FabSwingers.com mobile

Already registered?
Login here

Back to forum list
Back to The Lounge

Hard to get good tradesmen?

Jump to newest
 

By *igset OP   Man
25 weeks ago

london

Why is it so hard to get a good gardener or builder these days? Are standards too high? Or are people just cheap and don’t want pay? I had a gardener that would charge 350 for my entire garden (it’s a big one) but he’s moved away and now anyone that quotes me charges almost double. Can’t figure out if I’m being stingy or people are over quoting. I can’t do it myself u fortunately. And I can’t even be mad at the quotes because everything is expensive these days and people gotta make a living

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *igset OP   Man
25 weeks ago

london

Wish there was someone local on here who’s a good gardener haha

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
25 weeks ago

350? Is that per month?

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *igronnie89Man
25 weeks ago

near you

Possibly a little bit of both, im a builder so alot of things have to come into pricing however there is loads of people out there trying to con people and youll find most wont be veey good at what they do

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *igset OP   Man
25 weeks ago

london

Not per month - per visit tbh. He used to come every few months

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *igset OP   Man
25 weeks ago

london


"Possibly a little bit of both, im a builder so alot of things have to come into pricing however there is loads of people out there trying to con people and youll find most wont be veey good at what they do"

That’s what I’ve found over the years. Had a really good builder do an incredible job. Then he scammed us when he came back. Never saw him again. Hard to tell the good ones from the bad

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *andymaleMan
25 weeks ago

steeton

It’s the cowboys that give the good tradesmen a bad name !

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *igset OP   Man
25 weeks ago

london

Legit

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *igronnie89Man
25 weeks ago

near you


"Possibly a little bit of both, im a builder so alot of things have to come into pricing however there is loads of people out there trying to con people and youll find most wont be veey good at what they do

That’s what I’ve found over the years. Had a really good builder do an incredible job. Then he scammed us when he came back. Never saw him again. Hard to tell the good ones from the bad "

Persona mate, i do alot of commercial, dont do site work, me and the bloke i work with gaurentee 110% satisfaction, the amount of work weve had to go and sort out for people whove paid loads to cowboy builders is ridiculous

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *igronnie89Man
25 weeks ago

near you


"It’s the cowboys that give the good tradesmen a bad name !"

Agreed

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *obilebottomMan
25 weeks ago

All over

Almost impossible, people have no standards or integrity these days sadly. Tried to get a good plumber? Primadonnas to say the least. But not just them. Obviously not all but most.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *igset OP   Man
25 weeks ago

london


"

Persona mate, i do alot of commercial, dont do site work, me and the bloke i work with gaurentee 110% satisfaction, the amount of work weve had to go and sort out for people whove paid loads to cowboy builders is ridiculous"

That must be frustrating. It just annoys me that people want to scam people out of their hard earn money instead of doing a good job in the first place and earning that money. Makes me not trust anyone that comes to give a quote etc

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *andymaleMan
25 weeks ago

steeton

Anyone looking for a trustworthy builder in west/ north Yorks give me a shout.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *igronnie89Man
25 weeks ago

near you


"

Persona mate, i do alot of commercial, dont do site work, me and the bloke i work with gaurentee 110% satisfaction, the amount of work weve had to go and sort out for people whove paid loads to cowboy builders is ridiculous

That must be frustrating. It just annoys me that people want to scam people out of their hard earn money instead of doing a good job in the first place and earning that money. Makes me not trust anyone that comes to give a quote etc "

Thats totally understandable, i worked on site and a guy laid 3 extra courses, he just said it aint my house im building, the plot had been brought for £435,000.

Some people want money and thats all their bothered about

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *igset OP   Man
25 weeks ago

london


"

Persona mate, i do alot of commercial, dont do site work, me and the bloke i work with gaurentee 110% satisfaction, the amount of work weve had to go and sort out for people whove paid loads to cowboy builders is ridiculous

That must be frustrating. It just annoys me that people want to scam people out of their hard earn money instead of doing a good job in the first place and earning that money. Makes me not trust anyone that comes to give a quote etc

Thats totally understandable, i worked on site and a guy laid 3 extra courses, he just said it aint my house im building, the plot had been brought for £435,000.

Some people want money and thats all their bothered about "

Aah that’s sad af!

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
25 weeks ago


"Not per month - per visit tbh. He used to come every few months"

1 visit? As in 1 day?

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *igset OP   Man
25 weeks ago

london


"Anyone looking for a trustworthy builder in west/ north Yorks give me a shout."

Do you travel to Manchester ??

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *osey WalesMan
25 weeks ago

Surrey

If you pay peanuts you get monkeys.

I've been in the building game most of my life. Always tried to do the right job, even when i know the client wont pay for the alteration, when an architect, designer or engineer has cocked up.

To win the work you have to price competively. Extras and alterations to the price should therefore be chargable but alas they are often swerved by the client.

