Why is it so hard to get a tradesman?

[ab6262]

sometimes when you go out to give estimates, (we dont quote as you never know what will turn up once you start) you can tell pretty much straightway if the job/customer will be a pain or worth the time, if its a small job  you need a local handyman not a proper trade, most proper trades work by the day and are busy enough on their own jobs.

[SkyeEdge]

I popped a couple of jobs (tree removal and wiring in a pendant light) on myBuilder.com (I am in no way affiliated!!), the firms look at the job and approach you via the website if they are interested.  You can then check reviews etc and shortlist, then your number is passed to the shortlisted firms to provide a quote.  I put one job on on Tuesday and one on Wednesday, both jobs were completed on Friday of the same week.   I'll definitely use the site again as it was so convenient, and the tradespeople want the reviews to get more business so a winner all round 🙂

[pattricia]

Sometimes it’s the customers who are at fault.  My son, a plumber, actually has customers trying to knock down the price after agreeing to the first quote over the phone, but he just says “ Thats what the price is”. Take it or leave it.

[Consheff]

It's hard to get a trade's nan because people don't like putting in the tme yo learn trades properly to many cowboys I spent nearly 6 years learning 2 years joinery nvq  2 years wood machining nvq btec brickwork and block work 1 year of short courses 3 months each painting plumbing electrical plastering  plus 25 years time served in the trade but cowboys are ruthless 

[Fudbeer]

I totally agree some customers are the problem fathing around to save a couple of quid.

 

If the first quote is reasonable and I am happy with the tradesmen I give them the job there and then.

[iansheff]

On 09/05/2021 at 16:14, Fudbeer said:

Ok here’s the latest problem need someone to trim trees in the garden.

 

Of all the 4 operators I phoned none answered the phone or returned my call when I left a message.

 

Sent an email to one and got a reply a week later saying I will get a call about when they can come and have a look that was a week ago.

 

strange thing was one of the companies that didn’t answer or return the call had gone to the trouble to deliver me an advertising leaflet!

 

Just as well am not in a hurry!!

I had same problem last year, one I rang said they would come around 4.30 on such a day, located only about half a mile from me but never turned up or rang. Their loss as I was going to ask for a quote on replacing my driveway as well. I contacted a company  and they said sorry we are too busy but gave me a number to call, I rang him he came as promised gave me a price and said would be there later in the week. Turned up a day early and did a great job.

[Slinny]

Hi I used to be in building trade for many years in thatchers years in government they started six month course  for lads I k now many what went on them thinking they were going to be a apprentice but no after six months they were told we don,t want you any more  then started another lad and on and on it went. A proper apprentice ship was from age 15 to 21years old  a bricklayer you do not learn it right in six months that is why houses are going up very slow  notjust bricklayers any trade  all proper 6 year trades men have just about gone  the governments do not learn   Ps my son was one of the lads on a course he was told he could  stop with the firm but would only get same money as on first one 29 pounds per week  rip off 

[cuttsie]

9 minutes ago, Slinny said:

Hi I used to be in building trade for many years in thatchers years in government they started six month course  for lads I k now many what went on them thinking they were going to be a apprentice but no after six months they were told we don,t want you any more  then started another lad and on and on it went. A proper apprentice ship was from age 15 to 21years old  a bricklayer you do not learn it right in six months that is why houses are going up very slow  notjust bricklayers any trade  all proper 6 year trades men have just about gone  the governments do not learn   Ps my son was one of the lads on a course he was told he could  stop with the firm but would only get same money as on first one 29 pounds per week  rip off 

You are right G , many did that , My firm had four lads , we made their money up to fifty quid , all four went on to be top trades men . Gary is a agent on big sites he is a joiner by trade , Lee is now one of the most sort after bricklayers in Sheffield he will whip  you a pair of semi's up on his own . When I see the lads around I am chuffed that we were responsible for their success .

The money they earn makes my eyes water .

 

 

Edited October 5, 2021 by cuttsie

[Slinny]

George you always were a right bloke the lads you would teach I bet went on to Be good at their job . I used to pass 3 pairs of houses being built near where l live with big firm it just about took two years l thought bricklayers were putting them down then taking them back off what must scaffolding hire cost a fortune I bet no wonder people are crying out for houses 

t 

[cuttsie]

2 hours ago, Slinny said:

George you always were a right bloke the lads you would teach I bet went on to Be good at their job . I used to pass 3 pairs of houses being built near where l live with big firm it just about took two years l thought bricklayers were putting them down then taking them back off what must scaffolding hire cost a fortune I bet no wonder people are crying out for houses 

t 

They are the best G , they tell me I was a right twaaaat when I  was their gaffer, making sure that they got the job done , we had many fall outs , Now they thank me saying I was right to push them hard . This makes my day because they are now top dogs in the trade and I think it was due to how we were brought up to graft like twaaaatts even when young . It worked .