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Why is it so hard to get a tradesman?

11 replies

BushyDreamer · Yesterday 23:15

Just that really.

I've got 2 basic jobs that need doing and all I get is time wasters and people ghosting me. I don't know where I'm going wrong, but I'm on the verge of having a go myself. I'm no carpenter, how hard can it be? 🙄

OP posts:
Daisy12Maisie · Yesterday 23:17

I think it’s because schools keep pushing university to all but this means less people are becoming tradesmen. So it’s hard to get one!
Im doing a project at the moment and have a builder helping me as he owes me a favour. Without him I would struggle to get people in to do it. I’m doing a lot of the work myself.

Twogingercats · Yesterday 23:23

Are you on a local WhatsApp group? Ours has a list of recommendations for reliable trades-folk, might be worth a try for smaller jobs.

Wetcoatsandmudagain · Yesterday 23:23

I have learnt a lot via You Tube tutorials and do quite a bit myself as got so sick of being messed around or ripped off. Saved myself a fortune.

swooshyswish · Yesterday 23:24

Brexit.

PashaMinaMio · Yesterday 23:27

I share your pain. I just need one room decorated but there’s potential for more work if he/she is good. Im finding it impossible to get anyone to respond via local Facebook pages and other sources of info.
I might try to do the work myself but I’m useless at “cutting in” & not great on a ladder.
It’s so frustrating. 🤨

Kickinthenostalgia · Yesterday 23:30

We’ve been having trouble trying to get a gas man, it’s almost like no one wants the work. Our usual sort of stopped after a freak accident years ago, tried about 5 others and nothing, finally got a guy and he said he’d get back to us after his holiday, mid August, not heard a peep, he’s a plumber as well so wanted our bath changed and if he’s much longer we will have to wait until then until April May when it’s a bit warmer. He came to measure up etc, but nothing.

PermanentTemporary · Yesterday 23:30

Ask around and be prepared to pay a lot. I dont have trouble getting things done - perhaps with the exception of roofers, who imo are a law unto themselves - but I book people my friends have used and I pay whatever they ask on the nail. Maybe I’m being ripped off but they’re definitely doing the work.

Jopo12 · Yesterday 23:45

I've started using Checkatrade, so far I've had reliable workmen and decent quality work done at a reasonable price. Always get 3 quotes for the bigger jobs.

lusterencanto · Yesterday 23:48

DH is a tradesman and has noticed an increase in people struggling to get work done in their houses - as someone upthread said, partially to do with Brexit. We’re in London and he’s built up a reputation over the years for being reliable - he’s by no means the cheapest on the market but is completely booked through until the end of the year and into the start of next

QueenOfAccountability · Today 00:01

If your physically capable and reasonably intelligent then have a go yourself by watching youtube tutorials.

If that isn't doable then you need to find yourself a reliable tradesman. I'm not a fan of trying to find people using facebook but am assuming you've asked for recommendations - however, you have to specify "personal recommendations only" otherwise people just plug their brother in laws business. Personal recommendations ensure that they are recommending someone who has carried out work for them and they are vouching for it. Better to ask neighbours and friends if possible.

When you find someone, two small things when dealing with them that they really like are being polite and offering tea. Oh and pay the same day, obviously. Save up your jobs so that you have a whole days work at least so you only have to pay one call out fee.

Finally, when you do get someone, never recommend him to anyone else. 😀The only thing this achieves is to make him more popular, less available to you and more expensive. The only exception to this is to recommend him to someone who has recommended useful people to you, kind of exchanging information. Otherwise, just say you don't know anyone.

Edited to add as you can tell i've finally found a reliable, reasonably priced (not cheap) tradesman after a long time searching and I'm keeping him for myself lol. Actually, thats not true, i've got one friend who always recommends useful people but none of my other friends ever have so they can get stuffed when they ask.

Newstart26 · Today 00:39

Had the same issue trying to find a local mechanic to do a small job on my car. Tried about 10 then gave up in and found a youtube tutorial to follow instead! Would've preferred to pay someone for the convenience though.

It would've led to bigger jobs in futute for them aswell, but agree with PP that tradesmen don't seem to want to build up a regular repeat clientelle anymore - maybe there's enough one-off demand that they don't need to! I wonder if that will change over the coming years with more young people being pushed towards trade apprenticeships now.

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