Its all about paying as little as possible to maximise profit.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *igset OP   Man
25 weeks ago

london


"Not per month - per visit tbh. He used to come every few months

1 visit? As in 1 day? "

Yeah he’d come and sort the whole garden out within a few hours. Usually took him 4 hours

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *crumdiddlyumptiousMan
25 weeks ago

.

The price some of them charge makes me wish I went down the same training route as them,

It no job to small line that does my head in, Had so many tradesman say they will do a job then either don't come back or just don't turn up, In my experience all they ever want is jobs that they can charge thousands for, Obviously not all tradesmen

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
25 weeks ago


"Not per month - per visit tbh. He used to come every few months

1 visit? As in 1 day?

Yeah he’d come and sort the whole garden out within a few hours. Usually took him 4 hours "

No wonder he left, he’s just bought a holiday home in the Algarve.

That sounds expensive

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ell GwynnWoman
25 weeks ago

North Yorkshire


"Not per month - per visit tbh. He used to come every few months

1 visit? As in 1 day?

Yeah he’d come and sort the whole garden out within a few hours. Usually took him 4 hours "

£350 for 4 hours work? Seriously??

I'm an RHS qualified gardener and the most I'd charge is £25 p/h!

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *igset OP   Man
25 weeks ago

london


"Not per month - per visit tbh. He used to come every few months

1 visit? As in 1 day?

Yeah he’d come and sort the whole garden out within a few hours. Usually took him 4 hours

No wonder he left, he’s just bought a holiday home in the Algarve.

That sounds expensive "

It’s what he quoted because of the size of the garden. It’s practically 3 gardens but really one big one haha

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ools and the brainCouple
25 weeks ago

couple, us we him her.

See so many so called "tradesmen" absolute tosh,lazy entitled arsehats.

To be honest and not wanting to get political but this a direct consequence of Tory governments eroding and devaluing trade apprentices.

Most of the young chippies I have worked with in the past few years can just about tie their shoe laces,let's alone hang a door.

But they seem to think they are the dog's bollocks.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ah HumbugMan
25 weeks ago

here and there

Because years ago the government decided it was pointless proving apprenticeships in trades.

We have been left with cowboys or decent older ones that charge a fortune

Another thong the government's have done to screw over the little people

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *igset OP   Man
25 weeks ago

london


"Not per month - per visit tbh. He used to come every few months

1 visit? As in 1 day?

Yeah he’d come and sort the whole garden out within a few hours. Usually took him 4 hours

£350 for 4 hours work? Seriously??

I'm an RHS qualified gardener and the most I'd charge is £25 p/h! "

Feel free to come sort my garden out ??. I can’t do it alone otherwise I would. Trimming hedges hurts my arms too much and I’m no good at anything else

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *obilebottomMan
25 weeks ago

All over


"The price some of them charge makes me wish I went down the same training route as them,

It no job to small line that does my head in, Had so many tradesman say they will do a job then either don't come back or just don't turn up, In my experience all they ever want is jobs that they can charge thousands for, Obviously not all tradesmen "

Charlatans quite a few of them. And I disagree with post further back about what you pay. You always pay for a good job abd what you asked for but still they are just a law to themselves, cutting corners or not turning up and such like. Most take several jobs and play one against the other.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
25 weeks ago


"Not per month - per visit tbh. He used to come every few months

1 visit? As in 1 day?

Yeah he’d come and sort the whole garden out within a few hours. Usually took him 4 hours

No wonder he left, he’s just bought a holiday home in the Algarve.

That sounds expensive

It’s what he quoted because of the size of the garden. It’s practically 3 gardens but really one big one haha "

As long as you were happy with it. Fair enough.

But I would’ve told him to sling his hook for that price..

Four hours, 350?

I bet he asked for cash too.

I’ll come to yours every Saturday for that price and I’ll put in eight hours work to.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *igset OP   Man
25 weeks ago

london


"Not per month - per visit tbh. He used to come every few months

1 visit? As in 1 day?

Yeah he’d come and sort the whole garden out within a few hours. Usually took him 4 hours

No wonder he left, he’s just bought a holiday home in the Algarve.

That sounds expensive

It’s what he quoted because of the size of the garden. It’s practically 3 gardens but really one big one haha

As long as you were happy with it. Fair enough.

But I would’ve told him to sling his hook for that price..

Four hours, 350?

I bet he asked for cash too.

I’ll come to yours every Saturday for that price and I’ll put in eight hours work to. "

Haha he only really came one every 3 months. Sometimes it’d take longer

Feel free to

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
25 weeks ago

^ now you want it for free?

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *igset OP   Man
25 weeks ago

london

Hahaha!! I’ll pay something

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ools and the brainCouple
25 weeks ago

couple, us we him her.


"Not per month - per visit tbh. He used to come every few months

1 visit? As in 1 day?

Yeah he’d come and sort the whole garden out within a few hours. Usually took him 4 hours

No wonder he left, he’s just bought a holiday home in the Algarve.

