GetBrent

Advice & Guides

Hire, buying and running it properly: trailers and towing, tools, plant, vehicles, storage, removals, clearance and the trades. Plain answers, UK law included.

Illustration for Questions to Ask a Tradesperson Before You Hire
Trades

Questions to Ask a Tradesperson Before You Hire

Before hiring any local tradesperson in the UK, there are a set of practical questions every homeowner should ask - covering insurance, qualifications, references and paperwork - that separate a…

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Illustration for What Actually Gets Tested in an MOT
Repair

What Actually Gets Tested in an MOT

An MOT tests a vehicle's compliance with safety and environmental standards set by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). The test focuses on roadworthiness and emissions rather than overall…

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Illustration for Removal Company or Man and Van: Which Do You Need?
Removals

Removal Company or Man and Van: Which Do You Need?

Whether you need a full removal company or a man and van depends on three things: how much you are moving, how far you are going, and the level of insurance protection you need. Neither option is…

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Illustration for Plant Trailer Hire: What to Check Before You Book
Trailers

Plant Trailer Hire: What to Check Before You Book

Hiring a plant trailer requires more than finding one available on the right date. The responsibility of towing a trailer on UK roads, and of using it safely on a building site or work location,…

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Illustration for Handyman or Tradesman: Which Do You Need?
Trades

Handyman or Tradesman: Which Do You Need?

A handyman suits small, mixed and non-regulated jobs around the home, while a certified tradesman is required whenever the work is legally regulated - such as gas work, electrical installation or…

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Illustration for How to Check a Tradesperson Is Legit Before You Hire
Trades

How to Check a Tradesperson Is Legit Before You Hire

Before you hire any tradesperson in the UK, check that they hold the correct trade registration for the work, carry public liability insurance, and can provide references from recent jobs. These…

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Illustration for Tyre Tread Depth and the Law
Repair

Tyre Tread Depth and the Law

The legal minimum tyre tread depth in the UK is 1.6 millimetres across the central three-quarters of the tyre width. This is a non-negotiable safety standard enforced by law, and any tyre that falls…

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Illustration for What age do you need to hire a van in the UK?
Vans and vehicles

What age do you need to hire a van in the UK?

Most UK van hire companies will not rent to drivers under the age of 23, and some set the bar at 25 - so checking the age policy before you book is an essential first step.

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Illustration for MOT Advisories: What They Mean and What to Do
Repair

MOT Advisories: What They Mean and What to Do

MOT advisories are recorded observations about your vehicle's condition that fall short of being a test failure. They highlight components or systems that are approaching the end of their safe…

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Illustration for What licence do you need to drive a hired horsebox?
Vans and vehicles

What licence do you need to drive a hired horsebox?

The driving licence you need to hire and drive a horsebox in the UK is determined by the vehicle's Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) - not how much it weighs on the day you set off. Get this wrong and…

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Illustration for Which Garden Tools Are Worth Hiring Rather Than Buying
Tool hire

Which Garden Tools Are Worth Hiring Rather Than Buying

Expensive, specialist or rarely-used garden tools are usually worth hiring rather than buying. The decision hinges on three factors: purchase cost, frequency of use, and storage space. Understanding…

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Illustration for How Much Does Caravan Storage Cost? Real Prices From 16 UK Sites
Storage

How Much Does Caravan Storage Cost? Real Prices From 16 UK Sites

Most caravan storage in the UK costs between £35 and £70 a month. Half of the 16 sites we checked charge about £50 a month or less.

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