Tradesmen

[James Deuce]

7 Months.

It has taken 7 months to get a joiner or a builder to turn up to our house to replace the rotting joinery that is our front door.

I've never had a reasonable explanation from probably 20 "businessmen" about why they can't turn up on time, why they cant draw a quote up on anything other than the back of a fag packet/flattened oil filter box, or why they insist on turning up at 9am or 3pm. School age kid guarantees there will be no one there at these times.

They're all either EXTREMELY aggressive, so laid back you have to hit them with a stick to get them to speak, or really engaging and pleasant liars.

Sort your shit out guys. All we wanted was a quote. The job has gone to the first guy who responded with a quote that was written on real paper. 7 months after we started ringing, door knocking, asking at DIY mega stores, getting cards from those community contact bins, etc, etc, etc.

I don't care about excuses. You can either do the job or not. You can either turn up when you say you will, or ring to let us know why you can't, or alternatively, miss out on money.

Dorks.

[Str8 Jacket]

Feel better now that you've had a vent Jim? :)

[James Deuce]

I'll only feel better if the guy who is doing the job manages to keep his butt crack in his Stubbies (tm).

[Str8 Jacket]

I'll only feel better if the guy who is doing the job manages to keep his butt crack in his Stubbies (tm).


LMAO! well then you wont want to come past my work! Builders are doing something with the old ANZ bank and the guy lifting peices of wood of the truck is in desperate need of belt.....

[ManDownUnder]

LMAo so let me get this right - you're venting at the tradies... before they have finished the job... dude you better hope they don't read this!

MDU

[placidfemme]

LMAO! well then you wont want to come past my work! Builders are doing something with the old ANZ bank and the guy lifting peices of wood of the truck is in desperate need of belt.....

scary part is.... hes proberly already wearing one :sick:

[Finn]

I hear thee brother. First off, most kiwi tradesmen have shit for brains and couldn't build a shack that would last 12 months. Having said that, the general quality and standard of service across the board in lil old NZ is piss poor.

I also avoid NZ made crap if I can help it. No pride and no quality.

But it sure is a lovely country.

[James Deuce]

MDU, in my experience, the few tradies who visit this site are good bastards. Plus they can read. Some of them can even type.

The Neanderthals I've been dealing with for months on the other hand;

"Have you got an email address?", says I.

"The wife does the computer shit, and we don't like that email stuff", says yonder mono-browed Australopithecus.

[GR81]

wooossssssaaaahhhhh!

[Beemer]

I saw a plumber getting into his van several years ago and asked if he'd be interested in giving us a quote for remodelling our bathroom. Sure, but it wouldn't be for a few weeks - we never heard anything for about eight months so I wasn't keen to bother with him at that stage! Got a guy in to quote for painting our ensuite a month ago - he came within a week but we haven't heard anything since.

I'd hate to be building a house, that's for sure!

[The_Dover]

Try dealing with contractors every day.

It's real good fun.

[Finn]

Try dealing with contractors every day.

It's real good fun.

Having trouble with those hookers again Dover?

[Zed]

That's a common phenomenon. Not sure of the reasons why but it probly has something to do with bad time management, lacking administration skills, or summat??

[Deano]

Geez Jim, as if there isn't enough cop bashing, you have to go and pick on the poor tradies.

They obviously have plenty of work on and are under resourced. (hey, just like the cops...)

I blame the gummit personally....

[James Deuce]

Deano, I have no issue if they're too busy - all they have to do is say, "I can't do the job, I'm too busy."

I don't care if they think it's a piss arse job and too much effort for too little money. All they have to do is say that.

Instead you get lies, prevarication, and procrastination. Or no shows that make you wonder if there is an analogue for the Bermuda Triangle at work in NZ.

[The_Dover]

Having trouble with those hookers again Dover?

Yeah, the bitches keep trying to keep MY cut of their profits.

They said you owed them money, but I said that's a lie cos Mr Finn always pays you boys in cash.

[Paul in NZ]

Shortage of qualified tradesmen I'm afraid... A plumber can name his own price at the moment. A GOOD plumber is to busy running his propery and stock portfolio. Builders are all whacking up spec houses.

Wonderful how we 'modernised' the building industry and debased all the other trades wasn't it..

On the other hand - it would have been quicker to learn how to do it yer self Jim... Even if you stuffed up 12 times... (sorry - had to say that)

Other thing, try the GreyPower dudes

[James Deuce]

On the other hand - it would have been quicker to learn how to do it yer self Jim... Even if you stuffed up 12 times... (sorry - had to say that)

Other thing, try the GreyPower dudes

It's the truth, stop apologising.

The last Grey Power dude we used had a heart attack and died. We're not that keen anymore.

[bobsmith]

Deano, I have no issue if they're too busy - all they have to do is say, "I can't do the job, I'm too busy."


Jim, I think Deano was taking a piss... well either that or he's really really thick.

It's NZ Jim where quality is guaranteed poor and service is not in the dictionary...

[Str8 Jacket]

The last Grey Power dude we used had a heart attack and died. We're not that keen anymore.

Riiight.... and you wonder why noone wants to come back?! :blah:

[James Deuce]

Jim, I think Deano was taking a piss... well either that or he's really really thick.


It's actually me choosing to be obstreperous.

Speaking of choosing, the words Deano and "thick" don;t really belong in a sentence together unless you want to eat through a straw for the rest of your life.

[Deano]

Jim, I think Deano was taking a piss... well either that or he's really really thick.


Fick as pigshit I is.

I still blame the gummint.

I do sympathise Jim - I'm expected to provide excellent customer service in my job (which is not strictly speaking a customer service role - more enforcement), and when you don't get the same service in return it really pisses me off.

Still, as long as I get paid :whocares:

We had grey skills to do the final plaster coat in our bathroom and they did a pretty good quality and reasonably priced job. Dying on the job isn't cool though. Some people just can't retire.

[Paul in NZ]

Riiight.... and you wonder why noone wants to come back?! :blah:

There is probably a secret freemasons symbol in Jim2's letterbox warning tradespeople of this event. His neighbours are wondering about the number of vans that do U turns outside his house....

[Deano]

It's actually me choosing to be obstreperous.



I don't know what that means :confused: (looks for dictionary)

[The_Dover]

I dunno Jim2, this is the man who bought a honda......

[Maha]

I have been in the Flooring industry as an installer for 25 year's........
I hate not being on time, if i say i will be there at 8.15am then i will be there at 8.15am. Some years ago, when Geogie Pie were upgrading there store's, i had the contract of doing all the playground safety tiles (25mm rubber things) and would travel from Rotorua to wherever to do them. I would always be on site at 8.30am. Napier/Gisborne/Otahuhu/Greenlane/Tga/Bombay wherever the job was, didnt matter, but they closed down so fuck em'......:nya:

[Colapop]

It's actually me choosing to be obstreperous.....
So you're having puppy's over this then?

Actually I agree with ya J2. We've been waiting for a painter to come and do the internal window and door frames for months and not a whisper. If a tradesman books a time then regardless of another job he should be there.

[ManDownUnder]

That's a common phenomenon. Not sure of the reasons why but it probly has something to do with bad time management, lacking administration skills, or summat??

I think it's a case of them having (and I quote) "more work than a bull can shit".