That sounds expensive

It’s what he quoted because of the size of the garden. It’s practically 3 gardens but really one big one haha

As long as you were happy with it. Fair enough.

But I would’ve told him to sling his hook for that price..

Four hours, 350?

I bet he asked for cash too.

I’ll come to yours every Saturday for that price and I’ll put in eight hours work to.

Haha he only really came one every 3 months. Sometimes it’d take longer

Feel free to "

Sounds like my sex life these days

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *igset OP   Man
25 weeks ago

london


"

Sounds like my sex life these days "

Hahaha

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
25 weeks ago


"….

Haha he only really came one every 3 months. Sometimes it’d take longer

Feel free to

Sounds like my sex life these days "

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *uliette500Woman
25 weeks ago

Hull


"Not per month - per visit tbh. He used to come every few months

1 visit? As in 1 day?

Yeah he’d come and sort the whole garden out within a few hours. Usually took him 4 hours

No wonder he left, he’s just bought a holiday home in the Algarve.

That sounds expensive

It’s what he quoted because of the size of the garden. It’s practically 3 gardens but really one big one haha "

I doesn't matter how big the garden is £350 for 4 hours is bloody expensive.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *lumber53Man
25 weeks ago

brean

I run plumbing business my outlaw before I start is huge

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ris GrayMan
25 weeks ago

Dorchester

£350 for 4 hours work lol i think you were scammed

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *obilebottomMan
25 weeks ago

All over


"I run plumbing business my outlaw before I start is huge"

I am keeping it zipped as you may be the exception and don't want to offend but ...

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *aizyWoman
25 weeks ago

west midlands


"£350 for 4 hours work lol i think you were scammed "

How much would you do it for, Fred?

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *obilebottomMan
25 weeks ago

All over

Mine charges £12.50ph but is very slow I am looking for a new one too.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *crumdiddlyumptiousMan
25 weeks ago

.

I kind of want to see his garden now, Just to see how good of a job his gardener does

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *obilebottomMan
25 weeks ago

All over


"I kind of want to see his garden now, Just to see how good of a job his gardener does "

Immaculate bush

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *igset OP   Man
25 weeks ago

london


"I kind of want to see his garden now, Just to see how good of a job his gardener does "

Well I need a gardener atm so it’s not in a good state haha! It’s not been done for a few months. But feel free to come for some tea

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
25 weeks ago

Unless hes turning up with some swanky sit on mower to blitz a cpl acres strim and trim the hedges in a few hours hes had your pants down, did gardens for a good few years before moving more into landscaping / groundworks and the most i could get on price were aroynd 60 p/hr for me and a lad but we had to work at a decent pace to earn that regular and as little beds and borders as possible

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
25 weeks ago

Plus hes charged you for the privilege of you/him only doing it every month or 2 so your paying twat tax lol get a regular to do it every fornight so he can enjoy cutting the grass and your probably gunna pay 100 a week and it look tidy

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *igset OP   Man
25 weeks ago

london


"Unless hes turning up with some swanky sit on mower to blitz a cpl acres strim and trim the hedges in a few hours hes had your pants down, did gardens for a good few years before moving more into landscaping / groundworks and the most i could get on price were aroynd 60 p/hr for me and a lad but we had to work at a decent pace to earn that regular and as little beds and borders as possible "

It’s probably the size of half a football pitch of grass that needs mowing, plus 3 really long and tall hedges that borders the house (circles around the house over 2.5 streets, plus the house next doors hedges too because we own that. And then the soil needing to be sorted out, plants cleaned up/planted etc. Cleans the drive too, ing out the cobbles and then even takes the rubbish away instead of filling the green bins

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *inky_couple2020Couple
25 weeks ago

North West

I was going to make a really useful and meaningful suggestion, like "I was saw an informational video recording about how to get a good price on home improvements," but I thought better of it, having read all of these eminently sensible suggestions

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *igset OP   Man
25 weeks ago

london

Genuinely is a massive garden - I’ve had several gardeners over the years not even quote me and refused because they said it’s too big a job for them

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ittle Miss TinkerbellWoman
25 weeks ago

your head


"Not per month - per visit tbh. He used to come every few months

1 visit? As in 1 day?

Yeah he’d come and sort the whole garden out within a few hours. Usually took him 4 hours

£350 for 4 hours work? Seriously??

I'm an RHS qualified gardener and the most I'd charge is £25 p/h! "

Do you ever do work in the south? I desperately need a Gardner!

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
25 weeks ago


"Unless hes turning up with some swanky sit on mower to blitz a cpl acres strim and trim the hedges in a few hours hes had your pants down, did gardens for a good few years before moving more into landscaping / groundworks and the most i could get on price were aroynd 60 p/hr for me and a lad but we had to work at a decent pace to earn that regular and as little beds and borders as possible

It’s probably the size of half a football pitch of grass that needs mowing, plus 3 really long and tall hedges that borders the house (circles around the house over 2.5 streets, plus the house next doors hedges too because we own that. And then the soil needing to be sorted out, plants cleaned up/planted etc. Cleans the drive too, ing out the cobbles and then even takes the rubbish away instead of filling the green bins "

You cut your lawns once every 3 months?

