will anyone do small DIY jobs?

longbaygirl

I'm in London - does no one want to do small jobs anymore?

Bulbs gone in two security lights. Bulbs need to be replaced and units reset (otherwise they stay on all the time instead of just on when sensing something).

Have phoned half a dozen electricians and none want to know. How do I find someone sensible (pricewise) to do small jobs in London?

Hitch

It is a very simple job, probably a couple of screws new bulbs....

Resetting, sure someone will give some more specific advise, but iirc, with some its just a matter of switching them on and off again, with a short time between it......

chalky_75

My dd1 has a self employed carpenter as a partner and all I can say is he is rushed off his feet. He does a good honest days work for an honest days pay and he has not got enough hours in the day to fulfill all the people who want a job done

HugoSP

I'm not in London but I get asked to do small jobs a lot of the time.

I like these jobs as you get paid for the whole job very quickly, you can slot them in amongst the bigger jobs and they often bring repeat business.

IMO it's can be short sighted to turn them down purely because they are small. If you just don't have the time to do them that is another matter of course.

Browntoa

this guy covers the S.E side on London, not sure of the area though

http://www.thenigglyjobman.co.uk/

he takes on ALL those sort of small jobs that others will not

jollyanna

Find a local publication (parish mag/community news) and check the ads. for someone who claims "no job too small". If you find this and they won't do the job, inform the editor and maybe he'll prevent further advertising by someone who won't offer their services as advertised. You could also round up another couple of jobs to make it more worth while for an oddjobber.

baldelectrician

I find these jobs enhance your business reputation and word of mouth.

The down side is the lights are likely to be B&Q / HOMEBASE craaap and the cover screws are likely to be welded shut (the base of the fitting is alloy, the screw is steel and they corrode badly)

Based on past experience expect to replace 1 light out of the two.
If your contractor is decent one they will install commercial PIR halogen fittings (cost about £20-£25) and these have a buckle on the cover to facilitate easy lamp replacement.

http://www.neweyandeyre.co.uk/pdf/Landscape%20Lighting.pdf

page 7 (the fittings are also available in a 200 degree version for better coverage)
You should use a competent person for the work, links below
In Scotland:
Individuals regitered;
http://www.sbsa.gov.uk/register/ListAC.asp
Companies
http://www.sbsa.gov.uk/register/SearchCo.asp?T=Construction&ID=2
In England and Wales:
http://www.competentperson.co.uk