tradesmen not turning up

sammyw

We've called several companies to come and give us a quote for a roofing job on our new house. None have turned up or called back, got one who said he'd be round at weekend as he's away this week so hopefully he'll arrive.
I'm really surprised that in a time of no work etc they'd not even bother to show up. It doesn't inspire confidence. Is there a way of making sure people turn up?

screwedagain

Must just be a bad/busy time in the local area - is there any large scale work planned in the area that they are all busy preparing tenders for? Calling out to look at a job and give an estimate, followed up with a written quotation etc costs time/money, if they have what sounds like an easier/bigger/more solid/better paying (delete as appropriate) lead then they will go after that. That's no excuse for not returning calls though.

I take it you have phoned and actually spoken to a person. Don't rely on a domestic scale builder/roofer to monitor an email account throughout the day as they generally don't have the time.

Also, with all due respect I'm just going to throw this out there: how is your demeanour on the phone? If you come across in any way as a potentially difficult customer chances are they won't go near you!!

Good luck with the search anyhow, it'll work out one way or another

NewtoDIY

It's nothing to do with time of no work - it's just a slack attitude and a lack of respect. I've had the same experiences as you and I don't deal with anyone who doesn't turn up for an appointment we have agreed (unless they call ahead with an explanation and apology).

I sacked a builder recently because he had this kind of attitude and have made it clear to all people who give us quotes, that I expect them to turn up on time and return my phone calls. Anyone who doesn't do this is let got. You can tell a lot about a person by how conscientious they are. Tradesmen often behave as though they are the only ones that work.

My advice would be to look around until you find people who offer you an attitude which you find acceptable.

rainbow12

Have you tried looking on the net at the recommended tradesmen sites eg mybuilder.co.uk / ratedpeople.co.uk /checkatrade.co.uk. Some councils have a trusted trades schemes too. The good thing is you can read reviews on them to see if you want to give them a go. I have found some people through these sites but it can be hit and miss. When I have posted a job for a quote I sometimes havent had any takers, yet when I just list things as jobs I tend to get more takers (I always get a free quote before hiring). Ive also had various levels of satisfaction (some have done the job ok but I wouldnt employ them for bigger jobs because theyve made a mess or been miserable etc and some Ive called back for more work). Once theyve agreed to come out theyre less likely to let you down because you can put a bad review on the site.

I have also found that by saying I want the job done asap helps - I think a lot of contractors wont want to waste their time on customers who appear undecisive.

Although it is inconvenient when the tradesmen dont turn up to give you a quote, count your blessings - better you find out how unreliable they are before they take your money and dont turn up halfway through the job!

Good luck

C_Mababejive

The difficulty with many self employed craftsmen and women is that whilst they are busy working,their office just exists on post it notes and scraps of paper which blow around in their vans.

They dont have much or any back office support or organization.

Thats part of the issue and it isnt personal.

As craftsmen are predominantly male,this compounds the issue as men are often not good at multi tasking and organising.

I wonder if there are any female roofers?

Maybe try larger companies which do have organised back office functions?

gazman100

Is there a way of making sure people turn up? No but if they don't do you really want them to bid?

I've also used ratedpeople and really though it was good, but as a slight note of caution others on these boards are less positive as trades have to pay to bid for these jobs.

You can also post a job on federation of master builders website, though not sure what trades have to do to see these jobs.

Cast the net wide!

Good luck, and persevere, good trades are there.

cyclonebri1

Lets face it you are better off if they don't turn up to quote than you would be if they did the same with the roof off:eek::eek:

I really would only use checkatrade or similar as a last resort, there are just too many horror stories.

Dukesy

Are you sure it's actually a time of no work? After an appalling 6 months at the end of last year, my OH and his friends in the building trade are, at the moment, so busy that he and indeed they have been working 12, 13 and even 14 hour days 7 days a week. We've actually got to the point of overinflating quotes and making it clear that work will not start until at least september because we are so busy that we don't really have the time to take on new jobs and people are STILL biting. Not that we're complaining, but based on our order book at present, work in the building trade certainly seems to have picked up.

Edited to add that in no way am I condoning not turning up - that's just bad business practice.

Ken68

Same problem here, Sammy, partly solved by ringing their mobile number.
Then if in the area they can come and look on the way home, and also a chance of a job not on the books.

andycrichton

I don't condone not turning up, not being able to say no, not being able to prioritise, not being able to set up and run a proper administrative side to a business, but there are two sides to this story.

I can assure you that for every tradesman who doesn't turn up, there are as many if not more homeowners who don't have the courtesy to thank all the businesses they asked for a free quote.

The trick is to get in a position where a tradesman is happy to reply within a few hours of an enquiry and give folks their undivided attention, because they might actually get the work at a price that will keep them in business, and at the same time, homeowners need to be a bit more discriminating about who they ask and how many free quotes they want.

sammyw

Thanks for all your replies - will take on board your suggestions and comments