How to find extra help around the home
As we all lead increasingly busy lives, sometimes you need a little help with the everyday things around the house. Finding and hiring help can be a daunting task so we've come up with a list below of places to look to get you started.
Architects
It's easy to think you only need an architect if your planning to build a house, but they can be just as vital in planning a small extension or remodelling your home. They can provide an important link between you and the builders. During Architecture week in June you can get a free consultation with an architect to discuss ways to improve your home.
www.riba.org (Royal institute of British Architects)
Builders
Good builders are like gold dust, so if you find a good one hang on to them. It's always best to use builders recommended to you by friends or family, but if your stuck for who to use, there are several trade bodies out there who can recommend a builder in your area.
www.fmb.org.uk (Federation of Master Builders)
www.builders.org.uk (National Federation of Builders, for small and medium sized builders)
www.hbf.co.uk (House Builders Federation)
Caterers
Whether you're planning an intimate dinner party or a larger affair, if you want to impress it's worth hiring a caterer to handle things for you. Some companies will do everything from preparing and cooking the food to supplying and cleaning the plates and glasses.
www.thecaterers.co.uk
www.leapingsalmon.com
Cleaners
When you lead a hectic lifestyle, a good cleaner is a godsend, like little fairies that come and restore your house to perfection while you are away. Most cleaning agencies offer a range of services from one day a week, to once a year spring cleans to get you back on track.
www.blissgifts.co.uk
www.cleaning-directory.co.uk
Electricians
Even for the most enthusiastic DIYer, there are some things that are best left to the professionals, bad workmanship can reduce the value of your home so it really is best to invest and get the job done properly.
www.niceic.org.uk (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting)
www.electriciansonline.uk.com
Furniture Designers
If you need a specific piece of furniture and can't find it anywhere in the shops it's worth considering commissioning a furniture designer to build it for you. Their prices are often far cheaper than you'd expect and you'll end up with a one-off original piece that you'll cherish for years.
Gardeners
While well-kept gardens can provide hours of pleasure, they can also be very time consumming keeping them managed. A good gardener can handle the labourious grass cutting and digging, leaving you to worry about which pretty plants to buy.
www.bali.org.uk (British Association of Landscape Industries)
www.sgd.org.uk (Society of Garden Designers)
www.blissgifts.co.uk
Gas
All gas appliances should be check and serviced annually, so it really is vital to have a good gas-man in your phone book. To ensure the work is up to scratch make sure they are corgi registered first.
Home Insurance
Go to Direct Line for the best deal on your home insurance in the UK.
Interior Designers
Like architects, interior designers can really help you get the best out of your home. You may think they are an expensive luxury, but a one time fee will transform your home, and give you ideas you might never have thought of to make your home outstanding.
Lifestyle Organisers
Lifestyle organisers / Concierge services are groups that will take on any tasks for you. They are on call for you ready to sort out any problem you have leaving you more free time to do the things you want. There is no limit to the services they can provide, but for example they can arrange parties, book tickets, handle household chores, do your shopping or even source a new car for you.
www.tenuk.com
www.timeknowledge.co.uk
Nannies
Children can take up 100% of your time, so if you need a bit of help to give you time for other things a nanny can be a huge help. Whether you need help full time or just for a few hours a week, there are many reputable agencies that can help.
www.bestbear.co.uk
www.sitters.co.uk
Painters
Although painting and decorating is something you can easily do yourself, if you don't fancy giving up your evenings and weekends to do it, a painter will come in and do the job very quickly for you and probably make a lot less mess.
www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk
Party Organisers
Planning parties aren't something we all do every day and so can be highly stressful, especially if you are planning a large event. Party organisers can help by taking care of everything from hiring venues, planning decoration and arranging entertainment, so all you have to do is enjoy yourself.
www.uptownevents.co.uk
www.clockworkentertainment.com
Personal Shoppers
Apart from the personal shoppers you find in department stores, there are a few companies who will take on any shopping tasks for you, such as buying a last minute birthday present or finding you the perfect outfit. Also check out the links under Lifestyle Organisers.
Plumbers
You never know when you'll need a good plumber, but it helps to have a few numbers handy for emergencies, (i.e. water pouring through the ceiling). Plumbers are important for the jobs you probably wouldn't want to tackle yourself unless you are very confident at DIY.
www.plumbers.org.uk (Institute of Plumbing)
Specialist Cleaners
Different from regular domestic cleaners, sometimes you will need a specialist cleaner for things like carpets and upholstery. Although it's also worth checking out prices for hiring equipment and doing it yourself.
www.ncca.co.uk (National Carpet Cleaners Association)
www.safeclean.co.uk
www.hss.com
Tips for finding and hiring help
If your looking to hire someone new it's always a huge help if you have a friend who can recommend someone. Otherwise try looking in local papers or shops for adverts, or there are several websites that can point you in the right direction - try www.homepro.com.
Speak to several professionals before deciding which one to hire, always ask for written quotes of the job required and check out references. With more specialist services such as electrics or plumbing, you might want to check if they are registered with an industry institution. It's also worth finding out if they have adequate insurance, just in case things go wrong.
When you've chosen the right man for the job, try and get a firm date when they can start, this can often be quite difficult as many tradesmen are very busy and fit jobs in when they get a spare moment, but it helps if you can confirm a mutually acceptable date so you know you won't be hanging around for months waiting for the phone to ring.
Many professionals will require a deposit up front to buy materials, but never pay the whole cost until the job is finished and you are satisfied with the work, otherwise you will have no come-back.
If you're at home while the work is being done, it always helps to be friendly, offer them tea and biscuits and try not to interfere too much.
If you have any problems with the work, don't fly off the handle or get stroppy, just calmly explain what they problem is and ask what they can do to rectify the situation for you. If you are using an agency, you could try talking to the manager about the situation and ask that they send you someone else. If the gentle approach doesn't work and you feel you can't employ them any more, be firm but gentle, don't get into a big discussion as this can quickly flare up into a big argument, just stand your ground and thank them politely for their work.
When a job is complete, if you find the results exceptional, you may want to give them a small tip or present to say thank you. It doesn't hurt to praise people when they make an extra effort for you, and they will remember you more fondly if you need to call on them in the future.