Finding competent tradespeople

[busyspinning]

Just that really
We are now supposed to be at the end of a total house renovation but it’s been so painful and so much has gone wrong or is badly finished simply because the people employed -some by us some by the builder - just weren’t that good
Today we’ve realised that our patio has been laid incorrectly and is basically ruined . I have no idea how we are going to fix it ,( no money left to throw at the problem ) the landscaper appears to be in denial about the whole thing -“ it’s never happened before “etc etc but he’s not followed basic instructions about laying this type of stone
The thing is we went with people that we know and from recommendations so I don’t know what more we could have done
Are we really unlucky or is this just how it is?
Not that I am ever doing anything like this again !!

I agree, it's so hard to find good, reliable tradespeople.

Please don't use a well advertised tradesman checked site.
Ex is on there as a car mechanic.
He is a joiner.

I agree. We bought our first home a year ago after renting in London (for ever). We haven't needed loads of work bit have had the bathroom done, joinery, some plastering and a bit of plumbing. These people were mostly decent, the plumber was crap. Finding them was such hard work! It's actually put me off buying a house which needs work in future.

We got quotes for another job and eneded up doing it ourselves. Basically because we could tell the people who came to quote were full of bs. The type who like to talk a lot about all the other things they think you should do. The plumber tried to pursaded me we needed new radiators because the air valves were broken. Just bought a stainless steel valve key problem solved. Sorry this is a bit of a rant!

But I feel your pain. We've now worked out that we need to understand the job so then we can make an assessment on what they're proposing. Also always paid after completing the work. I know this is easier on small jobs. I think recommendations from friends and family are one of the only things I trust. However even the our shit plumber was recommended by my dad!