Choose with confidence
Do the checks before the work begins
Planning a home renovation, extension, bathroom upgrade, rewire or property repair? The right tradesperson can save time and stress, while clear documentation helps everyone understand the scope, price and expected result.
- Get a detailed written quote.Do not rely only on a verbal price. Ask for labour, materials, VAT treatment, start and completion expectations, payment stages, exclusions, waste removal and any assumptions to be written down.
- Check insurance and qualifications.Ask for current public-liability insurance and qualifications relevant to the work. For electrical work in the home, the CRU says you should use a Registered Electrical Contractor and request the appropriate completion certificate.
- Compare at least three quotes where practical.Compare the same scope of work, not just the final price. Review experience, availability, materials, exclusions, references and the level of detail in each quotation.
- Be cautious with large upfront payments.A deposit may be reasonable for materials or larger projects, but agree staged payments linked to clear progress. Avoid paying the full price before the work is completed and checked.
- Know your consumer rights.CCPC guidance says services must meet the agreed contract and be provided with reasonable care and skill. Keep quotes, invoices, receipts, texts and emails in case an issue arises.
- Check whether planning permission applies.Some projects require permission, while others may qualify as exempted development. Check Citizens Information, current local-government guidance and your local planning authority before work starts. Building regulations may still apply even where planning permission is not required.
- Ask about guarantees and warranties.Get workmanship guarantees and manufacturer warranties in writing. Confirm who is responsible for registering products, providing certificates and returning to address defects.
- Use transparent, responsive tradespeople.Look for professionals who answer questions clearly, explain changes, provide documentation and communicate about timing. Independently verify insurance, qualifications, registration and suitability before appointing anyone.
How Trade Source IRE can help
Trade Source IRE helps homeowners submit one clear enquiry for builders, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, roofers, painters, insulation contractors, landscapers and other trades. The enquiry can then be reviewed and routed to potentially suitable local professionals where available.
Before you submit
Include enough detail to get a useful response
- Trade and project type
- County, town or Eircode area
- Clear description of the work
- Preferred start timeframe
- Approximate budget where known
- Photos, plans or measurements
When quotes are received, compare them directly and complete the checks in this guide before choosing who to hire.
Useful trade pages
Start with the relevant service page for builders, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, Find Roofing Contractors in Ireland, painters and decorators or property maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
What should a tradesperson's quote include?
It should clearly describe the work, labour, materials, VAT treatment, timeline, payment stages, exclusions and how changes will be priced.
Should I use a Registered Electrical Contractor?
Yes. The CRU states that homeowners should always use a Registered Electrical Contractor for electrical work in the home and request a completion certificate where required.
Do consumer rights apply to tradespeople?
Yes, when you buy services from a business or tradesperson. CCPC guidance explains the standards services must meet and the options available if the service does not conform to the contract.
Does exempted development mean there are no rules?
No. Planning permission may not be required for some work, but conditions, building regulations and other requirements can still apply. Confirm the position before construction begins.
Information sources
This guide was reviewed against the following public information on 5 August 2026. Rules and guidance can change, so check the current source before relying on it.