Struggling to get builders interested in major repairs on an old house

[Happyjoe]

Hello MN's!

We bought an old house 2hrs drive away and we knew it needed some TLC, we have already had it rewired and the central heating put back in as the previous owner took it out. But we didn't know actually how broken it is, it's really really broken :( Structural problems in the roof and upstairs floors are failing. Not picked up in survey.

But our issue is... we just can't get builders interested. Nada. Those who do actually reply to us will sometimes turn up and then nothing other than 'yeah, will get back to you' and never to be heard from again.

We're polite, friendly, happy to listen to them and crack a joke when they come to look at the issues and the viewings go well so not sure if it's a personal problem. But nothing. This has been going on for about 8 months.

Anyone know any tricks to get someone decent to do the work?! I know there is a shortage of tradesmen but honestly, this is soul-destroying and very costly, running 2 homes. I wish we'd never bought the house, truly I do.

Probably because of the sheer amount of work it needs doing if the upstairs floors are failing it will all have to be ripped out etc. Have you asked why they have never gotten back to you?

@LarryForPrimeMinister We have followed up on all of them, but you know the British way, rather than say outright they don't want the job all we get is 'yeah, sorry mate, not done a quote yet' or 'waiting for someone to get back to me on cost of materials'. On the more promising of reasons like cost of materials, we have then followed up again and just don't hear anything. I presume it's just polite excuses and they never wanted the job.

And yes, it's a lot of work but they will also charge tens of thousands for it.

If it’s an old house then look for heritage trades, they won’t be phased by what they see and they will know how to do the work in the best interests of the property.

where is it and what era?

Cheers, will look into that, cheers for the tip.
It's in Norfolk, the house is an arts and crafts house, about 140 years old.

That will be why then. Worry not you will find a good builder and you'll be glad the others rudely turned it down. Their loss not yours.

Are you on Facebook? If so join Your Old House UK - Repair and Conservation.
Ask there and you will get recommendations. Or call the SPAB helpline.
not my region so can't help with direct contacts.

Thankyou, my partner is, cheers! He has been looking at FB for local recommendations on community pages but will try your old house.

Not sure what you mean that's why? Because it's old?
But I did say to my partner perhaps they are not skilled enough to do the job and we are dodging a bullet. Already been ripped off by a roofer :(