Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our FAQ page! Here, you can find answers to the most common questions about our services and how we can assist you.
For Homeowners
Finding & Connecting with Tradespeople
We connect you with verified, insured tradespeople in your local area. Tell us about your project through our simple quote request form, and we'll match you with qualified professionals who specialize in the work you need. You'll receive multiple quotes to compare, allowing you to choose the right tradesperson based on their experience, pricing, availability, and reviews.
Yes, completely free. There are no charges for requesting quotes, comparing tradespeople, viewing profiles, or using any features of our platform. We're funded by tradespeople who pay for quality leads, so homeowners get full access at no cost.
Most homeowners receive their first quote within 24 hours. Typically, you'll have 3-5 quotes within 48 hours. The exact timeframe depends on your project type, complexity, location, and current tradesperson availability. Urgent jobs often get faster responses.
We operate across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with verified tradespeople in every county and major town. Use our location search to see professionals serving your specific area, or enter your postcode when requesting a quote for automatic matching.
We cover everything from small repairs to complete home renovations. This includes extensions and conversions, bathroom and kitchen installations, roofing and guttering, electrical and plumbing work, landscaping and driveways, plastering and decorating, heating systems, and structural work. If you're unsure, browse our project pages or submit your request and we'll guide you.
Absolutely. When requesting quotes, you can specify the trade you need, preferred qualifications or accreditations, your budget range, preferred timeframe, and any specific requirements like eco-friendly materials or particular techniques.
We recommend getting at least 3 quotes. This gives you a realistic view of market pricing, different approaches to your project, various timelines and availability, and enough choice without becoming overwhelming. You can request quotes from as many tradespeople as you like.
If you don't receive quotes within 48 hours, we'll reach out to additional relevant tradespeople in your area, expand the search radius if needed, contact you to refine your project details, or provide alternative suggestions. We work hard to ensure every legitimate request gets responses.
Yes, once you've received quotes and chosen a tradesperson, you communicate directly with them to arrange site visits, finalize details, agree timelines, and manage the project. We provide the introduction; you maintain control throughout.
Getting Quotes
Find answers to common questions about our building services and how we can assist you.
The more detail you provide, the more accurate your quotes will be. Include: what work needs doing (be specific), approximate size/scale of the project, your location and property type, preferred timeframe or urgency, any specific materials or standards required, and your approximate budget if you're comfortable sharing. Photos are extremely helpful if possible.
Initial quotes are estimates based on the information you provide. Most tradespeople will want to visit your property to provide a final, binding quote after seeing the work firsthand. Any significant price changes from the initial estimate should be clearly explained and justified.
A professional quote should detail exactly what work is included, materials to be used (with specifications), project timeline and milestones, payment schedule, warranty or guarantee information, and any exclusions or assumptions. Be wary of vague quotes that don't break down the work.
Yes, quotes are usually negotiable, particularly on larger projects. However, focus on value rather than just price. Questions to ask include: can timelines be adjusted to reduce costs, are there alternative materials that might work, can certain elements be phased, and what's included vs. what's optional? Be cautious of prices significantly below market rate quality work costs a fair price.
Most tradespeople appreciate a response within 5-7 days. If you need more time, let them know. Good tradespeople are often booked in advance, so delaying too long might mean losing your preferred professional or timeline.
Don't just compare the bottom line. Consider: what's included in each quote, the quality of materials specified, project timelines, payment terms, warranties offered, the tradesperson's experience and reviews, and your communication with them. Sometimes the middle quote offers the best value.
Significant price variations (more than 30-40%) usually indicate different understandings of the project scope, different quality of materials, varying levels of experience, or potentially one quote is too low (concerning) or too high (opportunity to negotiate). Ask each tradesperson to explain their pricing to understand the differences.
No, you're under no obligation. If quotes don't meet your budget or expectations, you can decline them all, revise your project scope and request new quotes, save quotes for future consideration, or choose not to proceed.
Verification & Safety
Find answers to common questions about our building services and how we can assist you.
We implement multi-layer verification including: insurance verification (public liability minimum £2 million, plus professional indemnity where relevant), qualification and certification checks for regulated trades, business registration confirmation (Companies House or legitimate self-employed status), identity verification, reference checks from previous clients, and ongoing monitoring to ensure credentials remain current. Verification is renewed annually at minimum.