They don't need to have any customer service focus - they have customers by the short and curlies...

It does raise an interesting qyuestion though - who has good tradies they can recommend? I have a couple of guys that do all my plumbing and building work - bloody good guys that I'd recommend to anyone in/near Auckland

[Zed]

I think it's a case of them having (and I quote) "more work than a bull can shit".

They don't need to have any customer service focus - they have customers by the short and curlies...I do think they all have some customer service focus to a degree, they have to, but it may all be exhausted on the few (or many) customers who give them good repeat business and pay their bills, their bread and butter business! It's poor Joe Blogg who suffers because he only wants a one-off job done.

[ManDownUnder]

I do think they all have some customer service focus to a degree, they have to, but it may all be exhausted on the few (or many) customers who give them good repeat business and pay their bills on time, their bread and butter business! It's poor Joe Blogg who suffers because he only wants a one-off job done.

You got that right - same sentiment just more polite turn of phrase.
MDU

[Winston001]

There are a couple of issues.

1. Tradesmen are very busy with plenty of work on.

2. However every trade has known tough times so it goes completely against the grain to turn a job down.

3. Tradesmen get used and abused. The average Kiwi seems to think it is ok to ask for a quote from numerous people - for nothing - and then never tells the unsuccessful guys they lost out. This makes work flow very uncertain.

4. Kiwis aren't good at keeping contracts. Tradesmen know that some jobs they turn up for will be cancelled as they are about to start, or some other guy is already doing the work.

I think tradesmen could go a long way to be more professional including being honest about their work commitments. But we also need to treat them with respect, and value their work. Trades are still blue collar and treated as such by many people.

[yungatart]

We are waiting for a quote from a sparky for some exterior lights, have been for nearly 7 YEARS, found someone else in the meantime.. But while having the new gargre and office built I have been appalled at the lack of accountability some tradesmen have to their (potential) customers. If Mstrs ran his business that way, i doubt he'd have a business anymore.. it beats me how some of these guys are still going.

[Dooly]

I believe in loyalty with who I deal with in business, and other trades I use for home etc.
We have stuck with the same electricans, builder, plumber for years and even though they are all experiencing huge workloads they all have done any work we've needed promptly and reasonably priced.
Thats why we stick with them, and thats probably why they pretty well jump for us because of us being regulars over the years.
We also get reciprocal work back from them too.
Works both ways I guess.

However, I have heard and seen some shocking examples of work from a variety of trades.
Just like there are shocking examples of things from so called 'professions.'

[Blackbird]

I'm with Dooly. We get excellent service from tradesmen in Coromandel Town. If we need several trades at once as per our recent kitchen rebuild, they simply organise everything amongst themselves. Mind you, being in a small town is perhaps a little different from being in a large city. Our plumber also made an interesting observation that we always pay our bills on time so that's maybe a contributing factor too. As Dooly says, its a 2 way relationship.

[Lou Girardin]

There are a couple of issues.

1. Tradesmen are very busy with plenty of work on.

2. However every trade has known tough times so it goes completely against the grain to turn a job down.

3. Tradesmen get used and abused. The average Kiwi seems to think it is ok to ask for a quote from numerous people - for nothing - and then never tells the unsuccessful guys they lost out. This makes work flow very uncertain.

4. Kiwis aren't good at keeping contracts. Tradesmen know that some jobs they turn up for will be cancelled as they are about to start, or some other guy is already doing the work.

I think tradesmen could go a long way to be more professional including being honest about their work commitments. But we also need to treat them with respect, and value their work. Trades are still blue collar and treated as such by many people.

Who exactly is the customer? Tradesmen have to earn respect. returning calls is a good start.
We called for three quotes on a job. One never phoned back, one quoted and didn't follow up, the third showed up on time - his quote was reasonable and he seemed keen. (and supplied references)
He got that job, then another from us and one from a neighbour after we recommended him. Not bad for simply doing the basics.
And if things get tight in the building game, guess who we'll still use?

[James Deuce]

There are a couple of issues.

1. Tradesmen are very busy with plenty of work on.

2. However every trade has known tough times so it goes completely against the grain to turn a job down.

3. Tradesmen get used and abused. The average Kiwi seems to think it is ok to ask for a quote from numerous people - for nothing - and then never tells the unsuccessful guys they lost out. This makes work flow very uncertain.

4. Kiwis aren't good at keeping contracts. Tradesmen know that some jobs they turn up for will be cancelled as they are about to start, or some other guy is already doing the work.

I think tradesmen could go a long way to be more professional including being honest about their work commitments. But we also need to treat them with respect, and value their work. Trades are still blue collar and treated as such by many people.

Thanks for the comprehensive telling off!

We've offered 50% deposit as an incentive to most of these guys but they aren't able to come up with a detailed quote. I don't care about their bad experiences as children. I want my door fixed. I have money and I'll pay for it.

The FACT of the matter is that I didn;t do any of those things to any of the guys we're trying to establish a business relationship with.

I don't know how you can excuse them for being bald faced liars, or for failing to meet that most basic of contracts, "I'll see you at 10am on Tuesday morning".

If they can;t turn up, tell people. If they don;t want the work, or straight out don't trust you, turn the job down.

There is no excuse for behaving like an alpha-male baboon with suppurating piles. I'm not allowed to do it, and I've had some frankly Holocaust level dealings with other "human" beings.

[The_Dover]

I think Jim feels quite passionately about his door.

[WINJA]

7 Months.

It has taken 7 months to get a joiner or a builder to turn up to our house to replace the rotting joinery that is our front door.

I've never had a reasonable explanation from probably 20 "businessmen" about why they can't turn up on time, why they cant draw a quote up on anything other than the back of a fag packet/flattened oil filter box, or why they insist on turning up at 9am or 3pm. School age kid guarantees there will be no one there at these times.

They're all either EXTREMELY aggressive, so laid back you have to hit them with a stick to get them to speak, or really engaging and pleasant liars.

Sort your shit out guys. All we wanted was a quote. The job has gone to the first guy who responded with a quote that was written on real paper. 7 months after we started ringing, door knocking, asking at DIY mega stores, getting cards from those community contact bins, etc, etc, etc.

I don't care about excuses. You can either do the job or not. You can either turn up when you say you will, or ring to let us know why you can't, or alternatively, miss out on money.

Dorks.

BUT THEY AINT MISSING OUT ON MONEY THERES A SHORTAGE OF SKILLED TRADESMEN AT THE MOMENT THEY CAN PICK AND CHOOSE THE WORK THEY WANT CAUSE THERES PLENTY TO GO ROUND , THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN EVERY CUNT DONT WANNA GET THEIR HANDS DIRTY ANYMORE THEYD RATHER WORK IN I.T OR I.S OR BE HR CONSULTANTS OR OTHER WORTHLESS DESK JOBS PUSHING A PENCIL ROUND

[James Deuce]

BUT THEY AINT MISSING OUT ON MONEY THERES A SHORTAGE OF SKILLED TRADESMEN AT THE MOMENT THEY CAN PICK AND CHOOSE THE WORK THEY WANT CAUSE THERES PLENTY TO GO ROUND , THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN EVERY CUNT DONT WANNA GET THEIR HANDS DIRTY ANYMORE THEYD RATHER WORK IN I.T OR I.S OR BE HR CONSULTANTS OR OTHER WORTHLESS DESK JOBS PUSHING A PENCIL ROUND

It all becomes clear.

