Where have all the Tradespeople gone?

Can’t get as quote? Can’t find a tradesperson. You are far from alone.

Skill Shortage

There is a skill shortage out there and tradesmen and women are a very visual (or invisible) part of it.

If you need a job completed in a hurry and/or are battling with a tight budget this is nightmare, but wait, it could be worse.

Skill Shortage (singular)

Un-skilled or under-skilled tradesmen can make you wish you’d never started and leave you significantly poorer for the experience.

Pain Extension

The skill shortage won’t last forever, but for now, patience and realistic expectations will go along way to alleviating your stress.

Is that extension really that important? Do you really want to risk your health, bank balance and mental state over it?

Stairway to bankruptcy

Is that triple storey extension, glass roof and French marble staircase really the way to go?

You could use this as part of your selection criteria. The tradie who is interested and has an opinion just might be the guy/girl who’ll make the greatest effort to get the job done properly.

Renovation on the cheap

You should also take those ‘I renovated my entire house for $10,000’ stories with a pinch of salt.

Never had it so good

Much of our angst is being brought on by our own good fortune. If you have the money to spend on these pet projects do really think you are alone.

Easy money

The middle classes of Australia all have far more disposable income now than ever before. Our houses are worth more, our jobs are paying more and finance is, despite recent interest rate increases, still relatively cheap.

You’ll met the right tradesman one day

Take your time and find the right guy or woman to do the job at the right (that’s realistic) price.

Quotes

We all want the best job for the lowest possible price.

But wait a minute. Think of it from the tradesmen's point of view.

Why should he / she risk wasting time which could be spent earning money quoting on a job he / she probably won’t get.

Entice your tradies

These guys are in big demand so you may need to do some selling yourself.

If there is a possibility of more work to follow say so.

If your neighbour is interested in how your tradesmen works out say so.

Tell him/her you’ll post a positive review on wow if they do a good job. ([email protected])

Show me the money

Make it worth their while. Experienced tradesmen know this shortage will not last forever so regular / repeat custom is important to them.

Pay more?

Tricky one. Money talks but what is it saying about you? I’d be very careful. Start with their quote and negotiate from a clearly understood set of tasks.

No shows

The builder says he’ll be there early afternoon. Kids need picking up. No builder..?

A common complaint. A few things you can do to help avoid it:

• Make sure your builder knows there’s a good chance of getting the work.

‘I need you to do x – when can you come round to give me a price’

is more encouraging than just:

‘I need a quote for x’

• Tell him / her you have to pick the kids up an hour before you actually have to.

• Ring him / her to confirm he / she really is on his way.

If it’s still a no-show after all that he clearly doesn't want the job so forget it.

He who quotes low

So finally somebody shows up and gives a cheap quote and your patience has been rewarded.

You should ring up and tell him to start.

No. Only if you’re you like a flutter with your most valuable asset outside of your family. Be sceptical.

He who quotes high

Could well mean I don’t need or want this job so I’ll only do it if you’re desperate. Don’t be.

He who quotes at a reasonable price

Is a start

Quoting for what?

Unknowns are a hazard for all concerned. If the job includes working on the unseen the potential exists for an unpleasant surprise effectively making your quote worthless.

Again, it comes down to communicating with your tradesmen. A ‘no worries’ approach could seriously damage your plans not to mention your house.

Ask a few questions. 'We'll see when we come to it' or 'we won't know till we start' means you are taking the risk.

How do you pick the good tradesperson from the bad?

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