Yes, it's a non-negotiable requirement. Every tradesperson must maintain current public liability insurance (minimum £2 million coverage), and many also carry professional indemnity insurance and employer's liability insurance if they have employees. We verify policies before listing and at every renewal date.
This varies by trade. Gas work requires Gas Safe registration, electrical work requires Part P certification or equivalent, some trades require NVQ Level 3 or City & Guilds qualifications, and others may demonstrate competence through extensive proven experience. Check our Qualifications Needed page for specific trades. Every tradesperson's profile shows their verified qualifications.
Each profile displays verified qualifications with expiry dates where relevant, professional memberships and accreditations, insurance details and coverage levels, years of experience, and specializations. We show verification badges on profiles—only confirmed credentials are displayed.
Contact us immediately. We take all concerns seriously. Whether it's about work quality, safety issues, unprofessional behavior, or anything else, we investigate every report. Your safety and satisfaction are our priorities.
No. Until you accept a quote, tradespeople only see your project details, approximate location (postcode area, not full address), and your preferred contact method. Your full address, phone number, and other personal details are only shared once you choose to proceed with them.
Try to resolve it directly with your tradesperson many issues are communication misunderstandings. We are unable to help with project issues as tradespeople are independent fom Your Next Builder.
Many tradespeople offer workmanship guarantees these will be detailed in their quotes and contracts. Additionally, certain work is covered by building regulations guarantees. We recommend discussing warranties before work begins and getting them in writing.
We recommend: never paying 100% upfront, keeping deposits reasonable (typically 10-25% for materials), using stage payments for larger projects, and retaining final payment until you're satisfied. Consider using construction payment protection schemes for very large projects. We don't handle payments directly arrange these with your chosen tradesperson.
For immediate dangers, contact emergency services first, then notify us. We investigate all safety reports and will take appropriate action, including immediate suspension if necessary.
Reviews & Testimonials
Find answers to common questions about our building services and how we can assist you.
Yes, every tradesperson profile includes verified reviews from homeowners who have completed projects through our platform. You'll see overall ratings, detailed written reviews, project types reviewed, and verified completion dates. We only publish reviews from confirmed projects.
We only allow reviews from homeowners who received and accepted quotes through our platform. Reviews are verified against project records, we prevent self-review and review manipulation, and both parties can respond to reviews. We remove any reviews that violate our guidelines.
Yes, after your project is completed, you'll receive an email invitation to review your tradesperson. Your honest feedback helps other homeowners and helps maintain our quality standards. Reviews cover work quality, professionalism, communication, value for money, and timekeeping.
Don't. Genuine reviews, even negative ones, are valuable. Tradespeople can respond to reviews to provide context or explain issues, but they cannot request removal of honest reviews. If a tradesperson pressures you, report this to us it violates our terms.
Yes, reviews are not anonymous. This ensures accountability on both sides and allows tradespeople to provide specific responses about projects. However, we take harassment seriously—any tradesperson contacting reviewers inappropriately will be removed.
Projects & Working Together
Find answers to common questions about our building services and how we can assist you.
Absolutely. Once you've worked with a tradesperson successfully, you can contact them directly for future work. Many homeowners build ongoing relationships with tradespeople they trust. You can also request quotes from them through our platform for new projects.
Inform your tradesperson immediately. Scope changes usually require revised quotes. Get any changes in writing, including new pricing, timeline adjustments, and updated specifications. Good tradespeople will work with you on changes, but expect fair pricing for additional work.
While we focus primarily on planned projects, many tradespeople on our platform offer emergency services. Submit an urgent request marking it as "emergency" and specify what's happened, what needs immediate attention, and your availability. We'll prioritize it to relevant tradespeople, though response times may vary.
Many of our tradespeople can advise on whether your project needs planning permission or building regulations approval. Some can handle applications for you, or you can use our resources to understand requirements. Always clarify who's responsible for applications before work begins.
Contact your tradesperson as soon as possible. Check your contract for cancellation terms you may be liable for deposits paid or materials ordered. Most tradespeople are understanding about genuine emergencies but expect reasonable notice for postponements.