[soundbeltfarm]

all the times i've needed a tradesperson they've been quick to respond and do the job.
we use the same people because they are quick and do a good job.
also playing rugby helps as there's every trade covered in our club so help is never far away.
one of the pluses for playing a team sport.

[Swoop]

I will refrain from making a comment on this thread/topic because of the rude language that will be used.

[Ixion]

Thought of doing it yourself?

I do most of my own jobs for that reason - don't like having to rely on other people, and I find that by the time I shag around chasing someone to do the job, I can have it done myslef.

Then I pay myself for my time , from the housekeeping account, plus a bit for profit, and take off down to the pub to spend my earnings. Just like the tradesman. Mrs Ixion is still struggling with the logic in this (the pub bit) - whe's not convinced but can't see the flaw.

There's not much around the house that a competant spanner wielder can't handle.

[SPman]

Im a tradesman .. but have enough trouble doing my own jobs, let alone arsing around doing jobs for other people....

[WINJA]

Thought of doing it yourself?

I do most of my own jobs for that reason - don't like having to rely on other people, and I find that by the time I shag around chasing someone to do the job, I can have it done myslef.

Then I pay myself for my time , from the housekeeping account, plus a bit for profit, and take off down to the pub to spend my earnings. Just like the tradesman. Mrs Ixion is still struggling with the logic in this (the pub bit) - whe's not convinced but can't see the flaw.

There's not much around the house that a competant spanner wielder can't handle.
HOW BOUT INSTALLING YOUR OWN HIGH WALL AIRCONDITIONING , OR REPAIRING A LEAK IN A HIGH WALL AC AND REFILLING IT WITH GAS?CAN YOU DO THAT SHIT WITH A FEW SPANNERS

[HDTboy]

I can

[Motu]

I've got a couple of builder mates who do mainly renovation work...and ride bikes,always busy then.I don't know how they do it,their work flow is very spasmotic.If they take on a job that's going to take 6 weeks or more,then they can't do other jobs,they still get called on for quote,have to fit in some other job that was waiting for council concent or other work to finish so they could do theirs,urgent jobs.I do many jobs in one day,some jobs may take 2 or 3 - but to manage a workflow when you are talking about jobs taking weeks must be very difficult.I'm always too scared to ask them to do something for me,it's just too stessful to me to hear them trying to fit me in.

[Ixion]

HOW BOUT INSTALLING YOUR OWN HIGH WALL AIRCONDITIONING , OR REPAIRING A LEAK IN A HIGH WALL AC AND REFILLING IT WITH GAS?CAN YOU DO THAT SHIT WITH A FEW SPANNERS

Geting the gas and testing the job is the hard part. I've fixed refrigeration units before today.

But at home I keep life simple. Don't buy anything that cant either be biffed when it break, or fixed by me. Preferably with me BLOODY BIG HAMMER. I like things simple.

But Jim2 was talking about a door. Doors are pretty simple.

[James Deuce]

Thought of doing it yourself?



Not a hope in hell. There isn't a job I've "done" that hasn't required someone else coming to fix it. I can't even put an exhaust canister on without denting it, an oil filter without cross threading it, a piece of duct tape without removing paint when I take it off. Odd thing is I'm a toolsetter by "trade". I'll mill 15 microns off the inside rims of your wheels once I've measured the bugger and set the offsets in whatever CNC lathe I chuck them in. If I tried to do that to my own wheels, I'd destroy the chuck, smash the hubs out of the wheels, and the cutting head would sticking up out of the body of the lathe at a weird angle, having taken the arm off an innocent bystander. And somehow the lathe bed would damaged in a way that made it uneconomic for repair.

I wouldn't have the foggiest where to begin with joinery, and I'm bound to lose a thumb in the process.

[James Deuce]

But Jim2 was talking about a door. Doors are pretty simple.

There's the stoop, the frame, the glazing, the lintel, the frame, architraves, and the door has eight glazed panels that are apparently rare, valuable, and irreplaceable. The actual door joinery is being replaced too. It needs sealing, painting, clear coat and weather sealing. I SHOULDN'T touch it.

[WINJA]

Geting the gas and testing the job is the hard part. I've fixed refrigeration units before today.

But at home I keep life simple. Don't buy anything that cant either be biffed when it break, or fixed by me. Preferably with me BLOODY BIG HAMMER. I like things simple.

But Jim2 was talking about a door. Doors are pretty simple.
I WENT AND BOUGHT A BIG HEAP OF TOOLS SO I COULD DO ALL THIS SHIT MYSELF SO IF I NEED TO PUT UP A WALL OR KNOCK ONE DOWN I JUST HAVE TO FIGURE IT OUT OR ASK MY COUSIN WHO IS A BUILDER FOR ADVICE , IVE DONE ALL MY OWN PAINTING REPLACED MY ROOFING IRON AND PUT IN MY OWN POWER POINTS AND LIGHTING , IT ISNT THAT HARD TO DO SOME SHIT ROUND THE HOME , I WOULDNT LAY MY OWN DRAINS OR PUT IN MY OWN FIREPLACE THO SOMETHINGS ARE BEST LEFT TO THE PROS

[soundbeltfarm]

Not a hope in hell. There isn't a job I've "done" that hasn't required someone else coming to fix it.

same here .

im primo at pulling shit apart but when it comes to putting it back together i always end up with parts left over.

and normally the thing still goes so i reckon companies put stuff in a component just to add to the price. joking.

its in the genes i reckon, my old man took all their wedding appliances apart just to see how stuff works. he couldn't afford to buy things back then so he thought all his christmases had come at once on his wedding day.
mum said he only managed to get 2 thirds of the aplliances back together with out parts left over.

but nowadays he's good with things so here's hoping i get better as i get older.

[Zed]

Thought of doing it yourself?

I do most of my own jobs for that reason - don't like having to rely on other people, and I find that by the time I shag around chasing someone to do the job, I can have it done myslef.Then you must be a man of many talents, and I suppose where there is a will there is a way!

When it comes to DIY, only sometimes will I make the effort. Any 'trade' involves leanring unique skills and knowledge that the average person just won't have unless he/she has experience in that field. Sure, there are books and courses available that will help you to learn certain trades so you can DIY, but that's easier said than done, especially if you need the job done in an emergency. Some people will make the effort and completely botch it up causing more trouble than it's worth, yet others like yourself Ixion have what it takes to get the job done...I'd luv to see your house!! :blip:

[The_Dover]

It's not another episode of "Jim'll Fix It" then?

[soundbeltfarm]

I WENT AND BOUGHT A BIG HEAP OF TOOLS SO I COULD DO ALL THIS SHIT MYSELF SO IF I NEED TO PUT UP A WALL OR KNOCK ONE DOWN I JUST HAVE TO FIGURE IT OUT OR ASK MY COUSIN WHO IS A BUILDER FOR ADVICE , IVE DONE ALL MY OWN PAINTING REPLACED MY ROOFING IRON AND PUT IN MY OWN POWER POINTS AND LIGHTING , IT ISNT THAT HARD TO DO SOME SHIT ROUND THE HOME , I WOULDNT LAY MY OWN DRAINS OR PUT IN MY OWN FIREPLACE THO SOMETHINGS ARE BEST LEFT TO THE PROS

you painted your roof then?

whats the deal with fitting your own powerpoints and insurance? if your're not qualified.
if your house burns down because of electrical fire will you be covered?

always wanted to know this.