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ad NannaWoman
25 weeks ago

East London

What do you get for that money?

I'm thinking it's cheap, but my garden is all tall nettles, brambles and trees.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ell GwynnWoman
25 weeks ago

North Yorkshire


"Not per month - per visit tbh. He used to come every few months

1 visit? As in 1 day?

Yeah he’d come and sort the whole garden out within a few hours. Usually took him 4 hours

£350 for 4 hours work? Seriously??

I'm an RHS qualified gardener and the most I'd charge is £25 p/h!

Do you ever do work in the south? I desperately need a Gardner! "

Sure, but I'd need £350 per visit to cover the cost of fuel and a hotel

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ittle Miss TinkerbellWoman
25 weeks ago

your head

I got ripped off by a gardener last year. Paid a lot of money out for a total overhaul, only for bits to be left undone or things not dug out properly consequently, I'm now doing it all over again this year. Complete waste of money.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
25 weeks ago


"£350 for 4 hours work lol i think you were scammed

How much would you do it for, Fred?"

Fred would do it for 349.99

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *igset OP   Man
25 weeks ago

london


"Unless hes turning up with some swanky sit on mower to blitz a cpl acres strim and trim the hedges in a few hours hes had your pants down, did gardens for a good few years before moving more into landscaping / groundworks and the most i could get on price were aroynd 60 p/hr for me and a lad but we had to work at a decent pace to earn that regular and as little beds and borders as possible

It’s probably the size of half a football pitch of grass that needs mowing, plus 3 really long and tall hedges that borders the house (circles around the house over 2.5 streets, plus the house next doors hedges too because we own that. And then the soil needing to be sorted out, plants cleaned up/planted etc. Cleans the drive too, ing out the cobbles and then even takes the rubbish away instead of filling the green bins

You cut your lawns once every 3 months? "

We used to do the lawn ourselves in between during the summer and let him do everything else because it barely grew in the winter but since treating it, it needs doing more often. Our lawnmowers broke and no one can be bothered to do it because of how long it takes us hs

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
25 weeks ago


"Unless hes turning up with some swanky sit on mower to blitz a cpl acres strim and trim the hedges in a few hours hes had your pants down, did gardens for a good few years before moving more into landscaping / groundworks and the most i could get on price were aroynd 60 p/hr for me and a lad but we had to work at a decent pace to earn that regular and as little beds and borders as possible

It’s probably the size of half a football pitch of grass that needs mowing, plus 3 really long and tall hedges that borders the house (circles around the house over 2.5 streets, plus the house next doors hedges too because we own that. And then the soil needing to be sorted out, plants cleaned up/planted etc. Cleans the drive too, ing out the cobbles and then even takes the rubbish away instead of filling the green bins "

then no wonder you cant get anybody to do it for the price he used to charge you, they can go do multiple small gardens with less waste smaller cheeper machinery to achive the same wage/profit id sooner take 10 small 30min gardens over 1 big one any day of the week

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *inky_couple2020Couple
25 weeks ago

North West

Mr KC is good at gardening and I don't pay him a solitary penny

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ittle Miss TinkerbellWoman
25 weeks ago

your head


"Not per month - per visit tbh. He used to come every few months

1 visit? As in 1 day?

Yeah he’d come and sort the whole garden out within a few hours. Usually took him 4 hours

£350 for 4 hours work? Seriously??

I'm an RHS qualified gardener and the most I'd charge is £25 p/h!

Do you ever do work in the south? I desperately need a Gardner!

Sure, but I'd need £350 per visit to cover the cost of fuel and a hotel "

I'd pay it and feed you if it meant it finally got done, I'm fed up of trying to do it myself. I'm not gardener

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *he turned me GreyCouple
25 weeks ago

Warwick and Coventry


"Why is it so hard to get a good gardener or builder these days? Are standards too high? Or are people just cheap and don’t want pay? I had a gardener that would charge 350 for my entire garden (it’s a big one) but he’s moved away and now anyone that quotes me charges almost double. Can’t figure out if I’m being stingy or people are over quoting. I can’t do it myself u fortunately. And I can’t even be mad at the quotes because everything is expensive these days and people gotta make a living "

Phone Bob....

