Help finding a tradesman needed

[Diymuppet]

I’ve posted the job on a couple of those sites that invite people to quote.

I’ve had one person contact me but I’m feeling a bit...uneasy about them.

For starters the info I gave was very basic initially yet without seeing even photos they confidently gave quite a low quote/estimate.

Then he’s apparently available to do the work very soon.

Am I being too fussy?

I’ve always been told by people who know about these things that these are “red flags” when it comes to trades people.

Unfortunately none of them live nearby enough to do the work for me or they would.

I’m finding this incredibly stressful and I’m also feeling wary of getting a stranger in because I live alone.

I always use check a trade as they are vetted . Never had any issues with any builders we've used off there xx

Unless you're really confident - which you're not - then never just get one quote.

We like the Buy With Confidence marque which is endorsed(?) by Trading Standards. Not sure if it runs all over the country though. You could also see if there's a local neighbours' Facebook group or similar where you can ask for recommendations. Be a bit wary - some traders have family members or friends posing as satisfied customers, but if you look back at the posting history you can often spot them.

What sort of work is it?

I’m really not confident at all!

It’s minor joinery work but I don’t trust local recommendations on Facebook as it’s a VERY small town/cliquey area and people just basically recommend friends/family.

With the right tools/knowledge/experience I reckon couple of hours work 4 at most.

I’ve only had one person contact me despite posting with photos on mybuilder and ratedpeople.

I can’t figure out how to use check a trade as that seems to rely on a customer contacting them, the opposite of the other sites and I really don’t feel confident contacting them with such a small job when most of them in my area seem to be looking for bigger/better paying jobs.

I’m happy to go into much more detail on pm just not here.

On check a trade you can select a few builders and send them details of what work you want and they then contact with a quote or make an appointment to come out to quote you.
I also usually get three quotes and go for the one in the middle x

Still struggling to get someone to do this job for me.

Not confident using check a trade and still no joy on mybuilder or rated people either - too small a job? Is it a bad time of year?

I’d have thought there’d be interest from somewhere.

Worried I’m going to have to use the one guy that’s got in touch who I’m wary of.

Any tips on doing a better “advert” on the sites mentioned? I posted photos and a brief description of the work needed and said I was happy for someone to come assess the work first.

I found my builder very good, you can see the reviews and the work, they tell you to shortlist five, have you done so? If you don’t like the guy don’t use him.

Sorry cross posted, what is it you wish done?

I don’t know how to choose who to shortlist feel very unconfident doing this.

It’s some minor interior door repairs.

The job might be too small.

You post the job.

The tradesman contact you and say they want the job.

You the view their profile and reviews

You then decide who to shortlist from who contacted you and asked for the job.

Then the ones you shortlist they contact you and come out and quote.

You then decide who if any to give the job too.

If the job is very small then you might find no one will contact you, it’s not worth their time, so you’ve no one to short list Ie no one says they want to do it,

If only one guy said he could do it, and he seems dodgey I’d think maybe the job is too small.

I posted a job, within about ten mins I had at least a dozen tradesman offer to do it, if no one is responding, then they likely don’t want the work

I would always be wary of sites like check a trade etc etc. Although they say they get all their tradespeople, all it means is that they check qualifications. They never come and check the quality of the work. I personally would say that if you have any other tradespeople that you use regularly, ask them if they can recommend anyone.

I would always go for local decent recommendations and check them out from there, especially if the job is minor.

The trouble is, it can be hard to find genuine local recommendations.

OP you'vr given it a good go, but this method of posting the job doesn't seem to be working. I think you just have to screw up your courage and contact individuals. Maybe try email first, or if you phone there's a reasonable chance they won't pick up. Rather than leaving a voicemail message, send a text to follow up and leave your details.

You could also try a couple of "handy person, no job too small" kind of people first, and if they say no, you need a proper joiner then you can say that to joiners you contact.

I know it can be really difficult to make the first move, but IMO it's also one of the best defences against finding someone dodgy who's suspiciously available.