[Ixion]

Main thing with DIY, is it always takes y' longer than the tradesman. Cos he's doing it all the time, so he gets fast.

So y'have to balance up the extra time it's going to take doing it yourself, versus the cost and hassle of getting someone in.

With me , it's usually the hassle factor that does it. I don't paying someone to do the job, but I can't be arsed messing round trying to dfind someone to do it.

Same with bikes and cars. I do my own stuff usually, but there are some thing, like oil changes in the car, where it works out no dearer to get them done, and less hassle. Tyres, ditto, I can't be arsed putting tyres on rims any more, it's so much easier for the pro with his tyre changing machine. Thing is to know that you CAN do it yourself, 'cos then the dynamic changes, from having to find someone to do it, to deciding if it's worth while doing it yourself. .

[Ixion]

Then you must be a man of many talents, and I suppose where there is a will there is a way!

When it comes to DIY, only sometimes will I make the effort. Any 'trade' involves leanring unique skills and knowledge that the average person just won't have unless he/she has experience in that field. Sure, there are books and courses available that will help you to learn certain trades so you can DIY, but that's easier said than done, especially if you need the job done in an emergency. Some people will make the effort and completely botch it up causing more trouble than it's worth, yet others like yourself Ixion have what it takes to get the job done...I'd luv to see your house!! :blip:

Well, older folk will remember when you mor eor less HAD to do such things y'self. And m'house is like m' bikes. I don't do pretty. Gives things ideas above tehir station. They work - function is what matters.

[James Deuce]

You've read far too much Pratchett, Ixion old man. It's filtered into the in between bits of your brain.

[Ixion]

There are no in between bits in my brain. They're all filled up with Speights.

[Zed]

Well, older folk will remember when you mor eor less HAD to do such things y'self. And m'house is like m' bikes. I don't do pretty. Gives things ideas above tehir station. They work - function is what matters.Hmmm that must've been the same mindset of the aged man who lived for 25 years in the last house I bought. There were a heap of different DIY jobs that had been performed in different areas of the house, some only half finished, and they didn't look pretty! I had to spend money getting a hole in the roof fixed, and some plumbing redone because of previous dodgy DIY work.

[WINJA]

you painted your roof then?

whats the deal with fitting your own powerpoints and insurance? if your're not qualified.
if your house burns down because of electrical fire will you be covered?

always wanted to know this.
THEY GOTTA PROVE I INSTALLED THEM AND THEN MY WIRING WOULD HAVE TO BE A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO THEN FIRE B4 THEY CAN VOID MY INSURANCE , IVE GOT A LOT OF ELECTRICAL EXPERIENCE AND EVEN DRAW WIRING DIAGRAMS FOR SPARKS IVE ALSO GOT AN ELECTRICAL SERVICE TECHNICIANS LICENCE , WHAT I RECKON IS BAD IS THE AMOUNT OF SPARKY FIRMS SENDING FIRST YEAR APPRENTICES TO WIRE PEOPLES HOMES , THESE ARE SCHOOL LEAVERS AND SUCH , I WAS AT A FACTORY THE OTHER DAY AND ASKED THE SPARKY TO DO A COC AND HE SAID HE COULDNT , I ASKED IF HE EVEN HAD THE PRACTICING LICENCE AND HE DIDNT HAVE THAT EITHER , LOTSA YOU SUCKERS ARE PAYING FOR A QUALIFIED SPARKY AND ONLY GETTING AN APPRENTICE AND YES YOUR INSURANCE IS VOID IF HES THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE

[cowpoos]

7 Months.

It has taken 7 months to get a joiner or a builder to turn up to our house to replace the rotting joinery that is our front door.

I've never had a reasonable explanation from probably 20 "businessmen" about why they can't turn up on time, why they cant draw a quote up on anything other than the back of a fag packet/flattened oil filter box, or why they insist on turning up at 9am or 3pm. School age kid guarantees there will be no one there at these times.

They're all either EXTREMELY aggressive, so laid back you have to hit them with a stick to get them to speak, or really engaging and pleasant liars.

Sort your shit out guys. All we wanted was a quote. The job has gone to the first guy who responded with a quote that was written on real paper. 7 months after we started ringing, door knocking, asking at DIY mega stores, getting cards from those community contact bins, etc, etc, etc.

I don't care about excuses. You can either do the job or not. You can either turn up when you say you will, or ring to let us know why you can't, or alternatively, miss out on money.

Dorks.

dozin tui.....and you supply the materials and tools....I would hav done the job....u twit....

[Hitcher]

I refute entirely the myth that a shortage of tradespeople leads to the groaning disinterest demonstrated by the majority of such folk. They behave the same way even when there is an "oversupply" of them. For most, I suspect the dark art of the apprenticeship entails committing to memory the Excuse Book. Printers have elevated this skill to beyond an art-form -- I have been dealing with printers for nearly 30 years and, in that time, have never had the same excuse proffered twice. That is impressive.

Some years ago, whilst in the employ of New Zealand's leading provider of rental housing, I was involved in preparing a maintenance contract that would see urgent maintenance tasks on a tenant's property completed within 24 hours, and not-quite-so-urgent jobs done within 48. Only an 0800 call away. I remember thinking at the time that New Zealand's downtrodden were getting a standard of service that us slightly more fortunate were largely denied. Sigh.

Anyhoo, one night this said 0800 number gets a call from a tenant informing the operator that the tenant's house was ablaze. The operator suggested that calling 111 may be the preferable option under the circumstances, to which the tenant replied "You call 111. It's your fucking house!"

[Winston001]

Thanks for the comprehensive telling off!

We've offered 50% deposit as an incentive to most of these guys but they aren't able to come up with a detailed quote. I don't care about their bad experiences as children. I want my door fixed. I have money and I'll pay for it.

I don't know how you can excuse them for being bald faced liars, or for failing to meet that most basic of contracts, "I'll see you at 10am on Tuesday morning".



My apologies Jim and what you say is entirely fair.

I guess I'm thinking of a builder I know who is honest - tells people it'll be two months - and doesn't get the job. One of his competitors whom I also know, says 3 weeks, gets the job, shows up for a couple of hours on the 4th week, then disappears for the next 2 months. He's doing very very well, far better than the honest guy. Beats me.

Personally I don't ask for quotes these days. I stick to tradesmen who I know do a quality job.

