Trouble Finding Tradespeople for Home Improvements? Here's Your Guide
Struggling to secure kitchen renovation estimates from contractors; repeated phone calls unanswered or quotations not provided - the reason behind this?
Moving into a new place is exciting, but dealing with a fixer-upper can be a hassle—and that's what our reader faced when they moved into a two-bedroom terraced house six months ago. The house needed some TLC, from replacing the kitchen and bathroom, installing new doors, and clearing the overgrown garden. But it seemed like no one was willing to take on the job. The frustration is real—you're not alone!
Jane Denton, a money expert, explains that the root cause of this issue is a skills shortage in the trades sector. With not enough people working in or training to become part of the trades, many decent tradespeople are booked up months or even years in advance. However, being given the silent treatment after a tradesperson has come to look at the job is unprofessional and poor manners. Being upfront about unavailability is essential.
If possible, try using tradespeople recommended 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, shares that over 400,000 people in Britain are waiting more than a year to get building work done. If you're in a bind, follow these tips to get the job done:
- Get specific. Create a clear list of what needs to be done and group the tasks by trade. A detailed, well-organized brief helps a busy tradesperson quickly assess whether the job fits their skills and availability.
- 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.
- Take advantage of online platforms to find well-recommended professionals.
- Timing matters too. Many tradespeople get booked months in advance, especially in spring and summer. 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.
- 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. Building trust is a two-way street.
Andy Simms, a construction expert at MyBuilder.com, emphasizes that the trades continue to thrive and aren't threatened by the same external factors other industries are worried about. However, the sector has long been overlooked as a career choice. Recent research shows that only one in 10 children or young adults in school and colleges were being told about the trades as a career option. If you're having trouble finding tradespeople, don't give up—the right team is out there, and with some patience and persistence, they'll help turn your house into the home you want.
Why Can't I Find a Builder? The True Story Behind the UK's Skills Shortage
There's no denying that Britain faces a severe skills crisis in the trades sector. The major contributors to this problem are aging workers, low birth rates, skill gaps, rapid economic growth, and geographic barriers[2][5]. Additionally, there is a lack of formal training and apprenticeships to fill specialized skill gaps[4][5].
However, there's hope for homeowners. By understanding the root causes of the skills shortage and adopting the strategies outlined above, you can find reliable tradespeople for your projects while contributing to the development of the trades sector[6].
Supporting the Trades Sector
To address the skills shortage, homeowners can also support efforts by advocating for apprenticeships and trade education programs. Encourage your local schools and colleges to prioritize trade education, as these careers offer great earning potential and opportunities for entrepreneurship[6].
Together, we can help alleviate the skills shortage and ensure that skilled tradespeople continue to be in high demand while building the homes we want.
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In light of the ongoing skills shortage in the trades sector, finding a reliable builder for your home improvement projects can be challenging. However, with the right approach, you can still turn your property into the dream home and garden of your lifestyle. Leverage local networks, online platforms, and clear communication to find well-recommended professionals who can complete the required mortgages and home-and-garden work. Meanwhile, supporting the trades sector by advocating for apprenticeships and trade education programs can contribute to alleviating the skilled labor shortage in the future.
