Would you hire this guy?

[Suziee37]

I found a guy to paint front of house and he’s quoted a reasonable enough price and I got quotes from others too. He seems reliable as he responds promptly to messages, BUT I have a sinking feeling and can’t explain it. Today he asked if I have a ladder he could borrow when he comes to do job! When he came to quote he came in a normal car whereas others came in vans. I’m obviously not going to pay him till job is done. I’m really worried I’ve chosen wrong guy. Surely he should have a ladder if this is his job?

It’s not just simply painting, he has to strip the paint then plaster it then paint it. It’s not whole house it’s just the bottom part below the windows. How much would you expect to pay for this? House is a terraced mid house.

Go with your gut on this. I agree it doesn’t seem right.

How did you find him, was it through a Trusted Trader type website or a guy off Facebook? Does he have insurance?

Your gut / intuition is trying to tell you something.

Borrow a ladder?

No. Don't use him

This sounds like he might not have the appropriate insurance. Professionals should have adequate training, equipment, insurance, and risk assessments for various types of work. Working from height is a risky activity and you need to know what you are doing, and follow appropriate safety procedures.

What happens if he falls off the borrowed ladder and then wants to sue you for his injuries?

Go with your gut feeling. Ask to see his insurance - take up references on other jobs he's done - check out where his business is registered, ie that you're dealing with more than a mobile phone number.

no ladder !!!!
He will be asking for a paintbrush next.
Trust your instinct

Of course you don't hire the person who doesn't even have a ladder. Come on.

Where did you find him?? If you found him through personal recommendations then maybe go for it but if you acquired his details randomly online I'd probably ask about see who people use in your area . We just approached our neighbours painter and he has had work right up our road as our neighbours booked him in too. He doesn't have a van but because he is now basically the community decorator of choice he moves his gear from shed to shed. He does have a ladder etc though.

I did this once - he seemed to know what he was doing and was responsive. He turned up on the first day with brand new overalls, brand new paint brushes (cheap ones from local diy shop) and clearly had no idea how to paint a living room. I ended up with badly painted walls and paint spattered furniture.

Ask to see samples of his work - most tradesmen will have a facebook page or similar with examples of work they have done, customer's references etc. Is he on CheckaTrade or similar? If not I wouldn't use him - and no ladder is ridiculous.

I found him on a neighbourhood app. Well actually he found me as I posted what work I need done and he responded to me. I’ve noticed whenever people post up jobs needing to be done he’s the first to respond to everyone!

I wouldn’t hire him no, I’d expect painters to have their own equipment and that would be enough for me to cancel.

Also I think neighbourhood apps/groups are really great for finding people when you have a job, but it’s best to go by a recommendation from another neighbour (e.g joe bloggs did some carpentry for me and he was great) rather than from the business themselves (I’m joe bloggs and my work is great). Extra good if there are multiple others who have used them to back up that testimonial.

I ’ve noticed whenever people post up jobs needing to be done he’s the first to respond to everyone!
Because he isn't doing anything else

His profile pic is him in a hi vis jacket and hard hat and he’s listed as a builder. I’m feeling really uneasy. I know being stupid but I feel sorry for him lol! But at the end of the day I want a professional job. How can I say no in a nice way without burning bridges incase I cannot find anyone else? I’ve been getting ridiculous quotes - one quoted £450! He was most reasonable one

No.
Go on your local Authority website or www.checkatrade.com if you don't have a personal recommendation.

He was most reasonable one
In terms of price, this should be something that deters you, not encourages you.

Ask friends for personal recommendations of people they have actually used.

Anyone can buy a high vis jacket and hard hat from Wickes.

Could you contact some of those who have asked for work to be done to whom he responded and ask if they chose him and if yes whether they were happy and would recommend him?

It’s a risk op, he’s clearly a handyman that’ll have a go at anything. He’s not a specialised tradesman, that’s why his prices are so cheap. Chances are he’ll have a good go at it and it’ll probably be ok. There is a risk that he’ll cock it up though, and as he’ll have no insurance and no company name to uphold, it’ll be up to you to rectify any mistakes he makes. It’s up to you whether you want to take the risk or not

He was most reasonable one
Because he has no idea what he is doing

How can I say no in a nice way without burning bridges incase I cannot find anyone else?

Just say thanks for the quote, you’ve considered it along with others and will be using someone else for the job on this occasion. Hope you’re not too badly impacted by Covid, best wishes @Suziee37

Oh and £450 doesn’t sound bad for someone putting up a proper scaffold platform and has the right tools and insurance etc.

I just got in touch with another guy whose comes highly recommend. He’s charging about £50 more than this guy but he’s refused to do the job until weather gets better as he said there’s no way any exterior painting should be carried out in this weather as finish won’t be good. He’s told me to contact him in feb/March time. I get a better feeling from him. He laughed when I asked if he has his own ladder