Do Tradesmen Actually Want The Work Anyway?

juliebunny

So I've contacted a couple of garden fencing companies asking for quotes and NEITHER of them has even bothered to reply.

This happened to me too a few years ago when I was looking for an electrician, and when I wanted a repeat visit from a very good plasterer, I felt like he was doing me a favour!

Do people actually want the work - I mean, they advertised - I replied - now they don't reply!

jimpix12

I think most are only interested in larger jobs these days as that's where the money is. I found a quality Eastern European firm who do pretty much anything, presumably because their costs are lower

warmhands.coldheart

spunko2010 wrote: »

I think most are only interested in larger jobs these days as that's where the money is. I found a quality Eastern European firm who do pretty much anything, presumably because their costs are lower

I'd disagree with you on that one.... I'd say they just want the simple small jobs where they can rip the a$$ out of you for doing very little - My experience anyway...... I had 8 plumber out to look at a job (Large Job) ony 2 got back to me one was about 30% more expensive than the other for exactly they same work..

juliebunny

Well, I've had one quote for my fence now. I've priced up from Wickes his charges for materials, and it's very fair. But then he wanted to charge me £100 a day for labour - 2 days. Fair enough for him, one tradesman, but £100 a day for a labourer - is this really the going rate??? I know this is about right for an electrician, plumber, plasterer, but I think it's a family business, so guessing it's for his son. So i'm paying a young lad £100 a day to dig holes, carry fence panels etc......

The way things are going I'll have no choice but to go with them. I used them before for some tree work. They did the job fine but also sliced off part of my front fence (an accident with the chainsaw I assume, but they never told me or fixed it.) But they did turn up....and want the work at least....

alhermette

Most quotes that I have had recently are more than that. My local builders aharge £120 per day for labourers. I had a quote from a family firm for a painter and they wanted £175 per day! Whilst I think you are right, it is over the top, you may struggle to find people to work for less.

I notice that you are in London, pretty much any business that I know out my way doubles their rate if they are asked to work in London (but they would have to travel in).

27col

Try digging the holes yourself and carrying fence panels, then see if you would do it for £100. I've done some fencing for myself and believe me, it can be hard graft.

southcoastrgi

juliebunny wrote: »

Well, I've had one quote for my fence now. I've priced up from Wickes his charges for materials, and it's very fair. But then he wanted to charge me £100 a day for labour - 2 days. Fair enough for him, one tradesman, but £100 a day for a labourer - is this really the going rate??? I know this is about right for an electrician, plumber, plasterer, but I think it's a family business, so guessing it's for his son. So i'm paying a young lad £100 a day to dig holes, carry fence panels etc......

The way things are going I'll have no choice but to go with them. I used them before for some tree work. They did the job fine but also sliced off part of my front fence (an accident with the chainsaw I assume, but they never told me or fixed it.) But they did turn up....and want the work at least....

i think you are way out with your expectations, most plumbers & electricians will charge £25-00 to £40-00 per hr so a min of £200 a day, as you are in london just have a look at the biggest plumbing co in the country p*mlico plumbers their rates are on their web site & i think you will be surprised.

leveller2911

keithgillyon wrote: »

i think you are way out with your expectations, most plumbers & electricians will charge £25-00 to £40-00 per hr so a min of £200 a day, as you are in london just have a look at the biggest plumbing co in the country p*mlico plumbers their rates are on their web site & i think you will be surprised.

Jeezus , your not kidding are you......:D They charge £80-00 and hour and after 6pm it goes up to £130-00 hr...........

I'm off to see If I can get a start........;)

Seriously though, they can't be that good if they only give a 12 month warranty on their work .If I was paying £80-00 hr I want 5yrs warranty minimum.

warwicktiger

I am a self employed sole trader.

Have you tried working put what it takes to run a business...??

My (carpet cleaning) charges might seem extortionate to some, but I have to run, tax and fuel a van, advertise, buy chemicals, replace worn out of damaged tools, pay an accountant and do my own admin. Then I have to pay tax and NI on any left over profit.

My take home pay is less than half of my charges, and of course I get no sick pay, holiday pay and have to provide my own pension.

Care to think again? I'm not complaining, all these things have to be paid for but is certainly not a case of charge £100 and put £100 in my pocket!

Innys

juliebunny wrote: »

Well, I've had one quote for my fence now. I've priced up from Wickes his charges for materials, and it's very fair. But then he wanted to charge me £100 a day for labour - 2 days. Fair enough for him, one tradesman, but £100 a day for a labourer - is this really the going rate??? I know this is about right for an electrician, plumber, plasterer, but I think it's a family business, so guessing it's for his son. So i'm paying a young lad £100 a day to dig holes, carry fence panels etc......

The way things are going I'll have no choice but to go with them. I used them before for some tree work. They did the job fine but also sliced off part of my front fence (an accident with the chainsaw I assume, but they never told me or fixed it.) But they did turn up....and want the work at least....

If you think £100/day for a labourer in London is too much, perhaps you should live somewhere else.

Personally, I think it's reasonable for that part of the country.

nickj_2

juliebunny wrote: »

Well, I've had one quote for my fence now. I've priced up from Wickes his charges for materials, and it's very fair. But then he wanted to charge me £100 a day for labour - 2 days. Fair enough for him, one tradesman, but £100 a day for a labourer - is this really the going rate??? I know this is about right for an electrician, plumber, plasterer, but I think it's a family business, so guessing it's for his son. So i'm paying a young lad £100 a day to dig holes, carry fence panels etc......

.

are you living in some sort of time warp ,you may think that £100 is a rip off but THAT IS NOT WHAT YOUR FENCING MAN WILL PUT IN HIS POCKET!!! out of that |£100 he will have to run his van or truck , accountant, bank charges , replacement on equipment , public liability insurance ,tax , national insurance etc etc ... the list goes on , £100 a day is cheap , and do you really know plumbers and electricans and plasterers earing £100 a day , maybe about 20 years ago ,