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Product tests

Thinking of hiring a tradesperson? Find out what MNers thought of MyBuilder

59 replies

EllieMumsnet · 22/05/2019 09:59

This is the feedback thread for the Mumsnet users who tried and tested the MyBuilder service. This service test was open to all UK MNers who have a job that needs to be done by a tradesperson. This was a service test on users experience of the MyBuilder service and site rather than the tradespeople themselves.

Here’s what MyBuilder have to say: “We know it can be a hassle searching for available tradespeople. At MyBuilder, our unique match-making process makes it easy to find the right person for your project. When you post a job on MyBuilder, it’s sent to local tradespeople with the right experience, who express an interest in the job if they’re free to take it on. You can then review the profiles of all the interested tradespeople, looking at their experience, photos of their previous work and all the feedback left by previous customers. You then shortlist all the tradespeople you want to speak with before you’re put in touch.

We’re picky at MyBuilder, and turn down almost half of tradespeople who apply to join. Each tradesperson goes through a trade specific evaluation to meet our high standards, because our reputation is only as good as our tradespeople. Our feedback system ensures that tradespeople are rewarded for good work and kept accountable. Our tradespeople relish the opportunity to build an outstanding reputation on MyBuilder, and it’s customer feedback which makes that possible.”

Testers please answer the following questions:
- What was the job you posted?
- How easy was it to post your job?
- What did you like most about the MyBuilder website?
- Is there anything you feel could be improved?
- Would you use MyBuilder again?
- Would you recommend MyBuilder to friends or family? Please explain why or why not.

Testers will be required to leave feedback on their experience of the MyBuilder service on both this thread and by filling in a short survey. Everyone who leaves the required feedback will receive a £40 voucher and also be entered into a prize draw where 3 testers will win £100 voucher each of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck!
MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs Apply

Thinking of hiring a tradesperson? Find out what MNers thought of MyBuilder
OP posts:
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rachaelsit · 22/05/2019 10:55

What was the job you posted?
I posted two jobs for different properties. Both were for a boiler service.

  • How easy was it to post your job?

Very easy to post the jobs.

  • What did you like most about the MyBuilder website?

I like how user friendly it is.
I like the ease of leaving feedback and the invite tradesman feature. The feedback about the tradesman was easy to access and with positive, negative, neutral.

  • Is there anything you feel could be improved?

I found it difficult to get back to the message thread between tradesman and myself to check what had been agreed. I could only get to it easily by going to the link in the email notification.

I think there should be an option to cancel a job, because I had ‘in progress’ for a job that the tradesman never turned up to.

I would prefer it if tradesman you did hire and then didn’t turn up could be blocked from your profile or future jobs posted and also hope they can no longer access your details to contact once feedback has been given. This is why a ‘cancel job’ would be useful. I had to repost the whole job despite it not being completed from the first post.

  • Would you use MyBuilder again?

Yes.
  • Would you recommend MyBuilder to friends or family? Please explain why or why not.

Yes I would. Out of all the sites doing a similar thing it is my favourite.
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kelandab · 22/05/2019 12:38

What was the job you posted?

I posted a job to repair tiles on the side of my roof that are loose

How easy was it to post your job?

Extremely easy! It took no time at all. Literally around 2 minutes


What did you like most about the MyBuilder website?

I like that I get an almost instant response to my job, it’s just so quick and perfecto for busy people like me who don’t have time to find and contact lots of different builders.

Is there anything you feel could be improved?

Maybe a login option - I couldn’t work out how to access my job without clicking on a link from an email

Would you use MyBuilder again? Yes definitely- I have recently moved into a new house and have lots on the list to do!

Would you recommend MyBuilder to friends or family? Please explain why or why not.

Yes I would. Have already mentioned it to a few people at work - mainly due to how quickly I received responses, it’s a real time saver!

