Finding the Right Fundi
Whether you need an electrician, plumber, carpenter, painter, or general handyman, finding a skilled and reliable fundi in Tanzania can be frustrating. Horror stories of abandoned projects, inflated quotes, and substandard work are common.
NafasiCare addresses this by allowing fundis to build verified profiles with ratings, reviews, and verified skills — giving homeowners confidence in their hiring decisions.
How to Vet a Fundi
**Check their NafasiCare profile:** Reviews from previous clients are the most reliable indicator of quality.
**Ask for photos of previous work:** Any professional fundi should have photos of completed projects on their phone.
**Get a detailed quote:** A good fundi provides an itemized quote with materials, labor, and timeline. Beware of suspiciously low quotes — they often lead to requests for more money mid-project.
**Verify certifications:** For electrical and plumbing work, ask about VETA certification or relevant training.
**Start small:** If hiring for a large project, give a small test job first to assess quality, timeliness, and communication.
**Agree on payment terms:** Never pay 100% upfront. A common structure is: 30% deposit, 40% at midpoint, 30% on completion.
Managing the Project
**Put it in writing:** Even a simple WhatsApp message confirming scope, price, and timeline creates a reference point.
**Buy materials yourself (or together):** This prevents inflated material costs and ensures quality.
**Check progress daily:** Don't wait until the end to inspect work. Regular check-ins catch issues early.
**Be clear about standards:** Show examples (photos) of the quality you expect.
**Tip for good work:** If a fundi does excellent work, tip them and leave a positive review on NafasiCare. This incentivizes quality and helps other homeowners.
**Keep their contact:** Good fundis are worth their weight in gold. Save their number and recommend them to friends.