How it works

The Tradesman will first run through your parts & tools list to make sure you have everything you need to successfully complete your project

They will then help you correctly set up your workspace, explain proper health and safety procedures, and show you how to use the tools correctly.

After the initial setup is complete, they will guide you through every step of the project, through to completion.

You can ask questions at any point.

First, you search for a tradesman based on the job you want to do or the trade you need.

Once you have chosen a tradesman, you can either book them "On demand" if they are available now, or schedule a call for a future date and time that suits you.

For scheduled bookings, the process involves uploading photos or videos of the workspace and aspirational images of the desired final result, as well as a full project description outlining relevant information such as dimensions of the workspace. Don't worry if you miss out information - if the tradesman needs to know more then they will ask you for exactly what they need so they can provide you with a full parts & tools list, which they send to you through the app.

The parts & tools list comes with convenient links to purchase them on either amazon or B&Q, but you are free to source them from wherever you please.

When your booking is due to start, the app notifies you both to log in to the app. The app then connects you both automatically by video call.

Yes.

Before booking, you can compare tradesmen based on their profile, qualifications, background, listed industries, job categories, and reviews.

That gives you the freedom to choose the person who feels right for your project.

Scheduled calls are booked in advance and are best for larger projects or full renovations.

On-demand calls are for immediate help, quick diagnosis, planning advice, second opinions, or getting unstuck while you are already in the middle of something.

If a tradesman is available on demand, you may be able to speak to them straight away.

Scheduled bookings are made at least seven days in advance to give you time to buy any tools or materials you may need before the job starts.

No.

There's absolutely no need for you to show your face to the tradesman while on the call

All the emphasis is on the workspace, and project at hand. There may be occassions where it is more helpful to mount the phone on a tripod, which may include you in the shot while you work. This is on an "as required" basis, and will be dictated to you by the tradesman if they feel it will help them keep you safe, and perform a better job.

For both On-Demand and Scheduled calls, you can extend the call if your tradesman has availability.

If they do, the extra time can be added without leaving the current call

Yes.

You can book multiple calls for the same project, provided your chosen tradesman has availability.

This is common for larger jobs where planning, preparation, and the practical work happen across more than one session.

Most people start by booking an initial 1-hour session. Once your tradesman has reviewed the project description, photos, and videos, they can update the booking with an estimated completion time.

You can then book any additional time needed.

Alternatively, you can book a 15-minute on-demand call to scope out the project size before booking for the full job.

You pay upfront when you book. Scheduled bookings cancelled more than 7 days before the start time receive a full refund.

Cancellations made within 7 days of the booking receive a 50% refund, and cancellations made within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Tradesmen are heavily penalised by the platform for not answering calls, but in the unlikely event that your tradesman does not answer the call, you will receive a full refund. If they have already reviewed the booking and sent the parts and tools list, £10 will be deducted from any refund to cover that work.

Yes.

But this is not necessary. One of the best aspects of Trade Buddy is that you no longer have to worry about constructing a plan.

The tradesman can work the plan out for you, freeing you up to simply concentrate on following their instructions.

Yes.

Trade Buddy can be used for fault diagnosis, checking previous work, getting a second opinion, and helping you decide what to do next before you commit time or money.

Yes.

Unlike youtube, if something unexpected happens, your tradesman can help you work through it in the moment.

That is one of the biggest differences between Trade Buddy and static online content.

Both.

Trade Buddy can be used by complete beginners as well as more experienced DIYers.

If you are new to DIY, it gives you the reassurance of having someone guide you through the job step by step.

If you already have experience, it is a practical way to get guidannce on a job outside your normal skill set.

Trade Buddy can help with a wide range of DIY, home improvement, repair, and renovation projects, provided the work is not on the prohibited list (See Terms for a full list of prohibited jobs).

That includes smaller repair jobs, and larger projects such as fitting: kitchens, bathrooms, decking, flooring, building walls, plastering, laying driveways, fencing, window fitting, roofing, plumbing, electrical work, as well as appliance diagnosis and repair.

Additionally, Trade Buddy can help guide you through non-home-renovation DIY taks that are well suited to video call guidance, such as; car repair, or even academic disciplines - if it can be demonstrated and guided through video call, then Trade Buddy can provide it.

If you're unsure whether your job can be accommodated on Trade Buddy, you can contact us before booking at support@tradebuddy.uk for help.

YouTube videos are generic.

Trade Buddy is specific to your exact job, your setup, and the specific problem in front of you.

Instead of piecing together multiple videos and hoping for the best, on Trade Buddy you get live guidance from a real tradesman who customises the plan to your unique needs, spots mistakes, and helps if something unexpected happens.

Trade Buddy also has a dispute resolution process in the unlikely event that you are given incorrect guidance. If you watch a youtube video and unknowingly follow poor guidance, there is no recourse in the event that something goes wrong.

Yes.

Trade Buddy can save you wasted time by eliminating the need to spend weeks researching, planning, and stitching together advice from multiple sources whilst still risking failure.

It can also significantly reduce cost by guiding you to do the work yourself with expert guidance instead of paying for full in-person labour.

The experts on Trade Buddy typically charge 75% of the hourly rate that they charge for in-person work, enabling you to obtain that professional grade result at a fraction of the cost.

That is exactly the kind of situation Trade Buddy is built for.

Instead of figuring everything out alone, you have a tradesman guiding you through the process, helping you work more confidently, reducing the chances of avoidable mistakes, and minimising the risk of injury.