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Zebrasinpyjamas · 22/05/2019 12:48
  • What was the job you posted? To reduce a tree height from 3m to 1m
  • How easy was it to post your job? Very
  • What did you like most about the MyBuilder website? Because they contact you, you get tradespeople that are actually interested in your job.
  • Is there anything you feel could be improved? I found the filters a bit restrictive as I wasn't sure (for a different job) which category I needed but I can see why they are useful to allow tradespeople to search.
  • Would you use MyBuilder again? Yes and we have.
  • Would you recommend MyBuilder to friends or family? Please explain why or why not. Yes as it saves contacting people that aren't interested.
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Lisasm21 · 22/05/2019 13:37

What was the job you posted? To get a small vent replaced in my roof eaves.

How easy was it to post your job? Very

What did you like most about the MyBuilder website? It was easy to use, a good way to find people who are happy to do the job and they contact you if they are interested.

Is there anything you feel could be improved? Yes. It would be helpful to be able to limit the number of responses and geographic area - I received a huge number and people were not going to travel some of those distances for a small job. Also I got vastly different quotes, skills and ways of doing the job and it would have been helpful to be able to read past feedback etc and/or to give more feedback on the person I never heard further from.

Would you use MyBuilder again? Yes although I’m still trying to find the right person for this job.

Would you recommend MyBuilder to friends and family? Please explain why or why not? Yes, it is a great idea and saves contacting people who won’t be interested.

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Anusia86 · 22/05/2019 14:27
  • What was the job you posted? was looking for someone to check my flooded hob and short circuit
  • How easy was it to post your job? very easy
  • What did you like most about the MyBuilder website? that I didn't have to look for people myself they just asked me if I want to hire them
  • Is there anything you feel could be improved? I don't think they should give my phone number to all short listed people, because it would be enough to exchange our messages on MyBuilder platform and than when I choose the person I want to hire I can give them my phone number.
  • Would you use MyBuilder again? yes, definetley
  • Would you recommend MyBuilder to friends or family? Please explain why or why not. yes, and I have already recommended it. It was so easy to find treadespeople and to choose who I want to hire. Great service, great idea.
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eastmidswarwicknightnanny · 22/05/2019 18:39

Hi

What was the job you posted?

For a boiler service

-How easy was it to post your job?

Really easy and self explanatory


-What did you like most about the MyBuilder website?

Tradespeople contact you via a message on site
Reviews were useful
Locality was useful also

-Is there anything you feel could be improved?

The logging into messages with a pin text you was a nice security feature but a real pain to check one message

-Would you use MyBuilder again?

Most certainly it's a great idea

-Would you recommend MyBuilder to friends or family? Please explain why or why no

Yes it's really easy go use, no obligation to commit to any tradesperson until you are ready. Reviews available.

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JanieLovesLuckySocks · 22/05/2019 19:42
  • What was the job you posted?

I posted a job that was to renovate and refurbish a 4 bedroom Victorian terrace house. I listed most aspects of the job that would need doing eg. pointing, rebuilding a bay window, roofing, dry rot in floor boards, removing a wall, moving a bathroom etc.

  • How easy was it to post your job?

I found it very easy to post the job, the guides were easy to follow and it was a very quick process

  • What did you like most about the MyBuilder website?

It is very straightforward. I am not all that experienced in building terminology but the guidance was good and advice given was perfect for what I needed

  • Is there anything you feel could be improved?

I think it would be good to have clearer photos. The photo on the profile looked nothing like the owner that came out to see the job! Also, contacting via mybuilder would be adequate until I was comfortable to pass my phone number on.
I think it would also be good to be able to view photos of previous work

  • Would you use MyBuilder again?

Yes I would. Being in Northern Ireland, there maybe aren't as many tradespeople listed as there might be in England etc, but it's good to know that the ones that contact me are genuine and reliable.

  • Would you recommend MyBuilder to friends or family? Please explain why or why not.

Yes I definitely would and I have passed it on to a number of friends who have asked for recommendations. It is comforting to know that the tradespeople who will get in touch are interested in my job, they will only reply if they can commit and have been recommended by others.
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Ren1974 · 22/05/2019 20:36

What was the job you posted?

