Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is reliability defined?
HomeForce judges reliability as follows:
- Contact is made with customers within a maximum of 48 Hours (excluding weekends or public holidays) of the customer calling HomeForce.
- Estimates or quotations (if requested) are sent within five working days of a survey visit.
- If running more than 10 minutes late for an appointment the customer is advised.
- Work is executed to a professional standard, including tidying up once the work is completed.
- Clear communication with customers is maintained from start to finish of a job.
2. What is HomeForce's accreditation process?
- Tradespeople agree to adhere to the above reliability criteria.
- Documentation is provided and verified including; qualifications, insurance, addresses and trade licences
- Publically available records are checked for any sign of mal practice.
- Face to face interviews are conducted.
- Ongoing customer feedback is sought
3. What happens if there is a dispute between a customer and a HomeForce accredited tradesperson?
- In the first instance we recommend discussing any issues directly with the tradesperson.
- There is a legal frame work that protects customers and tradespeople
- If a mutually acceptable outcome cannot be agreed, HomeForce offer a Complaints & Mediation Procedure
- All parties must agree to remain objective and respectful.
- Tradespeople are human. Like anyone they can make mistakes. HomeForce helps tradespeople minimise the chances of mistakes occurring. If tradespeople do not show willingness to learn from their mistakes their HomeForce accreditation is removed.
- If tradespeople can be proven to have been deliberately dishonest HomeForce will assist customers in reporting them to the appropriate authorities.
- If a customer refuses to engage in a process to reconcile differences of opinion HomeForce will assist the tradesperson in recovering losses.
4. How quickly can a tradesperson come round?
HomeForce does not provide “emergency call out” services.
However, when a job has a specific or urgent deadline HomeForce agree a completion and acceptance deadline, with the customer, for the job.
The job is then offered on a first-come-first-served basis to suitably qualified tradespeople. If none accept the job then HomeForce will inform the customer and offer alternative solutions.
5. Does HomeForce and its tradespeople work at weekends or in the evenings?
HomeForce’s office hours are Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm. There is often someone available outside these hours. Messages are checked regularly.
Some HomeForce tradespeople are willing to work in the evenings or at weekends by arrangement – there may be additional charges for them doing so. If you do require evening or weekend work please advise HomeForce of this when you make contact.
6. Who do I pay?
Payment is made directly to the tradesperson undertaking the work.
7. What payment methods are accepted?
Payment can be made by cash, cheque or electronic bank transfer.
Some HomeForce accredited tradespeople also take card payments.
8. Do I need to pay VAT?
Where the law requires VAT to be charged, it is.
Most HomeForce tradespeople are NOT VAT registered and so no VAT is charged.
9. Are there discounts for cash payments?
Not for the purposes of avoiding tax.
However, there is no reason why you cannot try negotiating a price with a tradesperson. Please do not be offended if they say they won’t move on price.
10. Will I pay more for a HomeForce tradesperson?
As with anything if you hunt hard enough you can always find it cheaper. However, in our experience good service, reliability and quality workmanship does not usually come with the lowest price tag. (See our Pricing Policy)
Good tradespeople are usually busy so they rarely need to discount their prices. The economics of supply and demand affect the price of tradespeople as much as for any other product or service.
However, HomeForce’s “Market Rate Monitor” ensures accredited tradespeople are aware of and charge at acceptable market rates. These rates are on our website for all visitors.
You’ll always pay the same, or less when you source a tradesperson through HomeForce as when you contact that tradesperson directly. Yes, tradespeople pay HomeForce a fee for our services but it’s simply a cost of them doing business, as is insurance, tools, petrol, advertising or any other cost of doing business. When you employ any tradesperson you are paying them to cover those costs too.
If you have any other questions, please contact us on:
- Call: 0131 315 0000
- Email us at: info@homeforce.co.uk
From Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm we’ll get back to you within one hour. Outside of these hours we’ll be in-touch as soon as we are back in the office.
Knowledge Base
How are we doing?
"Just really good service all around. I've recommended HomeForce before and will continue to do so."
"Very efficient, would be happy to use the tradesperson again and normal faultless service from HomeForce."
