Is anyone else struggling to get tradesmen?

[MeganChips]

I need a carpenter.

We moved house just before lockdown and now it’s ok to get trades people in, I can’t get one for love nor money.

I need a cupboard building and a small amount of stud wall. I have had a couple of quotes but when I try to arrange the work they go silent on me. I have tried My Builder, tried calling people I have used before but there is very little happening.

I’ll probably have to suck it up and wait but I’m sure it’s not usually this hard. Anything I’m missing?

You need to add " I'm a naturist and also a part time model ' into the job description

Where are you based, OP?

We have had the same problem. Have had numerous tradesmen round to quote and then have to chase them to get the quote...
Carpenter came round today to finish a job and said he isn’t taking on any small jobs atm. We also struggled to find a tiler for our downstairs bathroom, which is also a v small job.

There’s so many jobs at the moment where people are throwing their holiday money at their homes that it doesn’t make sense to be tied in for a week.

If your tradesman is good at their craft they will be in demand. You just have to decide whether to accept a wait for the quieter winter season or whether to look for someone less in demand.

Yes and some trades are having trouble getting materials too which isn't helping.
I've used my builder as was recommended by another tradesmen unfortunately got ripped off by the tune of £2500 currently going through small claims court. Be warned.

@Smallgoon

Where are you based, OP?

I’m based in Brighton.

I’m strangely reassured it’s not just me. It’s a decent sized job, I’d say about 2k worth of work. Based on quotes so far anyway.

I guess I’ll just have to wait.

Same problem, can't even get a single carpenter to come and quote atm. Will just have to wait for a while it seems which is annoying as I need airing cupboard done (amongst few other things) so I can store our sheets and towels somewhere.

Everyone i have spoke to its flat out trying to catch up from the time they spent off during lockdown and customers wanting work finished before any possible second wave.

Cant guarantee they will come, but look on Guild of Master Craftsmen for carpenters

I find carpenters the most difficult tradesman to find. Found mine on Facebook in the end but took 3 months

I am fed up of chasing people.

It is so rude to not reply to messages or not turn up on time.

You need to add " I'm a naturist and also a part time model ' into the job description

I had to laugh at this, I had a laugh with a plumber on the phone before booking him, he clearly thought by my voice I was a bright young thing and he was in there. He looked visibly pissed off when I opened the door and he found an overweight 60 year old. He got the right hump and barely spoke to me thereafter.

Not saying this applies to all the above but these guys can pick their jobs at the moment.

Although you are paying them they aft that busy and in demand that they are almost doing you a favour by selecting you over alll the other requests the are getting. You almost have to sell yourself as a good client.

The tone of your message is important. Any mention of multiple quotes and they won’t waste their time. Keep chasing them up and pushing for dates and they will go with the many easy options available to them.

Also, as stated above. A lot of materials are in short supply at the moment.

But yes, I need loads of small jobs done, skirting boards and so on and nobody is available until October, they promise quotes that never arrive and unless the job is over a grand they don't want it.

Agree with the above. We were able to get external render, paint and drive done recently at a weeks notice as used someone who had worked on our house before, liked working here and was prepared to accommodate us and facilitate another couple of trades as a result. He knew he would get immediate payment and have a relatively pleasant few days so he shifted schedule to squeeze us in .

I’ve laid the foundations of having him at new house 2 hours away in case I struggle to get someone there.