I need the walls around my front door and front windows rendered.

How easy was it to post your job?

^Very easy, it took around 5 minutes with step by
step instructions.^

What did you like most about the MyBuilder website?

The process of entering the job was easy, I received regular updates and my job was reposted when not responded to initially.

Is there anything you feel could be improved?

If there is not a lot of interest in a job, It may be an idea for MyBuilder to review the job details and see if it could be reworded in a way that would be more appealing to builders.

Would you use MyBuilder again?

Yes, Although I did not find a builder for my job this time, the process was simple and I received regular updates which was helpful.

Would you recommend MyBuilder to friends or family? Please explain why or why not.

Yes if asked, although most of my friends and family appear to use Facebook recommendations if they need a building job undertaken.

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mshell1231 · 22/05/2019 20:52
  • What was the job you posted?

I posted two jobs- one when the test first started and one last week. I was looking for someone to paint my hall, landing and stairs, and someone to lay some flags in the garden.

  • How easy was it to post your job?

Very easy. Creating an account was straight-forward. The job advert allowed me to include the details needed about the job.

  • What did you like most about the MyBuilder website?

Email notifications when someone is interested in your job, user reviews and a description of the trade-person's experience and skills.

  • Is there anything you feel could be improved?

I would prefer to have contact by message via MyBuilder rather than exchange numbers until a trades-person was chosen. More photos of previous work would also be helpful.

  • Would you use MyBuilder again?

Yes. I have not selected a anyone to complete my jobs yet but will be doing over the next couple of weeks.

  • Would you recommend MyBuilder to friends or family? Please explain why or why not.

Yes. I wouldn't have thought of using a site like this as I never knew they existed, but now I do I will be using it in the future and recommending it to others.
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thesoupdragon44 · 23/05/2019 13:09
  • What was the job you posted?

To repair a broken double glazed window

  • How easy was it to post your job?

Very easy to log in and post my job on the site

  • What did you like most about the MyBuilder website?

That you don't have to register to use the site, and the information was clear on how to post a job

  • Is there anything you feel could be improved?

I found it difficult to get builders to give me a quote on the site. As I was not available to answer the phone I was missing messages from builders that replied to me.

  • Would you use MyBuilder again?

Possibly not as I have been unable to get a builder to do the job that I wanted done. I was disappointed that none of the first lot of builders came back to me and I had no messages on the site. I used the find a builder function and had one reply but from a builder some distance away who did give me a verbal quote. The other builder I asked to quote has not replied.

  • Would you recommend MyBuilder to friends or family? Please explain why or why not.

I would recommend as a good place to find tradesmen, but as I have been unable to get a builder to come out and give me a quote for my job I couldn't say I would go out of my way to recommend the site. I don't like that they cant contact you on the site which I would prefer.
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torthecatlady · 24/05/2019 00:25
  • What was the job you posted?

Replace internal doors and frames. Although have used the website before to list other jobs.

  • How easy was it to post your job?

Very easy

  • What did you like most about the MyBuilder website?

It was easy to use.

  • Is there anything you feel could be improved?

I would really like if you could add a picture to your job listing as pictures give more detail to what needs doing.

  • Would you use MyBuilder again?

Yes

  • Would you recommend MyBuilder to friends or family? Please explain why or why not.

Yes, but would tell them to choose trades person carefully and read their feedback.
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BookShop · 24/05/2019 13:44

What was the job you posted?
We were looking for someone to completely remove our old bathroom and downstairs cloakroom suites and update with new plumbing, tiles, replacement of suite and decorate. One of the jobs required the removal of a wall and expansion of a room. It was both building and plumbing work that was needed.

How easy was it to post your job?
Very easy. It was simple and you knew where you stood in terms of what category it went into.

What did you like most about the MyBuilder website?
It was simple to use.

Is there anything you feel could be improved?
I still went to CheckATrade after checking out the responses just to be sure I had carried out due diligence and that this was not just a forum for recommending mates.

