Checkatrade has launched a new online booking platform designed to streamline the process of hiring tradespeople for smaller home improvement and maintenance jobs.
The service, called Checkatrade Express, allows homeowners to receive instant pricing, book appointments online and make secure payments through a single platform, removing the need for traditional quotation processes for selected works.
The launch reflects growing consumer demand for faster and more transparent access to trade services, particularly for smaller jobs that can often be difficult to schedule through conventional routes.
Platform focuses on maintenance and repair work
Checkatrade Express has initially been developed for everyday household maintenance tasks, including oven cleaning, gutter cleaning, garden clearance and door hanging.
Customers submit details of the work required, receive an upfront price and can then select appointment times, including evenings and weekends.
The platform also allows multiple small jobs to be combined into a single booking before Checkatrade matches the work with an available local tradesperson.
Small jobs market presents opportunity for tradespeople
The launch highlights an area of the market that has traditionally presented challenges for both homeowners and contractors.
Many smaller maintenance jobs can be difficult for customers to price and arrange, while tradespeople often face time-consuming quotation processes for relatively low-value work.
Checkatrade said the new system is intended to reduce administrative burdens for contractors while providing customers with greater certainty on cost and availability.
Jack Steiner, GM for Express at Checkatrade, said:
“Small jobs can often come with surprisingly big hassle. Consumers can spend time waiting for replies, comparing quotes, or struggling to find someone willing to take on a quick fix. Checkatrade Express has been built to take that friction out of the process, giving customers a simple, transparent way to book help fast.
“Checkatrade Express has the potential to save Britons the chore of chasing quotes, waiting around for callbacks, and wondering who’ll actually take on the job. What might have once taken around three days, Express allows you to do in 3 minutes. This is home maintenance, reimagined for modern life.”
Tradespeople offered fixed-price work through digital platform
According to Checkatrade, tradespeople using the platform can choose which jobs they accept, fit work around existing schedules and know the payment value before taking on work.
The company said all tradespeople operating through Checkatrade Express are checked before undertaking jobs and are required to meet the Checkatrade Standard covering workmanship, reliability and communication.
Eligible work will also be covered by the Checkatrade Guarantee.
Digitalisation continues to reshape home improvement sector
The launch is the latest example of digital platforms seeking to simplify access to trade services and improve efficiency in the home improvement and maintenance market.
While Checkatrade Express focuses on a defined range of smaller jobs, the company said its wider marketplace will continue to support larger projects and customers who prefer to source and select tradespeople directly.
The move comes as technology providers increasingly target opportunities to streamline customer acquisition, booking and payment processes across the home improvement sector.