"Excellent service, as always, from HomeForce."
"Danny helped at short notice and got the job done perfectly."
"I'm very happy to report James and the painting team were excellent in their work and professionalism. I would rate them and HomeForce 5 out of 5, I'm very pleased with the whole experience and certainly will use them again."
"I’d rate the tradesperson and HomeForce 5 out of 5. I rang HomeForce and had a good discussion regarding my issue and what needed to be done. Conan came round the next morning, and the problem was sorted in an hour or so with explanations as I asked for them. Thank you very much."
"Once again, very happy with the 'HomeForce Experience' Thanks!"
"HomeForce is great for finding reputable and reliable tradespeople."
"HomeForce rang to clarify the exact nature of the issue, gave excellent advice, promptly notified tradesperson who then contacted me when promised, arrived on time, identified the problem, fixed the problem, all at a very reasonable rate."
"Damon and his team did a lovely job on our bathroom. A few minor issues were discovered after the install but Damon ensured these were dealt with promptly and to our satisfaction. We’re very pleased with the quality of the install."
"Patrick was thorough and reliable, communication with him was good. He explained exactly what was needed, and I thought his quote was reasonable. I am satisfied with the work he carried out and would use his services again if required. I am very pleased with the service provided by HomeForce. I have now used a number of excellent tradespeople and I find HomeForce very helpful when I phone."
"HomeForce was efficient (as always) and came back to us with someone quickly. The guys that came were excellent. Kept in touch, arrived on time and did a fantastic job. We’ll definitely come back to HomeForce again if we need anything in the future and would recommend them too."
"The tradesperson arrived at the scheduled time, hung the mirror no problem and didn't leave a mess at all. They then changed over a light fitting for us because they had time within that scheduled 1 hour. They were polite and professional. We have recommended HomeForce to friends and family already. Very happy with the service."
"Jonathan was absolutely first class and could not be more helpful. HomeForce made an excellent choice in recommending him."
"I rate both the Tradesperson and HomeForce 5 out of 5. I have always found HomeForce to be efficient. Chris was also prompt and efficient in his response to any request for help."
"Excellent service, fast and efficient from both parties involved. Very happy customer! I will certainly use your services again."
"This was a very small job and I was concerned we might not be able to get anybody to do it but HomeForce came up trumps again! We were very pleased and it was all sorted within a very short time."
"Stuart was excellent. Reliable, respectful and did the job well. Would definitely use him again."
"My comments cover the Home Force Team and the tradespeople who have done an excellent job. I am grateful for all the help I get every time I need assistance. Well done!"
"I would rate both HomeForce and Daniel who cleaned my gutters as 5 out of 5 as I was very pleased with your services."
"Danny discussed the cost of the boiler service on the phone prior to his visit. He called 30 minutes before to advise arrival time, explained work clearly, executed task effectively and efficiently, tidied up afterwards. Service you'd ideally want so I would highly recommend. HomeForce immediately responded to my query and an email confirmation came shortly thereafter. They were helpful over the phone and online as I was kept fully ...
"5 out of 5 - great service and highly recommended!"
"The communication from both HomeForce and from Douglas the electrician was timely, comprehensive and clear. Douglas made an effort to cope with a late change in my schedule and the job was done quickly and with care and tidiness. Awesome service all round."
"Craig was very efficient and we're delighted with his work."
"Patrick, the roofer, was excellent. He was good on communication and making the arrangements. He was also very reliable, thorough and a considerate worker."
"We would rate 5 for all points relating to the work carried out by David. He contacted us promptly, arrived quickly to carry out the work and completes the job promptly and efficiently."
"Ewan, the workman was very reliable. He made contact promptly and we arranged a visit for a boiler check. His work was of the highest standard and he was very efficient and helpful and gave good advice for future maintenance."
"The Kevins did a grand job. Indeed, just this week, I have finished painting the room and had a carpet fitted. All that's left for us to do is install some shelves, a desk, and then the transformation from grubby cupboard-workshop to beautiful whisky nook-home office will be complete!"
