What is Checkatrade? How does it actually work?

If you've ever searched for a local tradesperson in your given area, whether it’s a plumber, builder, electrician or decorator the chances are you’ve come across Checkatrade. But what exactly is it, and how does it work?

What is Checkatrade?

Checkatrade is one of the UK’s most well-known online directories for vetted and reviewed tradespeople. It was founded in 1998 with the aim of bringing greater transparency and trust to the home improvement industry. No matter if you’re looking for someone to renovate your bathroom or fix a leaking roof, Checkatrade offers a platform to connect you with professionals who’ve been background-checked and rated by previous customers.

How Does It Work?

For homeowners, the process is very simple. You visit the Checkatrade website, enter the type of trade you’re after and your location, and you’ll get a list of local professionals. Each listing shows reviews, ratings, qualifications and photos of previous work, so you can make an informed decision before picking up the phone which will ensure a better trust process.

For tradespeople, Checkatrade acts as a marketing and reputation-building platform. To join, they must pass a series of checks, this involves verification of public liability insurance, ID checks, references from past customers, and where applicable, proof of qualifications or accreditation. Once approved, they get their own profile page where customers can leave feedback.

The Review System

Reviews are a core part of what makes Checkatrade work. Every customer who hires a tradesperson through the platform can leave a review based on their experience. This includes ratings for workmanship, timekeeping, tidiness, and overall value. These reviews aren’t just helpful to other homeowners, they also hold trades accountable, helping to maintain standards across the board.

Is There a Fee?

For consumers, using Checkatrade is completely free. You’re not tied into anything, you can view, contact and hire at your own pace. Tradespeople, on the other hand, pay a membership fee to be listed, which helps cover the cost of vetting, marketing, and maintaining the platform.

Why Do People Actually Use It?

In a world where it can be hard to know who to trust, Checkatrade gives homeowners a stronger peace of mind. Instead of taking a complete gamble on someone with no online presence, you’re dealing with professionals who have a track record and genuine customer feedback to back them up.

Our Final Thoughts

Checkatrade is essentially a modern-day word-of-mouth tool, but instead of relying on a neighbour’s recommendation, you’ve got hundreds (sometimes thousands) of reviews at your fingertips. Whether you’re planning a big renovation or just need a quick fix, it’s a handy starting point to find reliable, local tradespeople you can trust.