Would you use MyBuilder again?
Absolutely. We have many other jobs we would like doing in the next year or so and I liked how easy it was to check the status of a job and compare those who had responded.

Would you recommend MyBuilder to friends or family? Please explain why or why not.
Yes. The site was simple and the people it put me in touch with all seemed professional. We have managed to select a tradesperson and work will be starting on our Bathrooms this week.

I have already looked into a couple of other jobs that need doing and like how I can easily keep track of those who responded without having to check and chase with emails or phone calls.

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Shangrilalala · 28/05/2019 21:07
  • What was the job you posted?


Renovating metalwork on upstairs balconies

  • How easy was it to post your job?


So simple

  • What did you like most about the MyBuilder website?


How user friendly it was, I felt in control of the early part of the process. I also liked that I was being contacted by individuals who had some idea of what my job might be and who had expressed interest at the first stage. Theoretically this can save time and energy for both parties.

  • Is there anything you feel could be improved?


I accepted a quote and then immediately received a request from the My Builder system to shut down the job. It’s now been a good 3 weeks and I have no definite date for work still. It feels that there was activity from the contractor to get the job onto his books but he is yet to follow through with the work, or give an indication of when this might happen. It’s a little off putting in an otherwise excellent system and I appreciate that this might simply be down to one individual or even crossed wires.

  • Would you use MyBuilder again?


Yes. No hesitation.

  • Would you recommend MyBuilder to friends or family? Please explain why or why not.


Yes. It’s so difficult to find recommendations and this appears to offer that whilst still allowing for a degree of ‘anonymity’ in the early stages.
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SinkGirl · 29/05/2019 11:37
  • What was the job you posted?

We needed lots of jobs done, so I posted four separate jobs, from some external decorating, landscaping, loft conversion and a few small electrical jobs

  • How easy was it to post your job?

Very easy to post jobs, but ideally you need as much specific information as possible (re: measurements). However, the idea that you’ll get sent quotes on this basis is a bit optimistic - even with lots of info everyone just offered to come and visit to give a quote.

  • What did you like most about the MyBuilder website?

The ease of posting multiple jobs, seeing feedback and keeping track of responses all in one place was very useful.

I also liked that the companies are aware you’re probably seeking multiple quotes as a result of the way the site works, so you seem to get fairer prices and there’s no awkwardness when you state that you’re seeking other quotes.

  • Is there anything you feel could be improved?

Obviously it’s early days so most companies have limited feedback at this stage and it wasn’t always possible to track them down via google to look for other reviews.

I really didn’t like (and wasn’t aware initially) that once you shortlist a company, they automatically receive your mobile number. I shortlisted several companies in order to respond to the messages they’d sent me and almost immediately started receiving calls. One company called me four times in an afternoon and sent me two text messages (I have twins with additional needs so it’s very difficult to take calls during the day). I would have much preferred the option to communicate via message and then give my number when I felt comfortable.

  • Would you use MyBuilder again?

Absolutely, I found a couple of great tradespeople who’ve been really reliable and reasonably priced and it’s really easy to use

  • Would you recommend MyBuilder to friends or family? Please explain why or why not.

Definitely - once the usage increases and feedback levels increase I think it will be a really valuable tool
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Plural · 29/05/2019 19:00
  • What was the job you posted?

Repairing steps

  • How easy was it to post your job?

Very easy

  • What did you like most about the MyBuilder website?

The navigation was very simple and clear about how to do things

  • Is there anything you feel could be improved?

More choice of people. I'm always wary with getting jobs done and worry with sites liek these that people may potentially pay to get good ratings or feedback

  • Would you use MyBuilder again?

Yes if I had a relatively small job that needed doing

  • Would you recommend MyBuilder to friends or family? Please explain why or why not.

Potentially, yes, but I'd always rely on word of mouth first
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ThomasRichard · 29/05/2019 20:08

My job was building a front porch.