Payment terms are agreed between you and your tradesperson. Typical arrangements include: 10-25% deposit for materials, stage payments for larger projects (e.g., 25% at key milestones), and final payment on satisfactory completion. Never pay entirely in cash, and keep records of all payments. Consider retention amounts (usually 5-10%) for a period after completion.
Inspect the work thoroughly before final payment, ask about maintenance or care requirements, get warranties in writing, request copies of any certificates (electrical, gas, building regulations), keep all documentation and receipts, and leave a review to help others. Many issues are easier to address immediately rather than later.
Account & Platform Usage
Find answers to common questions about our building services and how we can assist you.
No, you can request quotes without creating an account. However, an account allows you to track all quotes in one place, save favorite tradespeople, manage multiple projects, access your project history, and receive updates more easily.
Click "Sign Up" in the top right corner, provide your email and create a password, verify your email address, and complete your profile (optional but helpful). You can also sign up using Google or Facebook authentication.
Yes. We comply fully with UK GDPR requirements. We encrypt all personal data, never sell your information to third parties, only share your details with tradespeople you choose to engage, allow you to view, update, or delete your data at any time, and maintain strict data security protocols. Read our Privacy Policy for complete details.
Yes, at any time. Go to Account Settings and select "Delete Account," or contact us to request deletion. Note that we may retain certain information for legal and accounting purposes as outlined in our Privacy Policy, but your active profile and personal details will be removed.
Log into your account, go to Account Settings, update your email, phone, or address, and save changes. If you change your email, you'll need to verify the new address.
Click "Forgot Password" on the login page, enter your email address, and check your email for reset instructions. The reset link is valid for 24 hours. If you don't receive it, check your spam folder or contact us.
Yes, our website is fully mobile-responsive. All features work on smartphones and tablets. Simply visit our website through your mobile browser—no app download is necessary.
Log into your account, go to Notification Preferences, choose which notifications you want to receive (quote updates, messages, project reminders, marketing emails), and save your preferences. You can also unsubscribe from specific email types using links in any email we send.
For Tradespeople
Most common questions asked from tradespeople, you can find answers about our services and how we can assist you.
Joining & Verification
Find answers to common questions about our building services and how we can assist you.
Visit our Join Us page and complete the application form with your business details, trade specializations, service areas, insurance information, and qualifications. Upload required documentation including insurance certificates, qualification certificates, business registration, and proof of identity. Submit your application we'll review within 5-7 working days. Once approved, set up your profile and start receiving leads.
You must have: valid public liability insurance (minimum £2 million coverage), relevant qualifications or proven experience in your trade, registered business or legitimate self-employed status, professional references we can verify, clear professional history (we conduct background checks), and commitment to our quality and communication standards.
Most applications are processed within 5-7 working days. If we need additional information or documentation, this may extend to 10-14 days. We'll email you updates throughout the process. You can check your application status in your account dashboard.
Required documents include: current public liability insurance certificate, professional indemnity insurance (if applicable), relevant qualification certificates, Gas Safe/Part P or other trade registrations, business registration documents (Companies House or self-employment evidence), proof of identity (passport or driver's license), and references from recent clients. All documents must be current and clearly legible.
It depends on your trade and experience. Some trades require specific certifications (like Gas Safe for gas work), while others value proven experience. If you're working toward qualifications, contact us to discuss your situation—we may accept provisional listings with limitations, or suggest what you need to complete. Check our Qualifications Needed page for specific requirements.
Professional memberships (TrustMark, Checkatrade, Federation of Master Builders, etc.) are beneficial but not always required. They strengthen your profile and give homeowners additional confidence. We verify and display all memberships on your profile.
Yes, though you still need insurance, relevant qualifications, and references. Newer businesses may need to provide additional information about their experience and training. We consider each application individually.
We'll explain why you didn't meet our requirements and what you'd need to change for approval. Common reasons include insufficient insurance coverage, missing or expired qualifications, unable to verify references, or unverifiable business registration. You can reapply once you've addressed the issues.
Annually at minimum. You must update insurance certificates before expiry, renew trade registrations and qualifications as required, and notify us of any business changes. We'll remind you when renewals are due. Letting verification lapse will pause your profile until updated.
