11 August 2014

Whats the Trick for Getting Tradies to Turn Up in Canberra ????

| rommeldog56
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Well, I’m not sure about the need for “infrastructure stimulus” projects in Canberra. If there is, I hope those projects wont be relying on local tradies to do some of that work.

I have heard numerous similar stories to this, but now I have experienced myself :

For a few weeks now, I’ve been looking for an electrician to fit two new ceiling lights (to replace existing – one for one swap) and bathroom renovators to give me a quote on renovating a bathroom and ensuite.

Because I’m a contractor I don’t get paid if I dont work, or get in late, take time off, etc. So, to avoid loosing lots of $ out of my pay, I would like the work/quote to be done early (say 7.30am) on a weekday or preferably, on a weekend.

Despite may calls – no luck as yet. Except for an electrician who was prepared to drive from Goulburn to fit the lights !

So – despite the prophets of doom and gloom for Canberra and an apparent economic downturn, I can only assume that local Tradies are too busy to go chasing work ?

Has anyone had any experience with getting an inspection/quote from a bathroom renovation company on a weekend or an electrician to fit lights on a weekend ?

Or do I just need to keep my wallet firmly shut.

Thanks.

 

 

 

 

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OpenYourMind said :

The annoying thing is that in Australia, electricians and plumbers jobs are protected by safety regulations not allowing unlicenced people to do the work. You can’t even do a kind of beginner sparkie course at TAFE to qualify to do minor tasks such as changing powerpoints. So you need a tradie to do these minor jobs, but they can’t be arsed turning up to do them.

In New Zealand, you can do a lot more minor electrical work yourself. Guess what, there are less electrocutions by amateurs there than in Australia.

On the other hand, the “test and tag” regulations here in Australia are a joke, especially where 15AMP plugs have been replaced with 10AMP ones in contravention of the manufacturer’s compliance declaration.

OpenYourMind6:22 am 18 Aug 14

The annoying thing is that in Australia, electricians and plumbers jobs are protected by safety regulations not allowing unlicenced people to do the work. You can’t even do a kind of beginner sparkie course at TAFE to qualify to do minor tasks such as changing powerpoints. So you need a tradie to do these minor jobs, but they can’t be arsed turning up to do them.

In New Zealand, you can do a lot more minor electrical work yourself. Guess what, there are less electrocutions by amateurs there than in Australia.

Hi, I am more than happy to come and do a site visit. I am a builder who specializes in bathroom renovations but i also work close with an electrician so I can get him to have a look at the fans. I have built my business on reputation and dont mind giving you some references.

My number is 0439902540. look forward to your call.

justsomeaussie8:53 am 12 Aug 14

Try this site:

http://www.homeimprovementpages.com.au/

I posted on there on the weekend just asking for a quote and got three tradies calling me back very fast. I haven’t had anyone come over but it did seem like a good service.

Don’t open your phone call with ” it must be at the time I specify so I don’t loose money”. They may thing you’re going to haggle and whine about the price. There’s plenty of work for good Tradies in Canberra, at good rates. I don’t even advertise, and get more than enough just from word of mouth, friends/family and repeat business.

It’s not overly motivating to be trying to make an appointment at 7:30 in winter either. Most work vans/utes get parked outside, and they’re bloody cold at that time of morning. I do school drop offs most mornings to avoid having to start too early.

Felix the Cat7:05 pm 11 Aug 14

I’ve used Tradeworks a few times and the tradie turned up at the arranged time and did a good job. Don’t know about after-hours work though, you can only ask. If they did do itthere would probably be extra cost involved.

Interesting you mention Goulburn – my colleague swears by Goulburn tradies. But she will only share names with me when her reno is completed, she says!

Madam Cholet4:52 pm 11 Aug 14

Good tradies are always busy. Please try this guy – Beven at 0405 193 985. Can never remember the business name but he is great. And if he can’t do it he will send someone else. Have used him 3 or 4 times now. Always turns up on time and calls if he can be early to help you out. The trick with tradies is when you find a good one make sure you keep the number. Obviously.

Hi

If you are oin the south side call John on 0407242671. He specialises in small jobs.

Good luck.

Check with your local fire station. Seriously. Most, if not all firies have a trade that compliments their shift work. Lots of sparkies amongst them. They do quality work, very reliable, all above board (invoices etc.)

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