Passionate about quintessential English customs, our incognito columnist reminds us how to do the best things in life in the most elegant fashion, always with a twinkle in her eye.
RIGHT At the outset, make clear to ones trades person the materials one would like them to use for the job at hand, to avoid any confusion or issues further down the line. Little Greene paints.
There are few things as important as ones little black book. Not only does it contain the names and telephone numbers of dearest friends, but it is also the first point of reference when it comes to trades people. Once one has found someone reliable, be careful to hang on to them.
It pays to build up a list of contacts before they are needed. This is particularly true in the case of plumbers, who are usually required when something goes horribly wrong. Ask friends and neighbours if they have any professionals they might recommend. When it comes to the more enjoyable side of home maintenance, such as decorating, one should have longer to find the right people. If employing an interior designer, they should assemble and manage the entire team. If not, then take care to find absolutely the right man for the job. For example, if hanging ruinously expensive silk wallpaper, find someone who has proven expertise in this field.
Sadly, rather like car mechanics, some builders, decorators and plumbers respond better to directions from a man. I think, perhaps, they feel that they speak the same language and, as such, are able to maintain a sense of authority. Mr M is always terribly good with trades people. Indeed, my beloved husband enjoys these occasions spent mixing with honest working folk so much that he can often be found sharing the odd tipple with them. Such distractions are fine once the day is done. They are, however, entirely inappropriate in the middle of the work at hand. To this day I am forced to endure the wonky tiling in the hall, which was unboubtedly the direct result of an afternoon snifter, or two.
Once one has decided to embark on a project, it is a good idea to secure a couple of quotations. Telephone each of the craftsmen recommended and give them a brief interview. Once whittled down to two or three, arrange to meet them face to face to take them through the job in hand. One can get a much better idea of how the working relationship may pan out once they are on home ground. It is also wise at this point to show them the materials intended for use. Which brand of paint, for example, the wallpaper or tiles. They should be able to give their professional opinion on whether these products pose any technical problems.
Ask ones chosen professional to provide a written estimate. This should include information on what happens should the job run over time. For example, is there an hourly rate that would be charged? It is also at this stage that one should lay down the rules, preferably in writing. Areas also worth consideration are tidiness and the hours of work, ensuring they agree to turn up each day and telephone if there is a reason they will not be able to do so. As the start date looms, be sure to telephone and confirm arrangements.
On the day itself, greet the tradesman with a cup of tea and a smile, but also a very professional attitude. One friend of mine has become such a slave to her builder that she makes no plans when work is going on, so she can supply him with endless Earl Grey and Garibaldi. This really isnt on. It is appropriate to make around three pots a day; any more really is above and beyond.
A vexed issue is that which might be termed quality control and how to ensure the end result is as one would wish. This should be straightforward if one has simply required a leaking tap no longer leaks. If, however, one has asked that the fading grandeur of the drawing room be returned to its former glory using vintage paper and authentic shades of paint then there is scope for disappointment. I find the key is to be courteous, yet honest and direct. In my experience, true craftsmen take pride in the quality of their work and will welcome the opportunity to address any issues which might mean a project falls short of their usual high standards.
Unfortunately, in life things do go wrong and if, at the end of the day, one is still not happy with the quality of the work do not tolerate it in silence. Instead, seek redress first from the company or individual commissioned to carry out the work. If this does not bring about the desired result, consider contacting the relevant trading association or ones local Trading Standards officer.
With a written agreement and having carefully chosen an artisan of repute, such problems are unlikely. More probable is that one may need to address standards of decorum. Working within a trade is no excuse for allowing standards to slip. Encourage ones tradespeople to wear overalls - it avoids nasty encounters with exposed posteriors every time one pops in to check on progress. One friend has a mischievous terrier which nips any bottom it sees. Perhaps one should consider informing ones tradesperson that ones own dog has similar unsocial tendencies. The larger the dog, the more likely it is the trades person will cover up what I hear is known colloquially as a builders cleavage.
THE PERSON FOR THE JOB
Gather recommendations and carefully check the credentials of the trades person entrusted with jobs around ones home
FITTING RESPONSE
Some companies offer their own fitting service. Fired Earth, for example, will fit - amongst other things - tiles bought from it. By using a companys own service, one benefits from the peace of mind from knowing that they are experts in working with the particular products one has chosen. Other companies, such as Dulux, have a range of professionals approved to work with its products. These can be found on the companys website.
POSITIVE FEEDBACK
The very useful website Ratedpeople.com allows one to post details of the job one needs doing, to then receive three quotes from reputable tradespeople and, once the job has been completed, the chance to comment on the experience and rate the job. All of this allows others an insight into the standard of work offered by the professional in question.
REPUTATION BY ASSOCIATION
When looking for a trades person, it is a good idea to check they are registered with an appropriate trade body. For plumbers this is the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors ; for builders it is the Federation of Master Builders, and for painters and decorators it is the Painting and Decorating Association or the London Association of Master Decorators. Another useful resource is the Guild of Master Craftsmen, whose site includes advice on how to choose the right professional. Quality materials demand quality skills. A selection of wallpapers by Galbraith & Paul, available through Tissus DHelene.
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