We want a new kitchen but tradesmen don't return our calls or give us quotes - why?
We moved into a two-bedroom terraced house six months ago.
The house needs quite a lot of work doing to it. The kitchen and bathroom need replacing, and we're keen to get new doors installed. The small garden also needs clearing as it's very overgrown.
We're finding it really difficult to get tradespeople to come and do any work on the house.
Some trades we've been in touch with haven't returned our calls or emails. Others have come to do a quote but then gone completely silent.
We've been speaking to other people who've had similar problems. Why is this happening, and what we can do to get tradespeople to come and work for us?
The house is small, so maybe they don't see it as a big or lucrative enough project.
Jane Denton, of This is Money, replies: The two experts I spoke to suggest a large part of the issue is a skills shortage.
Put simply, there aren't enough people working in, or training to become part of, the trades sector. This means many decent tradespeople are booked up months or even years in advance.
However, being given the silent treatment by a tradesperson after they've come to house to look at the job that needs doing is, I believe, bad manners and unprofessional. Those doing this don't give the industry a good name in the eyes of customers.
If a tradesperson can't fit your job in or doesn't want to do it, they should be upfront. A simple one-line email, text or phone call to say they can't assist would be suffice.
If possible, try and use tradespeople recommended to you by family or friends. If using online reviews to select trades, check them carefully to ensure they are verified.
Good tradespeople are worth waiting for, even if it means your house won't be fixed as quickly as you'd hoped.
Clive Holland, a broadcaster on Fix Radio, says: You're not the only one struggling to find a builder, with our own research at Fix Radio finding that over 400,000 people in Britain are waiting more than a year to get building work done.
While your frustration is understandable, the good news is it's not personal, and you can improve your situation.
There are several reasons behind the current shortage. A third of construction workers are nearing retirement, while apprenticeship numbers have dropped, reducing the pipeline of new talent.
With more than a third of tradespeople now self-employed, many simply don't have the capacity to take on smaller or more involved jobs without long lead times.
That said, there are ways to get your job seen and booked in.
First, get specific. Create a clear list of what needs to be done and group the tasks by trade.
A detailed, well-organised brief helps a busy tradesperson quickly assess whether the job fits their skills and availability.
Second, don't underestimate the value of local networks.
Builders' merchants are excellent sources of insight, as they often know which local tradespeople are reliable, available and suited to the work you need. These companies will hardly ever offer up bad tradespeople.
It's also worth speaking to neighbours, posting in local groups online, or using trusted online platforms to find well-recommended professionals.
Timing matters too. Many tradespeople get booked months in advance, especially in spring and summer.
If you can be flexible, perhaps start your work in the winter or agree to stagger work in stages, as you're more likely to get a foot in the door.
Good tradespeople are usually busy so be prepared to wait. If they can start tomorrow, that can be a red flag.
Finally, make it clear to prospective tradespeople that you're serious about getting the work done.
If you've already received quotes, follow up promptly, and when booking someone be transparent about your budget and timelines. I always recommend putting everything in writing as building trust is a two-way street.
There's no denying Britain faces a skills crisis, but that shows just how valued skilled tradespeople are.
By being proactive, respectful and well-prepared, you'll find the right team to help turn your house into the home you want.
Andy Simms, a construction expert MyBuilder.com, says: Sadly, this issue is one that we are hearing a lot, as the reality of the trades skill shortage starts to bite.
Unfortunately, despite the trades offering an abundance of great career opportunities, impressive rates of pay and a fantastic springboard to running your own business, the sector has long been overlooked as a career choice.
Recent research we ran showed that only one in 10 children or young adults in school and colleges were being told about the option of trades as a career.
It's a great shame, because the trades continue to thrive and aren't threatened by the same external factors other industries are worried about such as AI.
Statistics show that the skills shortage is critical, with over 1million new tradespeople needing to be recruited by 2030. Yet their skills are more in demand than ever.
Make sure you plan well in advance. Some popular builders are booked up a year in advance, so if you have asked about a job that needs doing soon, they might not even reply.
If you can, start the process of finding a tradesperson before you need them. For building work, a year or so is not excessive, and for smaller jobs, you may still need to give it several months.
Second, tradespeople are very busy and some have a preferred way of contact - if they don't respond to emails, give them a call or send a text.
Maybe even contact them on social media - they might not be ignoring you, they may just not monitor the method of communication you have tried them on.
Third, make sure you include as much information as you can. A tradesperson gets so many requests to come and quote for jobs, and they are more likely to get in touch if they have all the information that they need from you.
The more you sound like you know what you want, the more likely it is that the tradesperson will want to work with you.
How to find a new mortgage
Borrowers who need a mortgage because their current fixed rate deal is ending, or they are buying a home, should explore their options as soon as possible.
Quick mortgage finder links with This is Money's partner L&C
> Mortgage rates calculator
> Find the right mortgage for you
What if I need to remortgage?
Borrowers should compare rates, speak to a mortgage broker and be prepared to act.
Homeowners can lock in to a new deal six to nine months in advance, often with no obligation to take it.
Most mortgage deals allow fees to be added to the loan and only be charged when it is taken out. This means borrowers can secure a rate without paying expensive arrangement fees.
Keep in mind that by doing this and not clearing the fee on completion, interest will be paid on the fee amount over the entire term of the loan, so this may not be the best option for everyone.
What if I am buying a home?
Those with home purchases agreed should also aim to secure rates as soon as possible, so they know exactly what their monthly payments will be.
Buyers should avoid overstretching and be aware that house prices may fall, as higher mortgage rates limit people's borrowing ability and buying power.
How to compare mortgage costs
The best way to compare mortgage costs and find the right deal for you is to speak to a broker.
This is Money has a long-standing partnership with fee-free broker L&C, to provide you with fee-free expert mortgage advice.
Interested in seeing today's best mortgage rates? Use This is Money and L&Cs best mortgage rates calculator to show deals matching your home value, mortgage size, term and fixed rate needs.
If you're ready to find your next mortgage, why not use L&C's online Mortgage Finder. It will search 1,000's of deals from more than 90 different lenders to discover the best deal for you.
> Find your best mortgage deal with This is Money and L&C
Be aware that rates can change quickly, however, and so if you need a mortgage or want to compare rates, speak to L&C as soon as possible, so they can help you find the right mortgage for you.
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