Updated October 21, 2026
Where people look for a handyman
Many Belgians start with personal recommendations from neighbours, family or colleagues. Local Facebook groups, community forums and neighbourhood messaging apps are common places to ask for names and recent experiences. Builders’ merchants and local shops sometimes keep lists of regular tradespeople.
Online searches and marketplaces are increasingly used to compare several providers at once. On profiles you can usually see the services offered, photos of past work and contact options. If you prefer to invite offers for a specific task, posting a short description on a marketplace can generate multiple quotes to compare.
- Ask neighbours or local social groups for recent referrals
- Check online profiles and marketplaces to compare services and photos
- Phone to confirm availability and language before arranging a visit
How to check a provider before hiring
Before you commit, do a few basic checks. Ask for the business registration or VAT number and verify it against the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (KBO/BCE) entry or an equivalent record. A registered number allows you to confirm the legal name and whether the person is listed as self-employed or as a company.
Ask for proof of liability insurance and, where relevant, professional indemnity. Insurance covers accidental damage during the work. If someone hesitates or cannot provide simple documents, take that as a reason to proceed cautiously or choose another provider.
- Verify KBO/BCE registration and VAT number
- Request proof of public liability insurance
- Check sample photos of similar completed work
Questions to ask before agreeing a job
A short phone call or site visit before work starts can save misunderstandings. Agree who will do the work - the named person, an employee or subcontractor - and ask how long the job will take. Confirm whether materials are included in the quote and who will dispose of waste.
Clarify payment terms up front. Ask if a deposit is required, what payment methods are accepted and whether they will issue a VAT invoice. If you need a written guarantee or warranty, get that in writing with clear start and end dates.
- Who will carry out the work and when
- What exactly is included - materials, permits, waste removal
- Deposit amount, payment methods, and VAT invoice
- Guarantee or warranty terms in writing
What to know about qualifications and local rules in Belgium
Belgium has three main language regions - Dutch, French and German - and regional administrations. Expect language to affect communication and local permit rules. Building and renovation permits are issued by your local municipality (commune), so check with your commune if a permit is required for structural changes.
Different trades have different informal expectations: many customers expect electricians, gas fitters or heating engineers to be able to provide any required conformity documents for installations. If your project affects installations subject to safety certification, ask the provider which certificates they will supply and whether they work with certified technicians.
- Confirm communication language - Dutch, French, German or English
- Check with your local commune about permits for structural work
- Ask about conformity certificates for gas, electric or heating work
How quotes and payments are normally handled
It is common to get a written quote for medium and larger jobs. Quotes should list labour, materials and VAT treatment. Compare at least two written quotes on the same specification rather than price-only responses.
Payment methods vary. Many tradespeople accept bank transfer or card; cash is still used in some cases. On Websta card payments from customers are paid out to the provider's own bank account through Stripe. If you plan to pay by card or online, confirm this ahead of time and request a VAT invoice when the work is completed.
- Get written quotes for clarity and comparison
- Confirm VAT treatment and request an invoice
- Agree payment method and schedule before work starts
Practical tips for agreements, guarantees and insurance
Put agreed details in writing even for small jobs - scope, price, timeline, who supplies materials and waste disposal. A simple written confirmation by email is often enough to avoid disputes.
Ask about guarantees on workmanship and what they cover. If a problem arises after completion, having a written warranty and a contact person makes follow-up easier. Keep receipts and the final invoice, as these documents are useful for warranty claims and tax purposes if you need them.
- Use a short written agreement or confirmation email
- Keep invoices and receipts for warranties and tax purposes
- Confirm who to contact if you need follow-up work
How a Websta profile helps you compare providers
A Websta profile shows a provider’s listed services, photos of previous work, a contact form and online booking where available. Profiles may also display whether the provider has provided a price list or service descriptions. Using a profile you can quickly check practical details before calling or inviting someone for a quote.
When you receive offers from multiple providers on a marketplace, Websta helps you compare the written quotes and profiles side by side. Remember to verify registration and insurance independently, and treat profile information as a starting point for your checks rather than as proof of qualification.
- See services, photos and contact details in one place
- Compare written offers and booking options
- Use profiles for initial screening, then verify documents
Frequently asked questions
- How do I check a handyman is legally registered in Belgium?
- Ask for the KBO/BCE registration or a VAT number and verify these against the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises or an official VAT check. A registered number lets you confirm the business name and status.
- Do I need a written quote for a small repair?
- For small jobs a written quote is not always used, but getting a short confirmation by email or text about scope, price and timing reduces misunderstandings and provides a reference if issues arise.
- What should I ask about insurance and guarantees?
- Request proof of public liability insurance and ask whether the provider offers a workmanship guarantee. Get warranty terms in writing, including how long they last and what they cover.
- Will tradespeople speak English in Belgium?
- Language varies by region. Dutch (Flemish), French and German are the main languages; many providers also speak some English. Confirm the language you need when you first contact the provider.
- How does payment work on Websta for repair jobs?
- Websta supports card payments that are paid out to the provider's own bank account through Stripe. Confirm payment timing, deposit needs and whether a VAT invoice will be issued before starting work.
About the numbers
Counts in this guide were read from the Websta catalogue when the text was written and are refreshed above from the live catalogue. Part of the catalogue was built from the public business register and is marked as such on each profile.
Related guides
- How to earn money as a repair and handyman in Antwerp
- How to earn as a repair and handyman in Belgium - practical steps
- How to earn money doing repair and handyman work in Bruges
- How to earn money as a handyman in Brussels
- Make Money With Repair and Handyman Work in Charleroi
- How to Make Money as a Repair and Handyman in Ghent