Question 1

Who are Room for a Trade?

Accepted Answer

Room for a Trade was set up to help people. It was born out of a personal experience that worked so well, that we decided to make it into a business.

In exchange for 4 – 5 hours of work per day, the Tradesperson and their family get food and accommodation for the agreed duration of the job being done, as well as a family holiday, as the rest of the day is their own. This can be gardening, painting, DIY-ing, stone work, carpentry work, etc.
You choose from the listings where you want to go. Both parties agree to the timeframe for the job
to be done. No money changes hands and work is done at a fraction of the cost. The Homeowner saves time and money and the job gets done.

Question 2

How do I sign up for Room for a Trade?

Accepted Answer

To sign up for Room for a Trade go to sign up and make an account. 
Make sure you identify whether you are a homeowner or tradesperson and fill in all of the necessary information. Then you can create a listing. Please note, your listing will not be approved until you complete the verification process by completing this form

Question 3

What are the benefits of Roomforatrade.com?

Accepted Answer

Staycations can be very expensive for families. The Tradesperson and their family get a holiday for a small amount of their time worked and a nominal fee. The Homeowner benefits from getting a job done in their home or garden that they might have been putting off for various reasons, again for a nominal fee.

Question 4

How do I become a host on Room for a Trade?

Accepted Answer

Confirmation that you are over 18 years of age.
Have a job to be done in your house or garden;
 Have suitable accommodation for the Tradesperson and their family. 
Treat the Tradesperson and their family with respect and consideration.
Correctly advertise the accommodation being offered to the Tradesperson and their family.
 Agree to communicate with the Tradesperson and agree a reasonable timeframe for the required job to be done.
Complete the  verification form

Question 5

My home is listed on Airbnb, is this a problem?

Accepted Answer

No, this is not a problem. Airbnb or B&B owners can benefit from this service during their off-peak season to keep their homes in great condition. Please note that you will need to update your availability on Room for a Trade if your home is unavailable due to an Airbnb or other booking.

Question 6

My home is in a scenic location, should I provide information about this?

Accepted Answer

Please upload any photos of your house, local tourist attractions near your property and information on activities or places of interest in your area.

Question 7

As a Host, should I contact my Insurance Provider? Am I covered by my home insurance?

Accepted Answer

Please check with your Home Insurance provider to ensure you have adequate cover.

Question 8

What can I expect by becoming a Host on Room for a Trade?

Accepted Answer

To choose which Tradesperson you will accept for the job that needs to be done
To receive a satisfactory result from the Tradesperson and getting the agreed job done
To be treated with respect and courtesy
To being able to relax at the weekend because those jobs you’ve been putting off will now be done

Question 9

What is the maximum/minimum length of stay?

Accepted Answer

The minimum stay is 2 nights. 
The length of stay is to be agreed with the Homeowner but will not exceed 2 weeks.

Question 10

How much does membership cost for Tradespeople or Homeowners?

Accepted Answer

Membership is €20 euro per annum. So hosts can post as many jobs as they like and tradespeople can find as many stays as they like.

Question 11

How do I ensure my application is approved?

Accepted Answer

For your application to be approved:
Your profile must have one clear photo.
 Your profile must indicate in its description the Trades being offered by you if you are a Tradesperson
The Homeowner's profile or listing must indicate in its description the accommodation being offered to the Tradesperson and their family.
What the expectation of the task is. 
Agree that each party treats the other as an equal.
Agree what meals will be provided to the Tradesperson and their family for the duration of the agreed stay 
 Provide a clean, dry, warm and safe accommodation.
 Your profile must NOT contain contact details in the description (eg. email address, phone number)

Question 12

Are there any additional charges?

Accepted Answer

No, there are no additional charges.

Question 13

As a Tradesperson, am I insured?

Accepted Answer

Please check your own insurance and with the Homeowner to ensure they have insurance in place too.

Question 14

How many hours per day should I expect to work as a Tradesperson?

Accepted Answer

4.5 to 5 hours is the expected amount of hours to be worked per day, but this can be discussed with the Homeowner prior to agreeing to a match.

Question 15

As a Tradesperson, do I need to bring my own tools?

Accepted Answer

This needs to be agreed between you and the Homeowner.

FAQs