Do you have trouble hiring tradesman?

Nathaniel_Essex

When I moved into my new property, I started using sites like Checkatrade and Rated People to find tradesman. On a number of occasions I have people show up to quote and when I message back to get the work started they don't come back to me. It's amazing how often this happens.

Most recent example was hiring a guy to do some landscaping which included installing a pump and filter. When I had my initial call, I asked him for advice about which pump I should get to which is rudely replied "is it for me to do the work or what?" Not too sure what he meant by that, but invite him around to take a look. He came in, I told him what I wanted done and again asked the question about the pump to which he kept dodging the question until I pressed him one last time. He again responded the same to which he done on our call but added that "he will sort it all out".

I now realise must have been under the impression I was trying to get some free advice or something. I simply asked him as the expert what pump I should buy. Long story short, it's been 3 weeks and have no heard from him since. Also wanted to get artificial grass installed, went through a company called Nam Grass, someone came over, quoted but when it came to the day of doing the work no a peep.

SuzieSue

Yes, it is a problem. The good tradesmen are booked up for months and the bad ones are immediately available.

We have a leak from our shower and are trying to find someone decent to look at it but the decent bathroom fitters are booked up for months.

It looks like we will have to use a plumber or handyman but we have no idea if he will do it properly.

Doozergirl

That guy wasn't an expert at all. If he'd have known, he'd have just told you.

Why are you trying to get him to come back!

Kiran

Doozergirl wrote: »

That guy wasn't an expert at all. If he'd have known, he'd have just told you.

Why are you trying to get him to come back!

Exactly right. If you ask someone who knows what they are talking about a question like yours, then you should have been given a couple of possibilities the "fiat or Ferrari" options. The recommendation costs him/her nothing and helps them gauge what you are really looking for. It would be a different matter had you asked them to undertake an inspection or calculations.

Furts

Perhaps a reality check is needed here. To give two examples. a bricklayer, or plasterer is a skilled building trades person. Such trades are in demand and can earn a decent living. OP wanted a landscaper - not a typical time served apprenticeship skill. Instead this is an industry with copious folks who cut lawns. So what did OP really expect when making the enquiry?

Then take the company undertaking artificial grass installation. This is today's must have, yet five years back it was almost unheard of. It is introduced as a "home improvement" and consequently dubious folks come out of the woodwork claiming to be artificial grass "experts".

Davesnave

I will give you a third scenario; a skilled person who knows their limitations and doesn't give you BS.

My plasterer is like that. He builds at least one house a year, but his true love is farming, which is a funny old mix! He works on building and animal husbandry 7 days a week, from dawn to after dusk. It's obvious that he enjoys both more than being at home or in the pub.

He's fine, so long as what's required is just plain old plastering and rendering, but ask for coving or something fancy and he'll soon tell you where to go!

Maybe your landscaper is similarly limited, so water, outdoor electrics, filter systems + all the parephenalia that go with them aren't in his suit of skills.

david1951

I sympathise, but think you fell at the first hurdle. As soon as a tradesperson is rude or you get a bad feeling (before the job...), thank them and move on. You may never know why they didn't want the work but there is no point trying to find out. It will only get worse as the job progresses.

Competent consumers attract competent tradespeople. Be polite, promise to pay on time and offer tea & biscuits when they come round. Use recommendations and try to see examples before you go ahead.

I agree that it can be very difficult, especially for small jobs. Friends of friends are a good starting point here I think.

C_Mababejive

Shall i let you into a trade secret? Mostly the good guys who are professionals in their filed do not advertise on sites such as checkatrade or rated people. They have full order books and people come to them. They dont need to entice trade.

Such websites are set up by people/organisations for the purposes of trying to cheapen what are skilled professions.

Do you ever see any dentists,lawyers,estate agents, or anything similar advertised on there? No? why not?

I have nearly 40 years in my particular area of expertise and i wouldnt touch such sites with a barge pole.

giraffe69

I find the Parish Magazine a good source of cheap reliable tradesmen.

JEN22

Where have all the timed served tradesmen gone??????????

stator

JEN22 wrote: »

Where have all the timed served tradesmen gone??????????

Costa del Sol