Property developers face challenges that make finding the right tradesperson trickier than for a standard homeowner. For one, multiple projects might be running simultaneously, all with tight deadlines and investor expectations. The complexity of refurbishments or new builds demands more skill than routine home repairs. Tradespeople may have experience with smaller jobs but struggle to scale up.

It’s not just about skill. Communication, reliability, and understanding the pressures of development work are just as important. Sometimes the difference between a smooth project and a nightmare is how well you and your tradesperson align on expectations.

Why developers struggle to find a reliable tradesperson

Property developers face challenges that make finding the right tradesperson trickier than for a standard homeowner. For one, multiple projects might be running simultaneously, all with tight deadlines and investor expectations. The complexity of refurbishments or new builds demands more skill than routine home repairs. Tradespeople may have experience with smaller jobs but struggle to scale up.

It’s not just about skill. Communication, reliability, and understanding the pressures of development work are just as important. Sometimes the difference between a smooth project and a nightmare is how well you and your tradesperson align on expectations.

Building a network of tradespeople you can trust

Rather than hunting for a new tradesperson every project, focus on cultivating a network of reliable trades. This is where experience pays off. Some practical strategies include:

• Ask for recommendations from trusted sources: property developer groups, online forums, or peers in your area.
• Check their portfolio: always look at past work, particularly projects similar to yours.
• Maintain relationships: if a tradesperson delivers reliably, bring them back. Repeat work reduces the risk of delays or poor quality.

Meeting tradespeople in person can make all the difference. Property developer shows are an excellent opportunity to connect with suppliers and trades, see their work firsthand, and start building those relationships. Meeting face-to-face also allows you to assess professionalism, communication skills, and whether they understand the demands of developer projects.

If you’re looking for property events to attend this year, take a look at our 2026 locations, we’re heading to Bristol, London, Southampton, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.

Use online platforms but don’t rely on them

Platforms like Checkatrade or Trustmark can be helpful, but they’re only the starting point. Reviews and badges are useful, but don’t rely on them alone. Do your own due diligence:

• Google their name, check social media, and see if past clients or colleagues have used them.
• Ask about experience with projects similar to yours.
• Avoid choosing purely based on price, the cheapest option can end up costing far more in delays or mistakes.

Even when a friend or another trade recommends someone, it’s still your responsibility to verify their reliability. Gathering as much information as possible ensures you make informed choices.

Empathy and communication matter

Property developers often focus on timelines and budget, but it’s equally important to consider how your behaviour impacts the tradespeople you hire. They’re managing their own workloads, costs, and reputations. Are your deadlines realistic? Do you provide clear instructions and access? Are you fair with payments?

Building a team that works smoothly is a two-way street. By respecting their perspective and communicating effectively, you create a professional environment where both parties can thrive.

Practical steps developers can take to finding good tradespeople

Here’s a quick summary of actionable steps, blending networking, research, and relationship-building:

• Attend property developer shows (like ours!) to meet trades in person.
• Get multiple quotes, and meet all prospective tradespeople.
• Make it clear you’re a developer, repeat work can be appealing.
• Ask for and check references, and always verify experience and compliance.
• Build a trusted portfolio of tradespeople instead of searching anew for every project.
• Balance cost with quality, don’t automatically go for the cheapest option.

For a deeper dive into building reliable teams and avoiding common mistakes, check out our podcast with Tony Walker. Tony has over 17 years of experience managing everything from small refurbishments to £1 million builds. In that episode, we explore how to price refurbs properly, the difference between contractors and subcontractors, and why doing your own due diligence is essential.

Building your trusted power team

Finding reliable tradespeople as a property developer isn’t easy, but with research, networking, and a bit of empathy, you can build a team that delivers consistently. You may have to kiss a few frogs along the way, but every successful connection reduces stress, saves time, and keeps your projects on track. By investing in relationships, doing your due diligence, and approaching tradespeople thoughtfully, you set yourself up for smoother, more profitable development projects.