[JimO]

im amazed Winga can paint his roof and do electrical shit but cant turn the caps lock off on his computer.........im a tradesman and have been self employed for over 20 years:yes: there are a couple of things that i have noticed about tradesmen (1) if you had a thick son you got him a job with the local plumber/painter/builder, these guys have outlived their old boss and are out doing it for themselves. :gob: A lot of tradesmen cant say no to people.:nono: but its not all the tradesmans fault nearly every job goes over time because of changes made by owner, extra work, materials etc not on site. I always return calls and turn up to quote at the arrainged time, i never give a "ballpark" figure, always give a written quote, always stick to that quote even if i have missed something out. only charge for larger extra work (dont charge for something i can do while im doing rest of job). One thing that gives me the shits is a slow payer , they only catch me once, and people who dont let you know that the have accepted another quote, its only a quick call or email and lets you know where you stand regarding future work and where your pricing stands with your peers, and the ones that 6 months after getting the quote call on sunday evening and say the job is ready to go and we are shifting in on next tuesday.:doobey: :doobey:

[Swoop]

you painted your roof then?

whats the deal with fitting your own powerpoints and insurance? if your're not qualified.
if your house burns down because of electrical fire will you be covered?

always wanted to know this.
The houseowner is permitted to do electrical work on their own house. They cannot connect any cables into the main curcuitboard though, that has to be done by a registered sparky.

[Finn]

The good old kiwi way cost me $100k to fix my leaking house that the council signed off. The repairs were done by a qualified builder with building consent. The house is leaking again.

Island life eh.

[Ixion]

Well, the good old Kiwi way, y'wouldn't have relied on some clerk signing a bit of paper. Y'd have looked yourself, and made sure.

If you want a job done properly, do it y'self. If you want to know it's been done peoperly, check it out yourself. And anyone who relies on somebody signing a bit of paper has only himself to blame, I reckon.

Nothing like eyeballing things to be sure.

[scumdog]

There are no in between bits in my brain. They're all filled up with Speights.

Hardly surprising when you look at post #56!!!

[Finn]

Well, the good old Kiwi way, y'wouldn't have relied on some clerk signing a bit of paper. Y'd have looked yourself, and made sure.

If you want a job done properly, do it y'self. If you want to know it's been done peoperly, check it out yourself. And anyone who relies on somebody signing a bit of paper has only himself to blame, I reckon.

Nothing like eyeballing things to be sure.

Given I know nothing about building, how would that help? When I bought the place I paid a well known engineering company to check it out. it came out tops.

And don't worry, I haven't paid the final bill and am in the process of winding up the builders company. I will bankrupt him if I have to - he has a house.

[Blind spot]

I am a tradesman, do a good job,approachable and friendly.
Don't slag us all off because you had an unfortunate responce.
Sometimes we all get asked to look at shit jobs we don't want to know about, sounds like this is one of them.
We don't need full of shit ravers mouthing of on Biker forums, why not get off your arse and fix the problem yourself instead of whinging.
If we are such dick heads as you make out why not buy some tools and get on with the job it can't be rocket science if thick people can do it.
Then again this dickhead has a nice new motorbike, a newish car, batch at the beach and a beautiful wife.
so who cares rave on all you like.

[Str8 Jacket]

Blind spot - take the Blue pill it'll help you chill. Then when you get around to it (you could make your own) read a dictionary. People can vent, doesnt mean they mean YOU personally. I bet you have a good rant about things that piss you off all the time, does that make you a horrible person?

[The_Dover]

That's the attitude.

"Your job is too shitty and small for my skills"

So who the fuck is gonna do it?

[James Deuce]

I am a tradesman, do a good job,approachable and friendly.
Don't slag us all off because you had an unfortunate responce.
Sometimes we all get asked to look at shit jobs we don't want to know about, sounds like this is one of them.
We don't need full of shit ravers mouthing of on Biker forums, why not get off your arse and fix the problem yourself instead of whinging.
If we are such dick heads as you make out why not buy some tools and get on with the job it can't be rocket science if thick people can do it.
Then again this dickhead has a nice new motorbike, a newish car, batch at the beach and a beautiful wife.
so who cares rave on all you like.

You're Up Norf. If you were down here, I would have rung. I did put an APB out on KB when we started looking for people to do the job. No one responded.

But thanks very much for confirming the attitude that I've come to expect from most tradesmen. Bit rich to ask me to refrain from judging you, when you've already stuck me in the whinging wanker box - without knowing me. I guess you fall into the Aggressive bucket.

I can't do the job myself, so I went to market - isn't that how it's supposed to work?

When am I supposed to do it? I'm on-call 24x7 one week in 3, I have 3 small kids and I work 7am-7pm most days. When I get a weekend off I like to spend it with the family, not fucking my front door up.

[Blind spot]

I take your point .
i will try and find that Biker chicks and trolley dollies thread and take myself in hand.
Like

[Beemer]

I am a tradesman... Sometimes we all get asked to look at shit jobs we don't want to know about, sounds like this is one of them.
We don't need full of shit ravers mouthing of on Biker forums, why not get off your arse and fix the problem yourself instead of whinging.

Some of us have to work at shit jobs to pay the bills, that's life. As for shit jobs in plumbing, building, etc, they are part of the job. It can't all be installing spa pools in model's bathrooms, you have to fix blocked drains too! Or are you one of those celebrity tradesmen who only do the top jobs, leaving your underlings the shitty ones?

Most of us can't do the job ourselves, that's why WE pay people like YOU (ie, we keep money rolling into YOUR business so you can carry on enjoying the standard of life you enjoy). And most of us have fulltime jobs which is another valid reason for hiring a so-called expert to do these kinds of jobs for us. As for buying the tools and doing the job ourselves - most of us would have no idea what tools were required and why would we want to buy something we may only use once? But on the other hand, if it means we don't have to deal with useless pricks like you, I'm all for it! :nya:

[dangerous]

It has taken 7 months to get a joiner or a builder to turn up to our house to replace the rotting joinery that is our front door.

Well, ya never asked me did ya :first:

Look the problem starts with the fact anybody can build shit, the sooner the building trade is regulated the better.
Jim I'm sure that any decent Co would have told you straight up if they could do it or not.
Now the thing is... in this line of work and I've been in it for many a year it seems to attract some of the biggest c@#ts around... I dont enjoy it but its what I do dealing with trades people is hard but you can not tar all tradies with the same brush, why only today I left a job due to the most ignarant people I have meet... fuk em move on and try again.

While we are on the subject tho, it seems that new zealanders expect a lot yet think they can pay SFA for a decent job, they also expect it done yesterday, dosnt work like that all good things take time and cost.

[James Deuce]

I'm not one of those ignorant bastards who expects perfection for peanuts. I get enough of the other side of that equation on a daily basis.

I want to find a bloke I can get to do stuff in the future, who has enough nouse to be able to do a reasonable job of quoting honestly and pointing out any potential pitfalls in a job I ask him to do. I'm not going to stand over anyone, but I do have to point out that having no front door is a security issue for most people.

The guy we've engaged has been superb, not only turning up when he said he would, but clearly detailing what needs to happen and pricing it accordingly. Friends we spoke to said that we didn't want to use them because they're expensive. They're not, they just don't take shortcuts, they're polite and well presented, and are able to tell you how they will fit your job into their workload. Basic stuff.

I'm not trying to bag individuals, but it is bloody frustrating that any sparky, chippie, joiner, roofer, or plumber can wilfully cost you a day's pay with no explanation.

WHat's up with that? "I'll be there Tuesday", ends up with me being substantially out of pocket, before I've even got anyone to do the job.

D, you know damn well that if I lived in Christchurch you'd have the job, and we'd plan around when you could do it. Problem is, it's taken so long to get someone to get going that the door and surrounding bits is about to collapse in a heap. So now it's urgent. Hence the rant.

