There has been troubling reports about dodgy tradies and
con-artists that get away with a lot of money for jobs not done or work that is
utterly sub-standard it’s bordering on dangerous or potentially hazardous. Despite media reports that are supposed to
create awareness and prevent these tradies from deceiving un-suspecting
clients, there are still some who get away with it. It really is not surprising because some of
these tradies have done their homework on the art of deceit and there are those
who are downright charming, they’ll evade your request for an ABN number. In this case, in order NOT to be conned –
information is your means of protection.
1.
The Dodgy
Tradie goes around offering their services.
If someone knocks on your door and tells you that you “need” something
fixed, then you are most likely talking to a dodgy tradie. The good ones do not have time to go around scoping
neighborhoods, they are usually booked from one job to another.
2. They evade questions on permits, licenses
and insurances. They may be charming at first but they get intimidating when
they are confronted and especially when they do not get what they want. So do not even ask them for it. Go online and straight to the Business
Checker website and see if their company is listed and if they have at least a
satisfactory rating – a high rating is better.
3.
They do
not have referrals. Dodgy tradies
give you their previous clients because they are likely to give negative
comments. If they do give you a list, ask specific questions on the type of
work done and why you they think they did a good job. Happy customers usually are happy to answer
your questions.
4.
They usually
want to be paid up front. If there
is a need for down-payments and a good tradie will always be willing to
negotiate, the dodgy tradie just gets upset altogether. It is also advisable
that for work that is over $12,000 you may request for only 10% down payment.
5.
Good work
never comes cheap. Skill, experience
and hard work usually come with a price and giving out a discount upfront means
you may be getting the losing end of the deal.
Dodgy tradies usually gives outrageous discounts because they do not
intend to work at all.
Remember that it is better to think twice before you dole
out your hard earned savings. It is even
better to not go into any transaction before you are assured that will be
getting the best deal both for your builder and you. Do not be afraid to ask questions and ask
authorities about you rights. It is a
bigger headache to complain after the damage is done.
Good tradies are not hard to find, you just need to know
where to look.
Visit these sites for more information:
