Booking prep checklist

Ninety seconds of detail on the phone saves a diagnostic visit.

• Send photos or a short video of the problemDo not skip this oneWide shot for context, close-up for detail. Most tradespeople can half-diagnose from good photos.
• Note brands and models involvedHeater, aircon, lock, tap: a model name means the right parts can arrive with the person.
• Say what has already been triedIncluding the DIY attempt. It changes the diagnosis and nobody is judging.
• Agree scope, stated price, and allowances in writingDo not skip this oneA simple message thread counts. Extra work should be described and approved before its cost is added.
• Mention every other small job on your listBatching jobs into the same visit is the single best way to pay less per job.

• Clear access to the work areaDo not skip this oneEmpty the under-sink cupboard, move the wardrobe, unlock the roof hatch. Paid minutes should go to the job.
• Sort parking and gate accessTools are heavy and tropical rain is sudden; close parking matters more than it sounds.
• Know where the stopcock and breaker board areThe first two questions on most jobs. Knowing saves ten minutes of hunting.
• Plan for pets and small childrenOpen doors, power tools and curious company mix badly.

• Walk the job together before work startsConfirm what will be done today, what needs parts, and what waits for another visit.
• Ask to see and keep old parts that were replacedNormal practice with honest tradespeople, and useful if a part is under guarantee.
• Photograph concealed work before it is closed upPipes in a wall, cable runs, waterproofing: thirty seconds of photos helps every future job.

• Test the fix togetherDo not skip this oneRun the tap, trip the switch, close the door. Faults found while the tools are still out are free to fix.
• Ask what is guaranteed and for how longEven informal work usually carries a return-if-it-fails understanding; get it said out loud.
• Get a receipt or written note of what was done and paidMatters for guarantees, insurance and simply remembering who fixed what a year later.
• Save the contact of anyone who did good workA tested, reliable tradesperson is worth more than any directory.