Posting on MyBuilder was fairly easy. I was using Safari on an iPhone and the page and interactive elements formatted well. The only annoying thing was being unable to find a good category for the job. It wasn’t an extension or a window fitting but there wasn’t a category for general building that I could see.

I posted the job under the extension category and didn’t get any replies. After a few days MyBuilder automatically rotated it to window fitters, which generated several. This is a great functionality that I really appreciated.

Improvements - maybe a guidance comment to say that the category change will happen so people like me who aren’t sure of the category don’t worry.

Yes I would use it again and will do so.

Yes I would recommend it to friends and family as easy to use and well thought-out.

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lottietiger · 29/05/2019 20:48

What was the job you posted- to install a new ensuite including changing position of the wc.
It was really easy to post a job, it took only a few minutes and I was quite detailed.
I like the website as it was easy to use and allowed you to quickly post a job without trawling through the Internet looking for people.
The only improvement I thought of was putting a mileage radius. I got a fair few replies from contractors quite a distance away and wondered if they would actually be competitive when quoting due to distance.
I would definitely use my builder again as I have lots of bits round the house to do. It's just finding the time to meet them as they all want to come out to quote.
I'd definitely recommend to friends and family as I'm always getting asked if I know anyone that does---

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CoffeeDeprivation · 29/05/2019 22:35

What was the job you posted? I posted three jobs, but I'm going ahead with a guttering one (fixing and replacing brackets)

  • How easy was it to post your job? It was very easy, just a few clicks
  • What did you like most about the MyBuilder website? How easy it was to post the job and get almost immediate responses interested in giving me quotes
  • Is there anything you feel could be improved? I'm not sure I like that once I shortlist, the tradespeople can call me straight away. I rather have contact via email first, until I can decide with whom I want to do the job. I cannot fully decide the tradesperson until I have all quotes, I didn't want to be contacted straight away by all five tradespeople.


  • Would you use MyBuilder again? Yes, possibly, it was quite easy to post and get quotes. I still have to wait and see the quality of those advertising there.
  • Would you recommend MyBuilder to friends or family? Please explain why or why not. Yes, again, it's is very easy to use and you can read reviews before accepting a tradesperson.
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Caillou · 30/05/2019 20:39

What was the job you posted?

It was to cut to measure and install venitian blinds throughout the house.

How easy was it to post your job?

Extremely easy and quick

What did you like most about the MyBuilder website?

I liked the fact that even though our advert is live on the site, we are in control of which tradesmen can access our phone number.

Is there anything you feel could be improved?

I wished that there was the option to be contacted by email only by the tradesmen to discuss in writing before speaking over the phone.

Would you use MyBuilder again?

Yes I would

Would you recommend MyBuilder to friends or family? Please explain why or why not

Yes again I would as it is very easy to use and having the rating of the tradesmen gives you a bit of piece of mind.

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Mimozaaa · 31/05/2019 17:58

Testers please answer the following questions:

  • What was the job you posted?

About fascia in my house
  • How easy was it to post your job?

Very easy and straightforward
  • What did you like most about the MyBuilder website?

That navigating through the website was fairly easy .
  • Is there anything you feel could be improved?

Maybe have a log in option so I can go straight to my account .
  • Would you use MyBuilder again?

Yes definitely
  • Would you recommend MyBuilder to friends or family? Please explain why or why not.

Yes I will because its very convenient especially when your working .
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Moo92 · 31/05/2019 18:38
  • What was the job you posted?

To fix a hole in our garage roof.
  • How easy was it to post your job?

Amazingly quick and easy in took about 2 minutes in total including the time for my slow phone to unlock!
  • What did you like most about the MyBuilder website?

The ease of use and excellent clear navigation.
  • Is there anything you feel could be improved?

Adding the option to just be contacted by email would be useful as it's not always convenient to answer the phone.
  • Would you use MyBuilder again?

Yes definitely. In fact I have already used it again to get an electrician.
  • Would you recommend MyBuilder to friends or family? Please explain why or why not.

