Guides
Plain advice on choosing and hiring local businesses.
Hiring a tradesperson: what to check first
A plain checklist for hiring a builder, electrician, plumber or other trade in the UK: registrations, quotes, contracts and paying safely.
Read the guideHow to check a gas engineer is Gas Safe registered
Anyone working on gas in the UK must be on the Gas Safe Register. Here is how to check, and what the ID card tells you.
Read the guideChoosing a local business you can trust
Simple ways to choose a local business, from salons and cafes to cleaners and dog walkers, and what to ask before you book.
Read the guideChoosing a care home in Norfolk
How to compare care homes: CQC ratings, assessments from Norfolk County Council, paying for care, contracts and what to look for on a visit.
Read the guideChoosing a home care agency
Help at home, from a few visits a week to live-in care: CQC registration, assessments, paying for care and the questions to ask an agency.
Read the guideChoosing a day nursery or childminder
Comparing nurseries and childminders in Norfolk: Ofsted registration and reports, funded childcare hours, settling in and the questions to ask.
Read the guideFinding an NHS or private dentist
How NHS dentistry works, who gets free treatment, what to do in a dental emergency, and how to check a dentist or hygienist is registered.
Read the guideChoosing a garage for servicing and MOTs
MOT rules, checking a car's MOT history on gov.uk, choosing a garage and what to do if a repair or test result goes wrong.
Read the guideHiring an electrician
Part P, competent person schemes, the certificates you should get, and electrical safety checks for homeowners and landlords.
Read the guideBoiler servicing and replacement
Gas, LPG and oil boilers: who can work on them, annual servicing, what to expect when you replace a boiler, and grants for heat pumps.
Read the guideHiring a roofer
What to check before roof work: quotes, scaffolding licences, Building Regulations, listed buildings, thatch, bats and guarantees.
Read the guideExtensions and building work: planning, approvals and neighbours
Planning permission, permitted development, Building Regulations, the Party Wall Act and driveway rules for home building projects in Norfolk.
Read the guideChoosing a solicitor
Checking a solicitor is regulated, comparing published prices for conveyancing and probate, client care letters and how to complain.
Read the guideChoosing an accountant or bookkeeper
Qualifications to look for, money laundering checks, engagement letters, HMRC authorisation and Making Tax Digital.
Read the guideFood hygiene ratings explained
What the 0 to 5 food hygiene rating means, who inspects food businesses in Norfolk, allergen rules and how to report a problem.
Read the guideHiring a cleaner
Agency, self-employed or employed directly: what each means for you, plus insurance, keys, DBS checks and agreeing the job.
Read the guideChoosing a dog groomer, walker or boarding
Which pet services need a council licence, how star ratings work, and what to ask a groomer, dog walker or boarding host.
Read the guideHair, beauty and aesthetics: safety checks before you book
Patch tests, council registration for tattoos and piercing, who can give Botox and fillers, age limits, and how to check a practitioner.
Read the guideHiring a tree surgeon
Tree preservation orders, conservation areas, nesting birds, qualifications and insurance: what to check before tree work in Norfolk.
Read the guideChoosing a physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor
Protected titles, how to check the registers, NHS and private options, and what to expect from a first appointment.
Read the guideTaxis and private hire: what the licence means
The difference between taxis and private hire, how licensing works in Norfolk, fares, and your rights if you use a wheelchair or assistance dog.
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