Mr

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *igset OP   Man
25 weeks ago

london


"Unless hes turning up with some swanky sit on mower to blitz a cpl acres strim and trim the hedges in a few hours hes had your pants down, did gardens for a good few years before moving more into landscaping / groundworks and the most i could get on price were aroynd 60 p/hr for me and a lad but we had to work at a decent pace to earn that regular and as little beds and borders as possible

It’s probably the size of half a football pitch of grass that needs mowing, plus 3 really long and tall hedges that borders the house (circles around the house over 2.5 streets, plus the house next doors hedges too because we own that. And then the soil needing to be sorted out, plants cleaned up/planted etc. Cleans the drive too, ing out the cobbles and then even takes the rubbish away instead of filling the green bins then no wonder you cant get anybody to do it for the price he used to charge you, they can go do multiple small gardens with less waste smaller cheeper machinery to achive the same wage/profit id sooner take 10 small 30min gardens over 1 big one any day of the week "

Honestly it’s a struggle. Should get a salaried groundsman at this point haha

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
25 weeks ago

Get yourself a robotic mower that solves one issue, then hire a tree firm to do the bushes and hedges twice a year then its just the borders

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *igset OP   Man
25 weeks ago

london

Are robotic mowers good though?

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
25 weeks ago

You get what you pay for really

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *atch1982Man
25 weeks ago

Abingdon

Tradesman here - yep, you get what you pay for. So many out there that ‘give it a try’ and so I have to price myself above them to almost price I’m worth it

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *aizyWoman
25 weeks ago

west midlands


"£350 for 4 hours work lol i think you were scammed

How much would you do it for, Fred?

Fred would do it for 349.99 "

Plus VAT!

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *rettCoolMan
25 weeks ago

Dunfermline

Am a decorator and always booked up for months.. I get phone calls all the time with folk wanting jobs done next week who are bewildered I can't do it .. if u are a good tradesman u are always busy folks ..

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *obilebottomMan
25 weeks ago

All over


"You get what you pay for really "

That does not make sense to me tbh as when you specify a job and get a quote you should get excellent work and exactly what you agreed. But tgevpoint everyone is making is that you don't and that is my exoerience too. I don't ask for a cheap job, just the job I want doing.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
25 weeks ago


"You get what you pay for really

That does not make sense to me tbh as when you specify a job and get a quote you should get excellent work and exactly what you agreed. But tgevpoint everyone is making is that you don't and that is my i exoerience too. I don't ask for a cheap job, just the job I want doing. "

i were replying about the robotic mowers, obviously one for 1k is brill in a small garden but half acre to cut might be a costly machine

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
25 weeks ago

£5200 gets you a 4wd husqvarna capable of keeping on top of 3500m2 with headlights lol

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *TinRedCouple
25 weeks ago

Reading


"Am a decorator and always booked up for months.. I get phone calls all the time with folk wanting jobs done next week who are bewildered I can't do it .. if u are a good tradesman u are always busy folks .. "

Or too cheap.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *allerthanaverage79Man
25 weeks ago

Ayrshire

All depends on if you have a decent entrance for them?

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *obilebottomMan
25 weeks ago

All over


"You get what you pay for really

That does not make sense to me tbh as when you specify a job and get a quote you should get excellent work and exactly what you agreed. But tgevpoint everyone is making is that you don't and that is my i exoerience too. I don't ask for a cheap job, just the job I want doing. i were replying about the robotic mowers, obviously one for 1k is brill in a small garden but half acre to cut might be a costly machine "

Sorry, in that case yes sure

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *imi_RougeWoman
25 weeks ago

Portsmouth

Are there any vocational colleges near you? Could be an idea to get students in for work experience? Or some kind of apprentices?

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *igset OP   Man
25 weeks ago

london


"All depends on if you have a decent entrance for them? "

Always

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *igset OP   Man
25 weeks ago

london


"Are there any vocational colleges near you? Could be an idea to get students in for work experience? Or some kind of apprentices?"

That’s a good idea tbh!

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *rHotNottsMan
25 weeks ago

Dubai & Nottingham


"Anyone looking for a trustworthy builder in west/ north Yorks give me a shout."

Will You travel to Notts ?

How do I prove up a small garden wall ? I can estimate and price the bricks and cappings but the labour to prep and lay the wall ? What’s a reasonable day rate ?

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *rHotNottsMan
25 weeks ago

Dubai & Nottingham


"Are there any vocational colleges near you? Could be an idea to get students in for work experience? Or some kind of apprentices?

That’s a good idea tbh!"

Skilled people are cheaper as they are so much faster , estimate accurately and make better decisions on solving problems.

My gardener charges £15 an hour and she is still at college. She is very slow and not very strong, she cannot use my chainsaw or a chipper I was only really comfortable with electric tools

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
25 weeks ago


"Anyone looking for a trustworthy builder in west/ north Yorks give me a shout.

Will You travel to Notts ?

How do I prove up a small garden wall ? I can estimate and price the bricks and cappings but the labour to prep and lay the wall ? What’s a reasonable day rate ?"

prove??? Or prop? And without seeing it it more than likely needs rebuilding if its already failed, small walls most builders would price for the job or large would give a per m2 price

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *oldAndBoundlessMan
25 weeks ago

Bradford

You just have to look in the right places! I might be able to help you out with some of your queries

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *929Man
25 weeks ago

newcastle


"Anyone looking for a trustworthy builder in west/ north Yorks give me a shout.

Will You travel to Notts ?

