Find trusted property maintenance trades in the Midlands

We're building a simple directory of local businesses that look after homes and buildings. Electricians, plumbers, gas engineers, roofers, builders and more. It will cover Birmingham and the wider Midlands. The aim is to help you find someone good, without wading through adverts.

The directory isn't open yet. While we build it, this page has plain tips on picking the right trade for a job.

Which trades will be listed

• ElectriciansRewires, new sockets, fuse boards and safety reports.
• Gas engineersBoiler repairs, servicing and gas safety checks.
• PlumbersLeaks, taps, toilets, radiators and burst pipes.
• RoofersSlipped tiles, flat roofs, gutters and chimneys.
• BuildersExtensions, brickwork and structural repairs.
• Joiners and carpentersDoors, stairs, kitchens and fitted furniture.
• Painters and decoratorsInside and outside, homes and offices.
• HandymenSmall jobs that don't need a specialist.
• Damp and mouldFinding the cause and fixing it.
• Locksmiths and glaziersLocks, broken glass and windows.

How to check a tradesperson before you book

A few quick checks can save you a lot of trouble. Most take less than five minutes.

Gas work. Anyone working on gas must be on the Gas Safe Register by law. Ask for their ID card. Then check the number on the Gas Safe Register website. The card also lists the kinds of gas work they can do.

Electrical work. Look for an electrician in a competent person scheme. NICEIC and NAPIT are two of the best known. Members can sign off their own work under building rules. You can search the Electrical Competent Person register by name or postcode.

Insurance. Ask if they have public liability insurance. That covers damage or injury caused while they work at your home. A good firm won't mind you asking.

Quotes. Get it in writing. It should say what's included, what isn't, and how long the job will take. For bigger jobs, get two or three quotes to compare.

Reviews. Read the low reviews as well as the high ones. Look at how the business replied. Calm, helpful replies are a good sign.

Payment. Be careful with big cash payments up front. For larger jobs, paying in stages is normal. Pay by card or bank transfer so there's a record.

Which trade do I need?

It isn't always obvious. Here are some common examples.

A boiler that won't fire up needs a Gas Safe engineer. Many plumbers are also gas engineers, but check first.

Lights that keep tripping need an electrician. Tripping means a safety switch has cut the power. It's doing its job, so find the cause before resetting it again and again.

A damp patch on a ceiling could be a leak from a pipe or from the roof. If it's below a bathroom, start with a plumber. If it's on the top floor, a roofer may be the better first call.

Black mould on walls is often caused by condensation. That's moisture from cooking, showers and drying clothes. Better airflow can help a lot. If it keeps coming back, a damp specialist can find the cause.

Landlords and letting agents

Landlords in England have legal safety checks to keep up. A gas safety check is needed every year. An electrical safety report (an EICR) is needed at least every five years. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms must be fitted where the rules say. The directory will make it easier to find firms that do these checks.