddy footprints. This figure is highest in East Anglia and Scotland (67%).

Meanwhile, 1 in 7 busy homeowners are more concerned with whether their trades person turns up to the job on time, especially so in Northern Ireland where a quarter believe punctuality is key.  Manners maketh the man for a further 1 in 7 homeowners who say being polite is the way to win them over.  One in 20 people say that it’s more important than anything else that their tradesperson is clean and well presented.

Commenting on the findings, Kevin Byrne, founder of Checkatrade, said: “Our research findings just go to show that trades people competing in difficult times need to offer the whole package – accuracy, speed, punctuality, politeness and to be presentable.  Homeowners consider it vital for trades people to treat their properties with respect.”

“Reputation matters.  Customers remember a job well done, but neither will they be quick to forget poor service.”

Checkatrade helps combat the UK's rogue trader problem by continuously vetting and monitoring local trades people such as builders, plumbers and electricians as well as service providers. The idea was born in 1998 after a tornado hit the small West Sussex town of Selsey. Traders poured in from as far away as Liverpool and Manchester. Unfortunately, some ripped off the inhabitants of the town. Local businessman, Kevin Byrne, realised there was nowhere to check out the traders’ credentials and the company that became Checkatrade was formed. Since then, Checkatrade has grown to include over 6,600 genuine trade members, growing by an average 130 new members every month.  

Checkatrade does have a section for Removals & Storage currently with only 35 companies listed.  To be listed you need to become a member of Checkatrade (it will cost you £499 + VAT) and fulfil the entry requirements including providing trade and customer references.  To find out more go to: www.checkatrade.com

Photo: Kevin Bryne, founder of Checkatrade.