The definition of an expert has been questioned at length over time. More and more frequently, I come across building experts who can give the solution to your home building problems without even looking at them! But when you’re given building advice, how do you actually know whether to trust it or not?
When faced with a problem in your home it can be daunting thinking about the time, energy and money you are going to have to invest to have it rectified. If you have already built up a good working relationship with a reliable builder, then maybe you are not phased when problems arise. However, many people’s first port of call is to turn to relatives or to so-called “knowledgeable” friends in an attempt to find a quick and cost effective solution. Very often these people have never been involved with any associated trade nor have any experience of the building or construction industry, even though they may enjoy painting and decorating in their spare time.
Rather than asking friends for advice, try to get a recommendation from them for a building expert or tradesman that has worked on their home, whose work they have been pleased with. Even if someone comes highly recommended, do listen very carefully to all opinions and advice given before acting on them. Sometimes knowledge is all too easily assumed when we see an impressive string of letters denoting building, plumbing or electrical qualifications on a business card. How many times do any of us look these up or find out what these letters actually stand for?
Your personal judgement is vital in the equation. Don’t write off your own thoughts and opinions just because you don’t possess any technical building know how or couldn’t begin to change a fuse. Don’t take an expert’s opinion to be the correct way of proceeding if what is being said to you doesn’t sit well with you.
When assessing advice from a knowledgeable friend, plumber, electrician or builder, ask yourself these simple questions:
1) Does what I am being told make actual sense?
2) Do I understand what has caused the problem?
3) Do I understand the steps that need to be taken to rectify it?
4) Does this seem like the right approach?
5) Would I be happy entrusting this person to work on and in my home?
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