How do I prove up a small garden wall ? I can estimate and price the bricks and cappings but the labour to prep and lay the wall ? What’s a reasonable day rate ?"

I generally work on a quid a brick Labour only for building walls if that helps you cost it up mate

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *rHotNottsMan
25 weeks ago

Dubai & Nottingham


"Anyone looking for a trustworthy builder in west/ north Yorks give me a shout.

Will You travel to Notts ?

How do I prove up a small garden wall ? I can estimate and price the bricks and cappings but the labour to prep and lay the wall ? What’s a reasonable day rate ?prove??? Or prop? And without seeing it it more than likely needs rebuilding if its already failed, small walls most builders would price for the job or large would give a per m2 price "

Price

It’s no different consultancy every job is different, but I have day rates and can estimate how long the project will take without having to go and look at it. Often with trades it seems like I need to stand there scratching my head making up numbers

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
25 weeks ago


"Anyone looking for a trustworthy builder in west/ north Yorks give me a shout.

Will You travel to Notts ?

How do I prove up a small garden wall ? I can estimate and price the bricks and cappings but the labour to prep and lay the wall ? What’s a reasonable day rate ?

I generally work on a quid a brick Labour only for building walls if that helps you cost it up mate "

thats when customers supply you with 900x215 bricks haha

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
25 weeks ago


"Anyone looking for a trustworthy builder in west/ north Yorks give me a shout.

Will You travel to Notts ?

How do I prove up a small garden wall ? I can estimate and price the bricks and cappings but the labour to prep and lay the wall ? What’s a reasonable day rate ?prove??? Or prop? And without seeing it it more than likely needs rebuilding if its already failed, small walls most builders would price for the job or large would give a per m2 price

Price

It’s no different consultancy every job is different, but I have day rates and can estimate how long the project will take without having to go and look at it. Often with trades it seems like I need to stand there scratching my head making up numbers"

so you would price a garden wall job up without looking at it? Checking access footings ect?

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *oldAndBoundlessMan
25 weeks ago

Bradford


"Anyone looking for a trustworthy builder in west/ north Yorks give me a shout.

Will You travel to Notts ?

How do I prove up a small garden wall ? I can estimate and price the bricks and cappings but the labour to prep and lay the wall ? What’s a reasonable day rate ?prove??? Or prop? And without seeing it it more than likely needs rebuilding if its already failed, small walls most builders would price for the job or large would give a per m2 price

Price

It’s no different consultancy every job is different, but I have day rates and can estimate how long the project will take without having to go and look at it. Often with trades it seems like I need to stand there scratching my head making up numbersso you would price a garden wall job up without looking at it? Checking access footings ect? "

I agree with you on that a good tradesman worth his salt will never quote work without seeing it in person

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *929Man
25 weeks ago

newcastle


"Anyone looking for a trustworthy builder in west/ north Yorks give me a shout.

Will You travel to Notts ?

How do I prove up a small garden wall ? I can estimate and price the bricks and cappings but the labour to prep and lay the wall ? What’s a reasonable day rate ?

I generally work on a quid a brick Labour only for building walls if that helps you cost it up mate thats when customers supply you with 900x215 bricks haha "

Haha aye I should specify standard 65mm bricks

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *929Man
25 weeks ago

newcastle


"Anyone looking for a trustworthy builder in west/ north Yorks give me a shout.

Will You travel to Notts ?

How do I prove up a small garden wall ? I can estimate and price the bricks and cappings but the labour to prep and lay the wall ? What’s a reasonable day rate ?prove??? Or prop? And without seeing it it more than likely needs rebuilding if its already failed, small walls most builders would price for the job or large would give a per m2 price

Price

It’s no different consultancy every job is different, but I have day rates and can estimate how long the project will take without having to go and look at it. Often with trades it seems like I need to stand there scratching my head making up numbersso you would price a garden wall job up without looking at it? Checking access footings ect? "

I’d always look first always assume no footing when pricing a wall, reckon 90% at least if the walls I’ve replaced have no or inadequate footings

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *agondaMan
25 weeks ago

Witterings


"Not per month - per visit tbh. He used to come every few months

1 visit? As in 1 day?

Yeah he’d come and sort the whole garden out within a few hours. Usually took him 4 hours

No wonder he left, he’s just bought a holiday home in the Algarve.

That sounds expensive

It’s what he quoted because of the size of the garden. It’s practically 3 gardens but really one big one haha

I doesn't matter how big the garden is £350 for 4 hours is bloody expensive."

Agreed, and wasn’t the grass a bit long after three months? I fear someone is having a laugh

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
25 weeks ago


"Anyone looking for a trustworthy builder in west/ north Yorks give me a shout.

Will You travel to Notts ?

How do I prove up a small garden wall ? I can estimate and price the bricks and cappings but the labour to prep and lay the wall ? What’s a reasonable day rate ?prove??? Or prop? And without seeing it it more than likely needs rebuilding if its already failed, small walls most builders would price for the job or large would give a per m2 price

Price

It’s no different consultancy every job is different, but I have day rates and can estimate how long the project will take without having to go and look at it. Often with trades it seems like I need to stand there scratching my head making up numbersso you would price a garden wall job up without looking at it? Checking access footings ect?