[Brett]

I deal with contractors of all types from builders to painters to engineers to architects etc. etc. everyday for work. Pity your not in Aucks Jim, i would have done it for you myself!

Many of my clients have deleted certain works under the contracts, and opted to do the works themselves to save money. To date, non have actually saved anything!

I agree, most of my day is spent locating contractors, keeping on top of those existing contractors to make sure that wt is supposed to be done, is actually being done. It is hard work since most companies are juggling many projects at once.
I have found that what helps is to make sure that EVERYTHING is organised prior to locating a contractor. I.E. if you are after a painter, make sure that you have got all of the colours, paint types etc. organised. Tradespeople like to deal with people that are on top of the game themselves. It means that the job will go smoothly and quickly and they will make good money out of it.
It is sooooo easy for money to be eaten away in no time in construction.

Before I start a new project, i have all time programmes, ,specifications such as plumbing fittings, electrical fittings etc. in order so that all contractors are aware of what they need to do. It is hard work, but makes the management much easier. If you are building a house, or even doing rennovations or extensions, i highly recommend that you do this. Hell, PM me if you are and i will tell you the basics of what to sort out...

I have noticed much of what you guys have pointed out on here, and am looking at starting my own company with an emphasis on service, quality and actually being there when it is promised.

It isn't going to get better any time soon tho...especially out of Auckland!

[James Deuce]

Nice one Brett.

We've discussed methods and materials, and we're sitting down to discuss glazing and colours tomorrow.

You're not wrong about having it planned correctly before you start.

Good luck with that venture.

[dangerous]

D, you know damn well that if I lived in Christchurch you'd have the job,

the door and surrounding bits is about to collapse in a heap. So now it's urgent. Hence the rant.

cheers Jim, bloody great that I do live down here aye :blip:

'urgent' now come on Jim... is the Z750 at risk? is the Z750 in the cold?... didnt think so, so how can it be urgant :doobey:

good luck with the tradies, and remember, keep ya undies draw locked and girlie mags hidden

[Beemer]

This new website could be just what we all need!

As seen on Stuff today:

Site helps customers find good tradesmen
07 August 2006
By REUBEN SCHWARZ

Two online businesses have sprung up with different approaches to solving one of the vexed questions of the 21st century: how to find a reliable tradesman.


Two 21-year-old Auckland entrepreneurs, Hugh Chapman and Luke Kelly, last week launched tradepages.co.nz, a website that allows tradesmen to advertise their services and lets customers place feedback.

The site will be free till the end of the year, by which time Mr Chapman and Mr Kelly hope to have 400 listings. After that, the pair hope to charge tradesmen a minimum of $5 a month to maintain their listings.

"New Zealanders need a portal to find quality tradesmen they are able to trust," says Mr Kelly.

Victoria University psychology graduate Hew Norris has started another ratings site, greatservice.co.nz, as a way for people to share their experiences as customers of New Zealand businesses.

"What you really want to know is which businesses give you good service," he says.

While the site now has more than 300 members, it may face an uphill battle attracting comments. Anyone who posts good feedback about their plumber, for example, might see their plumber's fees go up.

Mr Norris acknowledges the problem but believes he can get around this by forcing new members to post a comment on a business before they can see any others. The site currently has about 375 comments.

If a business objects to a member's opinion, Mr Norris will remove the business from the site. He says this hasn't happened yet. Comments have been removed from the site, but only because they weren't informative, merely saying such things as "great service".

Mr Norris believes the "power of the Internet" will cancel out unfair reviews.

Telecom currently has the most comments of any business on the site, mostly negative.

[NC]

Oh jim, you must have not wanted it that desprately. You knew I was working in the joinery biz in wellz

[Motu]

I'd like some customers I can trust.....

[WINJA]

I'd like some customers I can trust.....
YOU MEAN WHITE CUSTOMERS RIGHT?

[inlinefour]

I hear thee brother. First off, most kiwi tradesmen have shit for brains and couldn't build a shack that would last 12 months. Having said that, the general quality and standard of service across the board in lil old NZ is piss poor.

I also avoid NZ made crap if I can help it. No pride and no quality.

But it sure is a lovely country.

They did away with carpentry apprenticehips awhile back and let alot of worthless cowboys through. A decade or so later everyone was up in arms with the level of shit work that was becoming common place in the building industry. As a result I am told they looked at running the apprenticeship program again. However if they did, exactly who is left to actually run it to an acceptable standard???

[James Deuce]

Crikey!

Rang the Home Ventilation guy we've been talking to to say we have some money and we want to do phase one. Turns up next day - Installation starts tomorrow!

Gave the Joiner $2k 3 weeks ago. Errr, hello, is this thing on? Ring all nice like, "Hello, just wondering when you'd be up to measure everything up? We're a bit concerned that the dry rot is going to give way and slice the kids in two when the glass contained (loosely) in the aforementioned dry rot falls out when rammed by a Tonka toy."

"WE'RE VERY BUSY. WE'RE DOWN A COUPLE OF BLOKES. WE'LL BE UP IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS AND IF YOU'RE REALLY, REALLY LUCKY WE'LL DO THE JOB SOMETIME LATER THIS YEAR."

Owww. That's a bit loud.

"Can I have my money back please?"

"I'll be up next week."

"Can I have my money back please."

"ARE YOU DEAF? WE'RE BUSY."

"Consumer's Institute, Fair Go, Consumer Affairs.... Can I have my money back please?"

"WE'LL DO IT WHEN WE'RE READY."

{click}

Sigh.

PS Sorry NC, didn't even think of you. I'm a dick.

[shafty]

Our plumber also made an interesting observation that we always pay our bills on time so that's maybe a contributing factor too. As Dooly says, its a 2 way relationship.

I can totally relate to the frustration vented on this thread. The market forces means the Sloppy Tradesmen flourish when there is a shortage of Tradesmen, but when things tighten up, they'll be shagged. As a Landlord, I have worked to develop relationships with Plumbers etc, and I always pay immediately, often on the spot, and mostly in cash - that way, if they get 3 calls in a morning with jobs, and I'm one of them, they think "Pete's good for a bit of cash, the weekends coming up....."

[James Deuce]

Bugger. This is what happens when you don't work from home.

Joiner turned up and measured everything up. Reckons it will be done in 2-3 weeks. Bet he spits in my free coffee.

[merv]

Oh jim, you must have not wanted it that desprately. You knew I was working in the joinery biz in wellz

So you've come back to have more than just a drink?

[yungatart]

Bugger. This is what happens when you don't work from home.

Joiner turned up and measured everything up. Reckons it will be done in 2-3 weeks. Bet he spits in my free coffee.

Now that you have sorted your door, can you find my sparky and sort him too! Gagre all finished, office painted and carpeted, workshop all lined.... MSTRS still working from the spare room and dining table cos there's still no effin power out there!

[The Pastor]

YOU MEAN WHITE CUSTOMERS RIGHT?




<img src="http://www.mumupi.org/pix/2005/Halloween/dickey.jpg">
TRU CUZ YOU KNO WAT IM SAYIN?

[Hitcher]

TRU CUZ YOU KNO WAT IM SAYIN?
Have you got some sexual orientation issues, or is some crazed idiot using your login?

