At my wits end with trades

TinyKittenPaw · 2023-08-08T17:50:17+00:00

OMG has anyone else been trying to manage a big project and struggled to find trades? I’m pulling my hair out! For those of you with significant work to do, tell me this gets better?

Coastalcreeksider · 08/08/2023 19:00

I left a message yesterday for someone to contact me regarding two small jobs now but two much bigger jobs in the coming weeks.

Not heard anything at all, will give it till Thursday and then call someone else.

Usually get a phone call same day from previous requests but maybe trades people can afford not to at least acknowledge a request these days as they are in such demand.

Original poster

TinyKittenPaw · 08/08/2023 19:24

I have work that desperately needs doing and get to a certain point of the project and then get ghosted. We have money to pay over the going rate and we are extremely easy to work with. I will never buy a house again that needs work!

OP posts:

RidingMyBike · 08/08/2023 19:39

This is why we got a building company to coordinate all the trades they didn't have in-house for us. Obviously this cost extra but it saved loads of hassle on our part (and also saved us money as we were renting whilst the renovation took place).

Is that an option for you?

WhereshallIwander · 08/08/2023 19:54

This why I wouldn't go for another doer upper or any house that needs a bit of work for that matter.

CRbear · 08/08/2023 19:57

If you’re in Norwich I know who you need! I felt the same way until a recent project and can tell you now I won’t be doing any further projects without this team

Original poster

TinyKittenPaw · 09/08/2023 00:17

CRbear · 08/08/2023 19:57

If you’re in Norwich I know who you need! I felt the same way until a recent project and can tell you now I won’t be doing any further projects without this team

i Wish I was in Norwich! Would your dream team travel to Wiltshire?

OP posts:

Original poster

TinyKittenPaw · 09/08/2023 00:18

This is a great idea. How did you find the people you used? I’ve just been googling builders. I would pay the extra.

OP posts:

RidingMyBike · 09/08/2023 12:32

We asked around for recommendations from people we knew, then got the building company in to quote who people had commented on their great communication, upfront details about costs, coming in on budget type stuff.

They gave very detailed spreadsheets of costs in the quotation so you could see exactly what was going where. They charged 18% on top to manage stuff like ordering supplies but it saved so much hassle (they were in for the order, checked it was ok, dealt with any returns or quality issues, made sure it met the spec).

It works with trades because builder gives plumber, electrician etc so much work and pays on time they prioritise that stuff rather than people coming to them for individual projects.

Original poster

TinyKittenPaw · 09/08/2023 21:47

RidingMyBike · 09/08/2023 12:32

We asked around for recommendations from people we knew, then got the building company in to quote who people had commented on their great communication, upfront details about costs, coming in on budget type stuff.

They gave very detailed spreadsheets of costs in the quotation so you could see exactly what was going where. They charged 18% on top to manage stuff like ordering supplies but it saved so much hassle (they were in for the order, checked it was ok, dealt with any returns or quality issues, made sure it met the spec).

It works with trades because builder gives plumber, electrician etc so much work and pays on time they prioritise that stuff rather than people coming to them for individual projects.

This is really helpful - thank you x

OP posts:

QueenCamilla · 09/08/2023 22:01

Yeah, it's a nightmare and a well known nightmare at that.
In my opinion (from experience) 99 out 100 tradies are useless scammers rather than busy. They're only "busy" with jobs where they can take a lot of money whilst doing no work or substandard work.
I wouldn't pay over the odds for anything - they'll just take the money and run.
Having said that, I did pay 25% cash "bonus" for my new garden railings - with a condition that the installation date is no later than 4 weeks from booking, gets completed on the agreed date plus/minus two days and the work is not faulty and to a good standard. I've never had anyone be so timely and thorough at their job! The important part is of course that the company got their cash AFTER the job.

I'm living with no ceilings at the moment after boldly sacking the last mentally challenged and/or scamming builder mid-job.
After dealing with the mess of untold proportions, I'll be now replacing the ceiling joists and reboarding/insulating the ceilings by myself. It's no rocket science (one look at most builders will tell you that it can't be).

I'm sorta pissed off at having to do my normal job, plus being a builder on a building site that is my home! But it seems to be the only way to get the jobs done correctly and without losing money to fraud. 😕

I feel sorry for anyone having to get the builders in, particularly if they're less physically capable and knowledgeable than I am.

DCINightingale · 09/08/2023 22:09

@CRbear I'm Norfolk based, can you PM me who you recommend?

Agree OP what a frustrating nightmare. We are about to embark on new roof and solar panels and DH has had to really stick with it chasing tradespeople for about 4 months but we have finally have deposits paid and am cautiously optimistic it will come together. It's when they come out, it's all nods and ah yeah no problem, agree to email you a quote in a few days and just nothing. Why come out and then say you'll quote if you wont!!? Don't waste my time or yours!

Stick with it OP but also don't fall into the trap we often do of this weird loyalty to one person who seemed really nice and waiting for their quote to come in and end up losing loads of time. Phone everyone, wait for no one. That way hopefully you will get at least a couple of reasonable options on the table. Good luck!

QueenCamilla · 09/08/2023 22:11

... And I've gone down the big contractor route too on the complete rewire of my house. I'm yet to see how that will work out and yeah, their quote is about 20% more than a small firm/electrician.

They've already disappointed me though as I asked if they could board and skim 4 of the upstairs ceilings after the rewire. I received a timely, detailed quote of... 4k!!
4k for 4 small ceilings! Plasterboard and skim after I've done all the nasty, heavy and material intensive work in the loft and on the joists...
They see me coming or what...