I agree with you on that a good tradesman worth his salt will never quote work without seeing it in person "

maybe plot work or new walls ect of a drawing but residential work has far too many variables to add time and labour the list is endless, where can you mix, store materials clean mixer out, even outside taps and water pressure can be a game changer to a job

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
25 weeks ago


"Anyone looking for a trustworthy builder in west/ north Yorks give me a shout.

Will You travel to Notts ?

How do I prove up a small garden wall ? I can estimate and price the bricks and cappings but the labour to prep and lay the wall ? What’s a reasonable day rate ?prove??? Or prop? And without seeing it it more than likely needs rebuilding if its already failed, small walls most builders would price for the job or large would give a per m2 price

Price

It’s no different consultancy every job is different, but I have day rates and can estimate how long the project will take without having to go and look at it. Often with trades it seems like I need to stand there scratching my head making up numbersso you would price a garden wall job up without looking at it? Checking access footings ect?

I’d always look first always assume no footing when pricing a wall, reckon 90% at least if the walls I’ve replaced have no or inadequate footings "

working on day rates dosent get you anywhere other than watched all day while you have 10mins for a sarnie, work a price out based on day rate to you add your costs on then give a quote

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *oldAndBoundlessMan
25 weeks ago

Bradford


"Anyone looking for a trustworthy builder in west/ north Yorks give me a shout.

Will You travel to Notts ?

How do I prove up a small garden wall ? I can estimate and price the bricks and cappings but the labour to prep and lay the wall ? What’s a reasonable day rate ?prove??? Or prop? And without seeing it it more than likely needs rebuilding if its already failed, small walls most builders would price for the job or large would give a per m2 price

Price

It’s no different consultancy every job is different, but I have day rates and can estimate how long the project will take without having to go and look at it. Often with trades it seems like I need to stand there scratching my head making up numbersso you would price a garden wall job up without looking at it? Checking access footings ect?

I agree with you on that a good tradesman worth his salt will never quote work without seeing it in person maybe plot work or new walls ect of a drawing but residential work has far too many variables to add time and labour the list is endless, where can you mix, store materials clean mixer out, even outside taps and water pressure can be a game changer to a job "

Plot work is a different story it’s generally on a new build site and it’s done to a on a repetitive system any other type of work in our game generally needs to be seen in person because of several different variables that have to be taken into account, I.e manholes, trees, boundaries and so on

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *929Man
25 weeks ago

newcastle


"Anyone looking for a trustworthy builder in west/ north Yorks give me a shout.

Will You travel to Notts ?

How do I prove up a small garden wall ? I can estimate and price the bricks and cappings but the labour to prep and lay the wall ? What’s a reasonable day rate ?prove??? Or prop? And without seeing it it more than likely needs rebuilding if its already failed, small walls most builders would price for the job or large would give a per m2 price

Price

It’s no different consultancy every job is different, but I have day rates and can estimate how long the project will take without having to go and look at it. Often with trades it seems like I need to stand there scratching my head making up numbersso you would price a garden wall job up without looking at it? Checking access footings ect?

I’d always look first always assume no footing when pricing a wall, reckon 90% at least if the walls I’ve replaced have no or inadequate footings working on day rates dosent get you anywhere other than watched all day while you have 10mins for a sarnie, work a price out based on day rate to you add your costs on then give a quote "

I always do an all in price mate my post earlier meant that price was for only the Labour the lay the brick after working out the material cost, travel ect not working on Labour only basis, if a customer even asks me to break down the quote I walk away

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *eedshandymanMan
25 weeks ago

leeds

All us good ones booked up for months but you can always find a shit one ??

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *oldAndBoundlessMan
25 weeks ago

Bradford


"All us good ones booked up for months but you can always find a shit one ??"

For the right price I can see my next client being pushed back

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
25 weeks ago


"£350 for 4 hours work lol i think you were scammed

How much would you do it for, Fred?

Fred would do it for 349.99

Plus VAT! "

Yes. I reckon Fred is an honest man.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
25 weeks ago

Agree! I’ve been trying to find a decorator for ages but can’t! Fairly big job too.

Just can’t seem to find someone. Maybe I’m too fussy.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *insBadMan
25 weeks ago

& around


"Why is it so hard to get a good gardener or builder these days? Are standards too high? Or are people just cheap and don’t want pay? I had a gardener that would charge 350 for my entire garden (it’s a big one) but he’s moved away and now anyone that quotes me charges almost double. Can’t figure out if I’m being stingy or people are over quoting. I can’t do it myself u fortunately. And I can’t even be mad at the quotes because everything is expensive these days and people gotta make a living "

Signs of the times

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *obilebottomMan
25 weeks ago

All over


"Agree! I’ve been trying to find a decorator for ages but can’t! Fairly big job too.