Yes, if you're qualified for multiple trades. Each trade requires separate verification of qualifications and insurance. This lets you receive leads across all your specializations and strengthens your profile. There's no additional charge for multiple trade verifications.
Costs & Leads
Find answers to common questions about our building services and how we can assist you.
Check our Join Us page for current rates or contact us for a detailed pricing discussion.
A lead is a homeowner's project request matched to your trade and location. When a homeowner in your service area needs your expertise, you receive notification of the opportunity, project details, homeowner's requirements, their budget (if provided), and timeline. You decide whether to quote. If you respond, that's when the lead fee applies.
Yes, you pay for the opportunity to quote, not just jobs you win. This ensures homeowners receive multiple quotes and you're competing fairly. However, we limit how many tradespeople see each lead (typically 3-5) to give you a reasonable chance of success.
Absolutely. You see full project details before committing, including work description, location, timeline, budget indication, and homeowner requirements. Only respond to leads that suit your expertise, schedule, and business model. There's no obligation to pursue every lead you receive.
This varies based on your trade, location, how many service areas you cover, competition in your area, time of year, and your profile quality. Popular trades in busy areas receive more leads.
Yes, instantly through your account dashboard. Toggle your availability status to pause new leads, and resume when ready. Your profile remains active but you won't receive new opportunities until you reactivate. Perfect for busy periods or holidays.
We have a 6 month contact with our builders. More about this on the Join Us page.
We accept all major debit and credit cards, and can set up monthly invoicing for established accounts. Payments are processed securely through our payment provider.
We guarantee genuine, verified leads no spam or fake requests. If you receive an invalid lead (duplicate, fake, outside your service area when it shouldn't be), contact us within 48 hours for a credit or refund. We stand behind our lead quality.
Your Profile & Success
Find answers to common questions about our building services and how we can assist you.
Include clear, professional profile photo (preferably your logo), detailed description of your services and specializations, your experience and background, examples of completed work (photos are powerful), areas you serve (be specific), qualifications and memberships, and what makes your business unique. Update regularly and respond promptly to leads profile activity influences your visibility.
Yes, definitely. Upload photos of completed projects to your gallery, organize them by project type, include descriptions explaining the work, and get permission from clients before using their property photos. Visual proof of quality work significantly improves your quote acceptance rate.
Extremely important. Homeowners heavily weigh reviews when choosing tradespeople. Positive reviews increase your quote acceptance rate, improve your profile visibility in search results, and build trust faster. Always request reviews after successful projects through our platform.
Complete projects to a high standard, communicate clearly throughout, deliver on promises and timelines, and politely request reviews after completion. We automatically send review requests to homeowners after projects, but a personal reminder increases response rates.
Respond professionally to the review explaining your perspective, contact us with evidence if the review is factually incorrect or violates our guidelines, and never pressure homeowners to change reviews. We investigate disputed reviews but only remove those that violate our terms (abusive language, fraudulent, etc.).
Respond to leads quickly (within hours if possible), write detailed, professional quotes, be competitive on pricing while maintaining quality, communicate clearly and promptly, keep your profile updated with recent work, maintain excellent reviews, and specialize being known for specific types of work attracts better matches.
Yes, you can mention offers in your profile or quotes. However, don't use promotions to undercut sustainable pricing—customers value quality and reliability over just the lowest price. Seasonal promotions or package deals for multiple jobs work well.
Working with Homeowners
Find answers to common questions about our building services and how we can assist you.
Initially through our platform messaging for quote requests and questions. Once they accept your quote, exchange direct contact information for site visits, detailed planning, and project management. Keep initial communication professional, prompt, and clear.
Professional quotes should have: detailed scope of work (be specific about what's included/excluded), materials specifications and quantities, itemized pricing breakdown, project timeline with key milestones, payment schedule and terms, warranty or guarantee information, and validity period of the quote. Clear, comprehensive quotes win more work.
As quickly as possible ideally within 2-4 hours. Homeowners often accept one of the first detailed responses they receive. Slow responses significantly reduce your chances. Set up mobile notifications so you don't miss opportunities.