"I had contact from Paul less than an hour after I spoke to Home Force. He came out on a Saturday morning to check that everything was safe and then completed the job within a couple of days. At all points he kept me informed, was polite, helpful, knowledgeable and very clean and tidy. An excellent job! Thank you."
"Joel was asked to hang mirrors, single items and a group of paintings. His attention to detail and aesthetics was exemplary. He was polite, helpful, cheerful and very professional. I highly recommend Joel, I’m delighted with his work."
"5 out of 5. Customer service was great, Stuart arrived the same day and did a great job. Very happy."
"It gives me great pleasure to rate both Paul and Homeforce a resounding "5"! Delighted with the response of both and wouldn't hesitate to recommend both to everyone who requires their services."
"Delighted with the tradesperson’s courteous manner, clear explanations and excellent workmanship"
"HomeForce were very helpful and replied almost immediately to my initial enquiry. They kept me informed on their progress to find a tradesman and I was very pleased with their recommendation. Chris arrived on time and explained exactly what was needed to repair the lock and handle on my living room door. He was friendly and knowledgeable and I would definitely recommend him and use him again. I would definitely ...
"Speaking as a homeowner, where both myself and my husband have no clue about house repair and maintenance, I am so grateful for HomeForce! Your service has given us confidence and peace of mind when asking tradespeople to undertake work on our house. So far (and we have used your service several times) we only have good things to report about HomeForce"
"Douglas and his team were excellent from start to finish. Very pleased."
"Just wanted to say that Joel did the painting work today and we want to give him a great review. He was both professional and nice! Thanks for recommending him."
"Dealing with Douglas was easy and straightforward. He was on time and communication was great. Very happy with the work he carried out and competitive prices compared to other companies. I'd definitely get in touch with him again when I need more work doing."
"I would give Douglas top marks. We were very happy with the work he carried out and we found him efficient and pleasant. This was my first experience of using Homeforce and at a very busy time of year (around New Year). I was delighted at the speedy response, and quality of the tradesmen provided. I would definitely contact Homeforce again for future work."
"Peter has carried out several work jobs for me and is always on time, professional and friendly. I am always delighted with the work and he offers great advice. Homeforce are excellent in sourcing the appropriate tradesperson, I'm very happy with the service."
"Paul was professional with good communication. Carried out full boiler inspection ventilation, pressure etc. Advised on capping gas valve on disused gas fire for safety. I've used Homeforce on several occasions, the work is always promptly allocated to skilled professionals. Karen is always friendly and approachable, many thanks!"
"Keith and Jonny were both communicative, fair and approachable. One of the best things was that it was easy to get in touch with Keith on the phone to talk in detail about the job (which was a fairly major one!) and he was happy to take the time to talk things through and to reassure us. This really meant a lot to us! I'm not a roofer but the ...
"Pascal did a great job and diligent follow through in all respects. Highly recommended! HomeForce provided an excellent introduction to a very high class IT consultant-will use again."
"Usually you have to wait months to get work done on a roof, and so it was helpful that in this case, I was able to get work done within weeks."
"Friendly, efficient and professional service. The job was completed really quickly and I'm very satisfied, would highly recommend. I'm also really pleased at how quickly HomeForce were able to pick up and refer the repair request. Have used HomeForce several times and never been disappointed."
"Peter came to my home about mid December to undertake the work. He carried out three tasks for me that day, and I was delighted with the outcome. I would certainly give Peter a 5/5 for his work and I also would give Home Force a 5, any specialist that I have had so far from the Company have all been very reliable."
"Just to say that my DIY guy was fantastic! Thank you so much for choreographing."
"I am very pleased with the work that Stuart carried out at my home, resealing the bath, bathroom and kitchen sinks. He was careful and explained everything and came as arranged. I would certainly ask him to do other work for me and would recommend him. I felt reassured by the way HomeForce operates, letting me know who was going to contact me and that their tradespeople are vetted."
"Delighted with HomeForce and the work carried out by David. Top scores for both and would use both again."
"Darren was outstanding. He had a really positive attitude and was a conscientious worker. I'm delighted with his workmanship. Thanks for everything."