Definitely as it's so easy and you can view profiles including reviews from customers before your contact details are passed to the tradesperson. Really excellent idea and easy to use site.
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louisealls · 31/05/2019 19:41

What was the job you posted?
Change a radiator

  • How easy was it to post your job?

Very easy to post - form simple to use.

  • What did you like most about the MyBuilder website?

I was messaged very quickly with offers of quotes.

  • Is there anything you feel could be improved?

To be given the option to be contacted via text as it's not always convenient to answer calls.

  • Would you use MyBuilder again?

Yes it was a great experience.

  • Would you recommend MyBuilder to friends or family? Please explain why or why not

Yes I would recommend My builder. It's a really easy platform to use and it's good to be able to view reviews before committing to a tradesperson.
Report

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Beach11 · 31/05/2019 20:14

Testers please answer the following questions:

  • What was the job you posted? To have the master bedroom fully decorated.
  • How easy was it to post your job? Very easy to post my job with a description.
  • What did you like most about the MyBuilder website? Easy to use and takes the hassle out of looking online to find trades persons
  • Is there anything you feel could be improved? I don’t like that my phone number was shared as soon as I shorted and this is why I only short listed on decorator at first. I feel it would be safer if there is a message service or call service to be used via the website- like what the car sales websites have
  • Would you use MyBuilder again? Yes, I would use again.
  • Would you recommend MyBuilder to friends or family? Please explain why or why not. I would recommend to family and friends as it is easy to use and seems to be plenty of trades people in our area. It’s good to see the trades people’s profile, picture and feedback from previous jobs.
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Byrdie · 31/05/2019 20:16
  • What was the job you posted?


We had a leaking tap and a continuously flushing toilet.

  • How easy was it to post your job?


So easy! A little too easy... was tempted to put up all sorts of things I’ve been putting off.

  • What did you like most about the MyBuilder website?


I really like that the tradesmen contact you so you’re not chasing around trying to find tradesmen for your job. I really felt like I was being pitched and not begging tradesmen to help.

  • Is there anything you feel could be improved?


Maybe you could have a tick list or check list to highlight what was most important to you. Like quick repair or flexible times, weekend only etc.

  • Would you use MyBuilder again?


Definately!

  • Would you recommend MyBuilder to friends or family? Please explain why or why not.


Yes - it’s easy and quick and you don’t need to spend any time chasing anyone. You don’t feel like you’re a bother and the tradesmen are doing you a favour. Best of all is that you get feedback on the traders so you know they’re going to do a good job. Unfortunately the plumber we hired messed up something and the whole toilet flooded - ruining the wall and ceiling. Usually this would be a nightmare, however actually with Mybuilder it meant that I knew he’d come back and fix it because he’d get a terrible rating if he didn’t! It’s actually really good in that respect.
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Coffeemummy123 · 31/05/2019 21:38
  • WHAT WAS THE JOB YOU POSTED?

  1. Replace dimmer switches, fit a spotlight.
  2. Hang and repair 2 doors.

(Electrician and carpenter.)

* HOW EASY WAS IT TO POST YOUR JOB?

Helpful prompts/categories to select made it easy.


* WHAT DID YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE MYBUILDER WEBSITE?

Having access to interested professionals.

* IS THERE ANYTHING YOU FEEL COULD BE IMPROVED?

-I couldn't see how to leave pictures during initial job posting.
-Stop the passing of numbers so early and freely.
-A more standardised photo e.g. passport standard on their profiles.
-If a tradesperson has no feedback then get them to do 3 jobs at a discounted rate as exposure.
-Payment should be done electronically and only once job meets both parties satisfaction.


* WOULD YOU USE MYBUILDER AGAIN?

Yes.


* WOULD YOU RECCOMMEND MYBUILDER TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY? PLEASE EXPLAIN WHY OR WHY NOT?

Yes. Having your job advertised and people come to you is good. The Mybuilder platform can help you find someone anytime of day, so much better than contacting during office hours, which us difficult for me!
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