Be honest immediately. Explain your earliest availability and why (existing commitments, materials lead times, etc.). Some homeowners will wait for the right tradesperson. Don't overpromise timelines you can't meet it damages your reputation and creates problems later.
Be prepared to explain your pricing, remain professional even with lowball offers, focus on value (quality, experience, guarantees) not just price, identify where you can be flexible (timelines, materials, payment terms) vs. where you can't, and know when to walk away not every customer is right for your business.
Stay professional but protect your business. Clearly state what you can and cannot do, document all communications, and remember you can decline work that doesn't suit you. We support tradespeople who maintain reasonable professional boundaries
Communication is key. Ask about the reason, try to reschedule if it's timing, and check your contract for deposit terms you may be entitled to keep deposits for materials ordered or time allocated. If cancellations seem unfair, contact us for support.
Standards & Compliance
Find answers to common questions about our building services and how we can assist you.
We expect professional conduct including responding to leads within 24 hours, providing clear, detailed quotes, maintaining accurate profile information, completing work to building regulations and trade standards, communicating clearly with homeowners, honoring quotes and timelines, and handling issues professionally. Consistently failing to meet standards can result in suspension or removal.
We investigate all complaints fairly. You'll receive notification of the complaint, have opportunity to provide your perspective and evidence, and we review the situation objectively. Outcomes range from no action (unfounded complaints) to mediation, warnings, or removal for serious breaches. One complaint doesn't end your listing—patterns matter.
Yes, we perform background checks during verification to ensure safety and professionalism. Serious criminal convictions, especially related to fraud, theft, or violence, may disqualify applicants. We assess each case individually considering rehabilitation, nature of offense, and time elapsed.
Yes, for valid insurance lapse (automatic until renewed), multiple or serious complaints, violation of our terms and conditions, misrepresentation on your profile, or unprofessional conduct. We'll notify you of suspension reasons and what's needed for reinstatement when possible.
Own it immediately. Contact the homeowner, explain what happened, propose a solution, and fix it promptly at your cost. Mistakes happen how you handle them defines your professionalism. Homeowners appreciate honesty and accountability. Trying to hide mistakes or avoid responsibility creates bigger problems.
Yes, absolutely. Insurance must remain current continuously while your profile is active. We check regularly, and you must upload renewed certificates before expiry. If insurance lapses, your profile is immediately suspended until you provide valid coverage.
You must comply with UK GDPR when handling homeowner information. Only use their data for the quoted project, don't share or sell homeowner information, store data securely, and delete data when no longer needed. Our Tradesperson Listing Agreement details your data protection obligations.
Yes, you can mention your verified listing in marketing materials, link to your profile from your website or social media, and use "Verified by Your Next Builder" in advertising (with our badge). You cannot misrepresent your verification status or use our branding misleadingly.
Account Management
Find answers to common questions about our building services and how we can assist you.
Log into your account, go to Profile Settings, edit any section (services, areas, bio, photos, qualifications), and save changes. Most updates are immediate, though qualification changes may require re-verification. Keep your profile current—accurate information improves lead matching.
Yes, anytime through your account settings. Add or remove counties, towns, or postcode areas you serve. Consider your actual willingness to travel—listing too wide creates mismatched leads, while too narrow limits opportunities.
Upload your new insurance certificate in Account Settings under Insurance & Documents before your old policy expires. We'll verify the new certificate. There must be no coverage gap update before expiry.
Your account dashboard shows all leads you've accessed, dates and details, whether you quoted, outcomes (if known), and costs. Download reports monthly for your accounts. Track your conversion rate to optimize your approach.
Yes, we provide VAT invoices for all fees. Access them in Billing History within your account, or request specific invoices by email. Keep these for your tax records.
Contact us to request account deletion. We'll confirm outstanding payments, process final invoicing if needed, remove your active profile within 7 days, and retain necessary records for legal and accounting purposes as outlined in our terms. We'd love to know why you're leaving your feedback helps us improve.
Several factors affect lead volume check if: your profile is complete with photos and detailed descriptions, your service areas are correctly set, you're competitive on pricing, your reviews are positive, and you're responding quickly to leads. Contact us for a profile review we can suggest improvements.
Yes, for business accounts. Add team members with different permission levels, so office staff can manage quotes, while you control billing and settings. Contact us to set up multi-user access.