[Swoop]

Wow, that is a really advanced stage or arthritis, or some other worse muscular degenerative disease of the wrists.
You have my sympathy.

[The_Dover]

some other worse muscular degenerative disease of the wrists.
You have my sympathy.

I think he masturbates too much.

That GPZ doesn't pull much pussy.

In fact, I doubt it pulls much at all.

[Brian d marge]

Well I have to agree with Jim here, My experience of Engineers/machinists in NZ, leaves me with a feeling of dread when I know I have to look for a new one !
Oh and the excuses ......

Me, I want a company that is computer literate ( unlike my spelling!) and can open/use a cad drawing .

Secondly, I am no fussed about time , but If you say its going to be ready in 2 weeks, Please let it be so , As I have organised thing here for that part to be used in 2 weeks....

When the part is made, if I have called out a general tolerance, PLEASE stick to it

The reason I do use NZ engineers, is well ,,,I support NZ where I can.

When I do find a good enginner I stick with them

Case in point F1 Engineering, Steve Bridge. He will tell me straight up if he can/wants to do the job, The time it will take, and the cost

He is computer literate, you can Email him any time AND you WILL get a reply

He is a touch expensive , but for the reliability ..I dont mind

Finally ... I am a customer, and have a wee bit of experience in this field. So why do I feel " not iin control of the situation"...

As in " I want you to do this for me " and I walk out thinking " what do you think I should do, " ...


Stephen

Who is probably worse than Jim when it comes to house hold repairs ....( I have replace a tap washer before. and painted a roof ..I cqan also hold the trademans tool :gob: )

[James Deuce]

Holy Crap.

DrivAire system installed the day it was booked for. It hasn't burned the house down or hoovered the cat up yet. I think I've found a good sparky.

Sorry yungatart, he won't travel to Napier.

[James Deuce]

Still don't have a front door.

I've paid for half of it.

Rang him today.

He "forgot".

Sorry for the Trial by Internet, but I'm pissed off. I've given this bloke a substantial amount of money. Enough to by a CB400.

He's done nothing in return. This guy is a major Lower Hutt joiner with a "top notch" reputation.

Thank goodness I didn't employ a dropkick.

[merv]

Mate, how much patience have you got????

[Dafe]

It's a case of the small fish left to the side.

there is so much commercial building going on and rediculous quoting going on that the small jobs, just aren't profitable to companies anymore.

Any contractor that is half decent, gets scooped into the corporate game swiftly and makes the big bucks.

All the good contractors are flat tack!

[Colapop]

You want someone to pay him a 'visit'.

[James Deuce]

Dafe. I don't care. You could break into my house with a sneeze. I have a full length piece of glass in there that will dice my kids when, not if, it falls out.

Lower Hutt tradesmen are thieving scum.

[Dafe]

Do you mind saying who you dealt with - Freedom of speech dude.

BTW, Obviously not all Lower Hutt tradesman are thieves. Yes there are heaps of dodgey pricks out there. these days you have to be sure about who you hire to do anything. I only have mates I know do any work on my house.

If you need your problem sorted properly and efficiently, Call Gary Lester (04) 2331743 (Yes I know, It ain't a Lower Hutt number!)
Be sure to request he does your job personally, not his boys. He will put you right immediately.

Also, If you ever need plumbing or sparky work done, just ask. I know top tradesmen that do top quality perky work for a good price.

[James Deuce]

I'm not saying anything until I have a door.

This guy was organised through a friend too (he's her father for crying out loud) and it just doesn't seem to mean anything.

I've got a really good sparky. He installed our Drivaire system exactly on time and exactly on budget.

When I need a plumber I'll be sure to call! Thanks!

[Dafe]

You took a some chicks advice about tradework....... Jim!!!!! :spanking:

[MattRSK]

Dafe. I don't care. You could break into my house with a sneeze. I have a full length piece of glass in there that will dice my kids when, not if, it falls out.

Lower Hutt tradesmen are thieving scum.


If its that bad take the glass out and put some plywood up. Its better than having dead kids!

[Clockwork]

If he's left an unsafe job site... isn't that a matter for OSH?

[James Deuce]

If its that bad take the glass out and put some plywood up. Its better than having dead kids!

The whole front door surround is rotten. There is nowhere to attach the plywood. We're having the whole thing reframed, new glass, new door.

Good point Clockwork. I may try that on.

[iwilde]

We are waiting for a quote from a sparky for some exterior lights, have been for nearly 7 YEARS, found someone else in the meantime.. But while having the new gargre and office built I have been appalled at the lack of accountability some tradesmen have to their (potential) customers. If Mstrs ran his business that way, i doubt he'd have a business anymore.. it beats me how some of these guys are still going.

Quote for exterior lights? I'm an Electrician and wouldn't waste my time traveling to your place, quoting the job that would only take a few hrs to do and I'm expected to wait in line behind 10 other sparkies to compete for the pleasure to take on your most important priority job. A job like that I usualy do an estimate over the phone, but it's important to keep the customer informed of things like progress, problems, price and being generaly honest about the work load at the time.

[James Deuce]

Quote for exterior lights? I'm an Electrician and wouldn't waste my time traveling to your place, quoting the job that would only take a few hrs to do and I'm expected to wait in line behind 10 other sparkies to compete for the pleasure to take on your most important priority job. A job like that I usualy do an estimate over the phone, but it's important to keep the customer informed of things like progress, problems, price and being generaly honest about the work load at the time.

It's impossible to get a tradesman to provide a quote, let alone turn up at your house. If you didn't visit the site to do the quote you then provide yourself an out for charging a good 200 or 300% more than the quote, because you "didn't understand the particular requirements of the site" when you quoted.

[yungatart]

Quote for exterior lights? I'm an Electrician and wouldn't waste my time traveling to your place, quoting the job that would only take a few hrs to do and I'm expected to wait in line behind 10 other sparkies to compete for the pleasure to take on your most important priority job. A job like that I usualy do an estimate over the phone, but it's important to keep the customer informed of things like progress, problems, price and being generaly honest about the work load at the time.

He was the one who wanted to come around to see the job, I would have been happy with an estimate over the phone. His work premises are about 300 metres from our house and he was going to call in on his way home. I guess he got lost!
Jim have you thought about giving the door a wee 'nudge' so it becomes an insurance job - it might get done quicker..

[iwilde]

It's impossible to get a tradesman to provide a quote, let alone turn up at your house. If you didn't visit the site to do the quote you then provide yourself an out for charging a good 200 or 300% more than the quote, because you "didn't understand the particular requirements of the site" when you quoted.

For a job thats going to take less than a day I give the option of an estimate or hourly rate. By the time I drive to your home, check out the job, drive back again and write up a formal quote with no way of knowing if I have the job or not? If I do end up with the job I've got to listen to all the bullshit excusses as to why the cheque hasn't arrived yet. Is that what you expect a qualified tradesperson to put up with? You may not be like that, but so many are. No wonder I only work for industrial companies now.

[iwilde]

He was the one who wanted to come around to see the job, I would have been happy with an estimate over the phone. His work premises are about 300 metres from our house and he was going to call in on his way home. I guess he got lost!
Jim have you thought about giving the door a wee 'nudge' so it becomes an insurance job - it might get done quicker..

I see your point, think of it this way, if he cant be bothered to comunicate with you in a decent way, would you want him wiring your lights?

