Rogue Tradesmen - don't you just hate them? I suppose most of us have had some sort of experience of them in one form or another. My mother had a bad experience when she hired an emergency plumber once. They charge horrendous prices for a callout if you have broken pipes and water all over the place which in reality, you have to expect. You know the type. Read on..... Unfortunately she wanted new bath taps and not thinking too clearly and not requesting a quote, she asked them to do the job. The tap job alone cost her over £300. I could have bought the same taps they supplied, quite a good make, for around £55. Their excuse was that their business was 'emergency only'. So why, when they knew she was over 80 years old, didn't they tell her what the cost would be ??? Their trite answer was that because they were 'emergency only' and she knew that, they didn't have to. How very convenient. At that time, the words 'neck' and 'garotte' sprang to mind along with a list of unspoken expletives... But it's not just this type of trade, it's boiler fitters, gas men, motor mechanics, electricians, builders, roofers, gardeners, paving specialists, etc. and you find a mixture of good and evil amongst the lot. The most important thing to remember is to get at least 2 or 3 quotes beforehand. Don't just jump in at the deep end. If you tell a rogue you're going to get more quotes they'll often say they'll give you a discount if you use them now... or that the price will be higher if you go back to them later... Ignore these asses. They're not worth dirtying your shoes on. The good ones are out there, it's just a case of sorting out the wheat from the chaff. And remember, if you have retired or elderly parents, make sure you're there to stop the bad ones from not only taking their money for a rip off job, but also occasionally from taking various other valuables from their house. Good luck.