Hiring guides & advice
Straight-talking advice for getting a job done well — from asking for a quote to choosing someone you can trust.
How much does an electrician cost in the UK?
Hourly and day rates, call-out fees, and prices for rewires, fuse boards and EICRs — so you can spot a fair quote.
Read guide →How much does a house extension cost in the UK?
Per-m² prices for single and double-storey extensions, what pushes the cost up, and how to compare builder quotes.
Read guide →How much does a new roof cost in the UK?
Price per m² by roof type, scaffolding and disposal, and repair vs replacement — so you can judge a fair roofing quote.
Read guide →How much does a carpenter cost in the UK?
Hourly and day rates, and prices for doors, fitted wardrobes, skirting and staircases — so you can judge a fair quote.
Read guide →How much does a painter and decorator cost in the UK?
Day rates, per-room and whole-house prices, and why prep is the real cost — so you can compare decorating quotes.
Read guide →How much does plastering cost in the UK?
Cost per m² for skimming and re-plastering, per-room prices and day rates — so you can judge a fair plastering quote.
Read guide →How much does a plumber cost in the UK?
Call-out fees, hourly and day rates, and typical prices for common jobs — so you'll spot a fair quote, and a rip-off, straight away.
Read guide →Questions to ask before hiring a builder
A few sharp questions up front tell you a lot about who you're dealing with — and save you grief later. Here's what to ask.
Read guide →How to avoid cowboy roofers
Roofing attracts more than its share of cowboys. Here's how to spot the warning signs and find a roofer you can trust.
Read guide →Emergency locksmith call-out prices in the UK
What an emergency locksmith should actually cost, the classic call-out con to watch for, and how to find a trustworthy local one.
Read guide →What insurance should a tradesperson have?
Public liability, employers' liability and more — what a professional should carry, why it matters, and how to check before you hire.
Read guide →Gas Safe vs general handyman work: what's the difference?
When you legally need a Gas Safe engineer and when a handyman will do — plus how to check that ID card properly.
Read guide →Quote vs estimate vs invoice: what's the difference?
These words get used loosely, but the difference decides whether you're protected if the final bill comes in high. The plain-English version.
Read guide →Do I need three quotes?
"Always get three quotes" is useful advice — most of the time. Here's when it genuinely helps, when it's overkill, and how to compare properly.
Read guide →How to ask a tradesperson for a quote
The clearer your request, the more accurate the price. Here's exactly what to tell a tradesperson — plus a message template you can copy.
Read guide →How to hire a tradesperson you can trust
Reviews, insurance, written quotes, sensible payment terms — a simple checklist for choosing someone good and avoiding the cowboys.
Read guide →How GotAPal works
Search by trade and area, read real reviews, contact a Pal directly, and pay however suits you. Here's how it all works.
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