Just can’t seem to find someone. Maybe I’m too fussy. "

Every Tom, Dick and Harry think they can be a decorator these days.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ark n kimCouple
25 weeks ago

Durham

We have had some ridiculous quotes to revamp our garden.

Decorating we just do ourselves.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
25 weeks ago

Covid saw demand and prices rocket and they've never dropped since. On the quality front I reckon loads do shite apprenticeships while working on new builds never learning skills fully. Then they go independent and don't have care like old times.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ansoffateMan
25 weeks ago

Sagittarius A

I've been having issues with it. Managed to get one gardner in one area, took forever.

The previous one was charging to come out and 'maintain' the garden every two weeks. Then sending me emails about how things were overgrown there and quotes to rectify it . He'd been maintaining the garden there for 10+ years.

I had it out with him and said look just give me a price to actually maintain the garden. He didn't want to do that so he's gone. New guy is sound, one price every month cleans the gutters too. Took an age to find anyone decent though.

Nothing to do with being tight that guy keeps to his word and gets paid what he asked for, every month.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *AYENCouple
25 weeks ago

Lincolnshire


"Not per month - per visit tbh. He used to come every few months

1 visit? As in 1 day?

Yeah he’d come and sort the whole garden out within a few hours. Usually took him 4 hours

£350 for 4 hours work? Seriously??

I'm an RHS qualified gardener and the most I'd charge is £25 p/h! "

Whilst the OP's charges do seem high, £25 per hour self-employed is the equivalent to employed minimum wage. Running your own company requires at least £40 per hour when you take into account holiday pay, vehicle and equipment investment, running an accounts department and all the other jobs you have to do plus the overheads you incur. K.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *he turned me GreyCouple
25 weeks ago

Warwick and Coventry


"Agree! I’ve been trying to find a decorator for ages but can’t! Fairly big job too.

Just can’t seem to find someone. Maybe I’m too fussy.

Every Tom, Dick and Harry think they can be a decorator these days. "

As they say, if you can piss you can decorate...

Mr

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *eally_RosieWoman
25 weeks ago

Scunthorpe

I read ‘Good to Get Hard Tradesmen’ and am mildly disappointed…

Never mind… carry on x

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ophieslutTV/TS
25 weeks ago

Central

I'd pay hourly or in smaller job units, for an unknown gardener

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
25 weeks ago


"Not per month - per visit tbh. He used to come every few months

1 visit? As in 1 day?

Yeah he’d come and sort the whole garden out within a few hours. Usually took him 4 hours

£350 for 4 hours work? Seriously??

I'm an RHS qualified gardener and the most I'd charge is £25 p/h!

Whilst the OP's charges do seem high, £25 per hour self-employed is the equivalent to employed minimum wage. Running your own company requires at least £40 per hour when you take into account holiday pay, vehicle and equipment investment, running an accounts department and all the other jobs you have to do plus the overheads you incur. K."

add in the weather for a gardener and your workable days over the year soon halves so do we get to £80 per hr???

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *htcMan
25 weeks ago

MK

Agreed with that builders aren't interested in jobs. Have had that problem for years, even hired builders from Poland to come over do my kitchen and bathroom few years ago, paid hotel, flights, car and all expenses on top of the work. Worked out cheaper and they do the work. Contacted around 15 builders for the job only one replied and came for a quote for 20k, ones from Poland did it for for half plus additional for flights, hotel , car and all that plus extra food.

My work had the same issue with finding a company to install air conditioning so instead we paid Bulgarian workers to come over, Same again paid all hotels , flights, food and car plus the job.

English builders just aren't interested in work for some reason, never reply to emails and have no interest in giving a quote . Having the same issue now with a small tile job the kitchen easy job for a half a day of work just no interest even handy men who claim no work to small no reply

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *igset OP   Man
25 weeks ago

london

Just been quoted £650 hahaha! As if

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *oubleswing2019Man
25 weeks ago

Colchester

We usually get quoted £20-25/hr for gardening services. Seems reasonable.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *oubleswing2019Man
25 weeks ago

Colchester


"instead we paid Bulgarian workers to come over, Same again paid all hotels , flights, food and car plus the job.

"

Bulgaria is significantly cheaper to live in that the UK. So yes, it makes sense for tradesfolk. That "10K" was worth a lot to them.

20K domestically sounds about right to me for a kitchen and bathroom.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 
 

By *orace99Man
25 weeks ago

York

I work as a handyman with my son in law and even though I do say it myself we work hard.

We give 110% to every job big or small and complete them as if it were our own house.

If the customer isn't satisfied we will do what we can to rectify it until they are.

This week we fitted a wardrobe and dressing table from a large manufacturer. As we were finishing up on the second day we had said to each other that desk is too tall. The following day the customer stated they were not happy with the height so we adjusted it all within the quoted price.

Happy customer means good reviews which is how this particular customer chose.us to do they job.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
Post new Message to Thread
back to top