Safety & Trust
Find answers to common questions about our building services and how we can assist you.
We verify every tradesperson's insurance, qualifications, and business credentials before listing them. We maintain strict standards and investigate complaints. We comply with UK data protection laws. We provide transparent processes and clear terms. We're a UK-based company committed to raising standards in the trades industry. Our reputation depends on both homeowners and tradespeople having positive experiences.
Reviews are only allowed from verified projects completed through our platform. We match reviews to actual quote acceptances and project records. We monitor for suspicious patterns (review timing, language, IP addresses). Both parties can flag reviews for investigation. We actively remove fake reviews and ban users who attempt manipulation.
This is extremely rare due to our verification process, but if it occurs, contact us immediately with evidence. We'll investigate urgently, suspend the tradesperson pending investigation, help you resolve any immediate issues, and take appropriate action including permanent removal and reporting to authorities if fraud is discovered.
Tradespeople often provide workmanship guarantees check quotes and contracts. We don't provide guarantees ourselves, but we verify tradespeople are properly insured, which protects against work defects. Certain work is also covered by building regulations warranties. Always discuss warranties before work begins.
Our verification process is designed to prevent this. We check insurance, qualifications, and business legitimacy. We monitor reviews and investigate complaints. We remove tradespeople who don't maintain standards. However, we can't guarantee every project will be perfect that's why we recommend getting multiple quotes, checking reviews carefully, meeting tradespeople before committing, and trusting your instincts.
We provide structured mediation: reviewing evidence from both parties, facilitating communication, suggesting fair resolutions, and escalating to formal dispute processes if needed. We can't force outcomes, but we work hard to help parties reach reasonable agreements. Serious breaches may result in tradesperson removal.
This is between you and your tradesperson they're responsible for compliance. However, if you discover a verified tradesperson is consistently ignoring regulations, report it to us. We may suspend their listing and report to relevant authorities. Always ensure your tradesperson handles necessary building control notifications.
Yes. We use industry-standard encryption for all transactions. We don't store complete card details. Payments are processed through PCI-compliant payment providers. We never see or store your full payment information. Review our Privacy Policy for complete security details.
Before you accept a quote, only your project details, approximate location (postcode area), and preferred contact method. After accepting a quote, your full contact details and address are shared with that specific tradesperson. We never sell or share your information with third parties for marketing.
Yes, please do. Report fake profiles or suspicious listings, requests for payment outside normal terms, pressure to leave false reviews, or any safety concerns. Email contact @ yournextbuilder.com or use the "Report" button on profiles. We investigate all reports promptly.
Platform Usage
Find answers to common questions about our building services and how we can assist you.
Not currently. Our website is fully mobile-responsive and works on all devices through your browser. All features are accessible on phones and tablets without downloading anything.
Homeowners can request quotes without an account, but creating one helps track quotes and manage projects. Tradespeople must have verified accounts to receive leads and access the platform.
Homeowners receive email notifications for new quotes, messages from tradespeople, and project updates. Tradespeople receive notifications for new leads, homeowner messages, and account updates. Customize notification preferences in your account settings.
Tradespeople often provide workmanship guarantees check quotes and contracts. We don't provide guarantees ourselves, but we verify tradespeople are properly insured, which protects against work defects. Certain work is also covered by building regulations warranties. Always discuss warranties before work begins.
Both. Initial communication (quote requests, questions) happens through our secure messaging system. Once you've chosen a tradesperson, exchange direct contact details for easier project management, site visits, and day-to-day communication.
We support all modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and their mobile versions. For the best experience, keep your browser updated. If you experience issues, try clearing your cache or using a different browser.
Email us at contact @ yournextbuilder.com with details of the issue, what you were trying to do, any error messages, your browser and device type, and screenshots if helpful. We typically respond within 24 hours on weekdays.
Use the same support email above. We appreciate bug reports—they help us improve. Provide as much detail as possible about what happened and how to reproduce the issue.
Absolutely! We value user feedback. We can't implement everything, but user input directly influences our development priorities. We particularly welcome ideas from both homeowners and tradespeople about improving the platform.
Need More Help? Contact Us
If you have any other questions, our support team is here to assist you.
