The answer for a growing number of New Zealand homeowners looking for a recommended tradesman is Builderscrack.co.nz. It links up homeowners and tradespeople in a very clever way using a reverse auction process, where you list the renovation and repair job you need done, and let tradesmen bid for the work.

How it works is homeowners post the work they need done. You have the option to include photos, but this isn't required. You can then sit back and wait for tradespeople to respond, which is often within the hour or two. You can see how previous homeowners have rated and reviewed the tradespeople who respond, which helps you work out who is good, and who may be less reliable. If one doesn't sound great, you can remove them from your chase list. Or you can choose to make contact with all of them, and compare their offers.

You don't need to accept the lowest bid. That's where the reviews and ratings come in handy. You may prefer to choose an electrician, plumber or builder who has a great track record. So unlike using the phone, you are not stuck with the only guy who happens to be sitting around idle at the time.

Once the job is done, the homeowner then rates the tradesperson on the system. Tradesmen are rated on workmanship, adherence to cost, adherence to schedule, professionalism and responsiveness. The Builderscrack.co.nz system is completely free for homeowners. Tradesmen pay a small fee on work they secure.

Response times vary based on the type of job and location. Building jobs in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch will often receive over 3 responses within an hour. Other locations may take longer, but most jobs have received interest within a day. Tradespeople who respond are motivated, and wanting to work, which is different from the experience many of us have had when trying to find someone in the phone book.

All home trades are covered. It's not just builders, plumbers and painters. You can almost find any trade, from roofers, drain layers, interior designers, landscapers to heat pump installers, to name a few.

If you have problems along the way, click on the contact us link on the Builderscrack.co.nz site, and one of the friendly Builderscrack.co.nz team will be in touch to help. Builderscrack.co.nz - let good tradespeople chase you for a change.