Independent hiring guides
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Practical checks before you hire a tradesperson, lawyer, accountant or other local pro in the UK, the US, Canada and Australia.
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TradespeopleBuilders, plumbers, electricians, roofers and more.LawyersImmigration, property, wills and everyday legal problems.ImmigrationVisa help, immigration advisers and who you can trust.AccountantsSmall business accountants, bookkeepers and tax returns.MortgagesMortgage brokers, first homes and refinancing.Loans and debtPersonal loans, consolidation and debt advice.InsuranceCar, health, home and life insurance.SolarSolar installers, batteries and quotes.MoversRemovals, packing and long distance moves.Events and lessonsWedding photographers, DJs and private tutors.Medical travelHair transplant, cosmetic surgery and dental abroad.
Choose your country
Licences, registers and payment norms differ. Start with where you live.
How it works
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Pick what you need
Choose a section and your country to see the checks that matter there.
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Read the checklist
Each guide covers licences, quotes, payments, red flags and the questions to ask.
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Compare and hire
Get more than one quote, from any source, and use the checks on whoever replies.
Popular guides
Tradespeople and home repairHow to vet a builder or general contractor before you hirePractical checks for vetting a builder or general contractor in the UK, US, Canada and Australia: licences, insurance, references, past jobs and payments.Read the guide LawyersChoosing an immigration lawyer or adviserWho is allowed to give immigration advice in the UK, US, Canada and Australia, how to check them, how fees work, and the warning signs of an immigration scam.Read the guide Tradespeople and home repairHiring a plumber: emergencies, pricing, licences and what to askHow to hire a plumber for emergency or planned work, how call-out and pricing models work, which licences apply in each country, and the questions to ask.Read the guide Accountants and taxHiring an accountant for a small businessWhat a small business accountant does, how sole traders and companies differ, which qualifications to look for by country, and what to agree in writing.Read the guide Tradespeople and home repairRed flags of a bad contractor, and what to do if you already hired oneWarning signs that a builder or contractor is a bad bet, from cash-only deposits to storm door-knockers, and the steps to take if you already hired one.Read the guide LawyersHiring a conveyancing solicitor or real estate lawyerWhen you need a conveyancer, solicitor or real estate attorney to buy or sell a home in the UK, US, Canada or Australia, and how to compare their quotes.Read the guide Tradespeople and home repairHiring a roofer: repair or replace, insurance claims, warranties and storm chasersHow to hire a roofer: deciding between repair and replacement, getting an inspection, handling insurance claims, warranties, scaffolding and Building Control.Read the guide Accountants and taxGetting help with your tax returnHow to find a qualified person to help with a personal tax return in the UK, US, Canada or Australia, what to bring, and the warning signs of a bad preparer.Read the guide LawyersGetting a will written: solicitor, will writer or DIYHow to choose between a solicitor, a will writer and a DIY will, what to decide about executors and guardians, and how estate planning works in the US.Read the guide
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Based on real discussions
We read public discussions from people hiring local pros and turn the recurring questions into checklists.
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