A company or an independent team: which to choose

A registered company with a formal contract and proper invoices gives a firmer legal framework in a dispute — any defect can be claimed through a documented process, and the workmanship guarantee has a clear contractual basis. Larger companies often have several teams, which reduces the risk of the job stalling completely if a worker falls ill or leaves. These advantages usually come at a higher price, reflecting the company's administrative and organisational costs.

An independent team — a few tradespeople working directly, without a company's administrative structure — can offer lower prices precisely because it doesn't carry the same overheads. Talking directly to the person actually doing the work, without intermediaries, can mean faster, more flexible coordination of details on site, especially on small or medium jobs.

With companies, the main risk is diluted responsibility between management and the team on site, where promises made at signing don't always reach the people doing the work. With independent teams, the main risk is the lack of a formal route of recourse if something goes wrong — without a contract or invoice, any dispute depends on goodwill, with no solid legal lever behind it.

For large, complex or long jobs, a registered company gives more security through its formal structure, even at a higher price. For small or medium jobs recommended by someone you trust, an independent team with verifiable references and a minimal written agreement can be a reasonable compromise between cost and security — as long as basic paperwork (a written quote, receipts) isn't missing entirely. Check that whoever you hire is properly registered and insured where local rules require it.