Who Can Fix My Flat? I have about 15 odd jobs! Advice required!

H.P.Bazxter

Hello All,

I have been having a serious problem finding the way of fixing my flat. I have series of things needs attending but they all vary, and I am not sure who I should ask to mend them.

Example of issues;
Bathroon needs to be repainted, and needs an electric fan put in.
Hall way has a leak, which is coming from a crack on wall.
I have a soft patch on a floor in one room, a panel of wood there needs to be replaced.
My toilet makes such a noise when flushed.

I could, obviously, hire electrician, plumber, decorator etc. but my budget is tight and each job is too small. I have asked a general builder who declined, and I asked a bunch of handymen to have a look at the place, but each of them told me different things (e.g. one said I need to scrape the wall before painting, and the other one said I should never scrape it) plus some of them didn't even return my calls after, I did not feel comfortable using them. They were all from Green book, BTW. I am in Berkshire.

I need them all fixed soon, but I have no idea where to turn to.

Anyone have any suggestion? Please advise.

many thanks x

ormus

most of those jobs just require a handyman. a sparky is required for the bathroom electrics.

ask the family/neighbours/friends, for some names.

lord_flash

If they dont return your call straight away then dont worry, they all have jobs to do and being a secretary gets in the way, try phoning again and leaving a message.

H.P.Bazxter

Thank you.

Sorry, no offense, but If had friends/family/etc connection then I wouldn't be asking here, worrying about it now for 6 months.
Also, having gone through ecvery handymen in green book I fear using handyman is probably not the best option. (Why 5 handymen all say different things when I am asking how to fix something, IF they actually know what they are doing?)

Any other suggestions? Many thanks again.

soupdragon10

Have you looked into doing any of the jobs yourself? For example repainting the bathroom unless it's a huge room shouldn't be too difficult? Saving money by doing some things yourself might allow you to spend on having jobs like the electric fan done by a qualfied person.

rosie-lee

I seem to recall that Age Concern have details on local tradespeople/handymen - might be worth a call:)

H.P.Bazxter

You know when you put your hands on DIY and leave a trail of disaster? That is where I am now. I have tried all I can do but now at the point I'd rather pay someone to tidy this mess up. Doing it myself, am afarid, is not an option.

Age Concern? Am I old enough to use that? Well I will defo have a look, thank you!

helenamy123

hi,

my council (derbyshire) runs an approved trader scheme - were local traders are vetted and checked for efficiency/honesty etc - dont know if your council runs similar? might be worth checking to get names of a decent handyman/general builder from them?

Also as well as the age concern, most councils seem to run schemes to help people out in home repairs who are on benefits, esp if on disability benefits. (Obviously I have no idea if this applies to your circumstances).

best wishes

Helen

ormus

i think age concern only help the over 55 yr olds?
but you could ask on behalf of your parents. wink wink.

SailorSam

Most jobs around the house can be done yourself, go to the library and get a couple of Diy books and take it one step at a time, read until you think you understand then take it slowly. Better still start to find some local evening classes and in years to come you'll never even think of getting someone in.

misskool

If you don't know anyone, start knocking on neighbours doors and asking them if they've had anyone round lately. can't be worse than phoning random tradesmen from the small ads.