Your Options for Finding a Contractor
1. A vetted services platform (e.g. Brzix)
Specialist platforms verify contractor identity, hold verified reviews from real clients and offer escrow payment — your money is held until you confirm the job is done. You post the job, contractors send quotes with price and timeline, and you choose. No awkward phone negotiations.
2. Personal recommendations
Still one of the most reliable channels — but only when the recommendation is for the specific type of work you need. A plumber great at replacing a tap may not be the right person for a full bathroom replumb.
3. Facebook groups and classified ads
Wide availability, but zero verification. Easy to encounter someone without relevant experience. If you use this channel, always ask for references and photos of comparable previous work.
What to Check Before Hiring
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Ask for 2–3 references from similar jobs | Confirms relevant experience |
| View photos of completed work | Quality is visible before they start |
| Get a written itemised quote | No "we forgot to include that" surprises |
| Check reviews (platform or Google) | 10+ reviews give a reliable signal |
| Confirm guarantee on work | A confident professional stands behind their work |
| Clarify payment terms | Staged payments protect both sides |
What a Good Quote Should Contain
- Detailed job description — exactly what they will do
- Labour and materials priced separately — so you know what you're paying for
- Completion date or working days
- What is NOT included — plastering after electrical work, painting, rubble removal
- Guarantee period — minimum 6 months on the work performed
Red Flags — When to Walk Away
- Refuses to provide a written quote ("we'll sort it out verbally")
- Price is dramatically lower than all other quotes
- No reviews or references whatsoever
- Demands full payment upfront
- Avoids questions about experience or qualifications
- Pressures you to decide immediately
How to Compare Quotes
Don't automatically choose the cheapest. Look at:
- Completeness — is everything included, or are items deliberately left out?
- Timeline — unrealistically short deadlines lead to rushed, poor quality work
- Reviews — 4.7/5 on 30 reviews is more reliable than 5/5 on 2
- Communication — how quickly and clearly they respond tells you a lot
If Something Goes Wrong
On platforms like Brzix, payment is held in escrow until you confirm completion, and disputes are handled through the platform. Off-platform:
- Photograph the problem immediately
- Contact the contractor in writing (message or email)
- Refer to the written quote or contract
- For larger amounts — consumer protection authority or small claims
Try Brzix — No Wasted Time
Post your job in 2 minutes. Receive quotes from verified contractors, see their reviews and pay only when you're satisfied.
Open Brzix →