[yungatart]

Absolutely not! They have a way of weeding themselves out of my contact list that suits me, I guess. Just recently, we had a guy turn up to quote on making and installing those vertical blind things in the new office. He gave us a price we could live with and said he would be around at 8.30 am on the Friday to install it - this was the Friday before, so he had a week to do the job. Mstrs didn't book any work for that day until about 10.30, to give the guy time to do the job. At 11 on the agreed day, he rang the guy up to see where he was - the order was still in his car and had not even been placed with the manufacturer! WTF?? We rang the opposition company, they visited Friday avo and installed the blind on the following Monday. That's another one off my list of who to do business with.

[James Deuce]

For a job thats going to take less than a day I give the option of an estimate or hourly rate. By the time I drive to your home, check out the job, drive back again and write up a formal quote with no way of knowing if I have the job or not? If I do end up with the job I've got to listen to all the bullshit excusses as to why the cheque hasn't arrived yet. Is that what you expect a qualified tradesperson to put up with? You may not be like that, but so many are. No wonder I only work for industrial companies now.

I've paid a 50% deposit on the job.

I paid the sparky who put my Drivaire in the day he did it, with cash, albeit via Internet banking.

I don't care how many people haven't paid you. I would. I'm sick of the attitude that gets dished out by the least professional group of "businessmen" in NZ when you point out that they treat people like criminals at best, or at worst they steal your money.

How are we supposed to maintain a standard of living if you can't get "professionals" to come to your house to fix stuff when it breaks?

[Swoop]

We are waiting for a quote from a sparky for some exterior lights, have been for nearly 7 YEARS,
Luckily the regulations have changed and the homeowner is now allowed to do electrical work on your own home so long as you do not wire anything into the main circuit board. Lights are a doddle.

[iwilde]

Luckily the regulations have changed and the homeowner is now allowed to do electrical work on your own home so long as you do not wire anything into the main circuit board. Lights are a doddle.

I charge double to repair stuff ups by people being weekend sparkies. BTW, you still have to have a registered Electrician cert' any work you do. If not, when your shoddy wiring burns your home to the ground the insurance won't pay out.

[James Deuce]

I charge double to repair stuff ups by people being weekend sparkies. BTW, you still have to have a registered Electrician cert' any work you do. If not, when your shoddy wiring burns your home to the ground the insurance won't pay out.

And yet it is almost impossible to get a sparky to turn up to a residential property.

[Swoop]

And yet it is almost impossible to get a sparky to turn up to a residential property.

Yes. They are trained on the same billing system that plumbers use... "About a bazillion dollars approximately, PLUS gst. Parts will be extra... and did I mention the travelling time?"

[iwilde]

Yes. They are trained on the same billing system that plumbers use... "About a bazillion dollars approximately, PLUS gst. Parts will be extra... and did I mention the travelling time?"

Sounds like a bit of the green eyed monster? What stopped you from slogging your guts out for 4yrs on below min' wage and getting all the shit jobs under the sun? That goes for any tradesperson. Why don't you have a crack at lawyers, or banks? The banks actualy charge for a non service while loaning out your money for a profit.

Charging for a bit of traveling time is a must while doing small run a round jobs. Most forget it on a resonable sized job.

[Motu]

It always makes me laugh when people complain about tradesman's charges....like how much do they or their company charge for their job? I drive a 17 yr old car and ride a 9 yr old bike.I doubt if you'll find many tradesmen in the upper income bracket.....so how come those who are think they are always getting ripped off?

[James Deuce]

I'm NOT complaining about what I'm being charged.

I'm complaining about struggling to engage a "professional" to do the work in the first place, and then them taking my money and doing nothing.

Very, VERY, frustrating.

[Cajun]

i guess its handy next door negbouir is a sparky, i do work his computers let his kids borrow some dvds, and he does any sparky work for me, father in law, as build house etc etc, and well we got a good plumber, who we call and he is there next day with good prices.

[iwilde]

I'm NOT complaining about what I'm being charged.

I'm complaining about struggling to engage a "professional" to do the work in the first place, and then them taking my money and doing nothing.

Very, VERY, frustrating.


Taking your money for doing nothing? What sort of crap is that? When I get tradespersons to do work for me, i.e. servicing my ZX, if I see nothing has been done, I sure arn't going to hand over my hard erned money! I've never been paid for doing nothing in my life, but have done plenty of jobs where I get paid nothing due to being fucked around. I have to admit that 99% of the time it's the Mt Eden or Parnell type that normaly rip me off. BTW, what do you do for a crust?

[Dooly]

I'm starting to do swap work thing with other tradesmen now.
They get work done on their vehicles here, and I get stuff done from them, plumbing, building etc..........and no money, paperwork changes hands.
Its working out good.

[Motu]

I'm NOT complaining about what I'm being charged.


That wasn't aimed at you Jim,but the thread has wandered a bit.

We have had a very bad plumber in our area....well,we think he might be no good,but he never turns up so we aren't too sure.But we have found a good one now - they turn up when they say they do,and the guy not only repairs,but problem solves as he goes...almost a lost art.When he raised the hot water pressure ,it overflowed the vent pipe...so he made a new pipe to extend it higher,then showed my wife where the Neefa valve was and how to adjust it.Put in a water filter as an extra job,fixed the no hot water in the laundry tub,it had 2 one way valves in the line that no one else saw - and he only came to fix the shower.We'll have him back!

[James Deuce]

Taking your money for doing nothing? What sort of crap is that? When I get tradespersons to do work for me, i.e. servicing my ZX, if I see nothing has been done, I sure arn't going to hand over my hard erned money! I've never been paid for doing nothing in my life, but have done plenty of jobs where I get paid nothing due to being fucked around. I have to admit that 99% of the time it's the Mt Eden or Parnell type that normaly rip me off. BTW, what do you do for a crust?

I couldn't get anyone to do the job without paying a 50% deposit.

[iwilde]

I couldn't get anyone to do the job without paying a 50% deposit.

Shit, I'm sorry that happened to you. I've never taken a cent before the work is completed, unless I state a progress payment after parts of the job are done. But thats usualy wiring new houses or large industrial or comercial jobs.

[APPLE]

looking for tradesman:go to www.nocowboys.co.nz you will find what your lookin for.....

[James Deuce]

looking for tradesman:go to www.nocowboys.co.nz (http://www.nocowboys.co.nz) you will find what your lookin for.....

Uh huh.

Guess who is listed in there? Go on, guess!

[Swoop]

Sounds like a bit of the green eyed monster? What stopped you from slogging your guts out for 4yrs on below min' wage and getting all the shit jobs under the sun? That goes for any tradesperson.
Nothing. I did a 9000hr apprenticeship and getting Trade Cert and AdvTC.
I remember my starting rate was $2.15per hour so I do know about getting the shit jobs...:buggerd:

Why don't you have a crack at lawyers, or banks?
I do.
However plumbers are at the top of my hit list...:spanking:

[Swoop]

Guess who is listed in there? Go on, guess!
It dosen't have a category for Joiners, so I am none the wiser...
I guess you'll enjoy doing the write up when it is complete?:lol:

[boomer]

the cunts who have been working on my house are just that.. useless cunts.

They lay a hardwood floor and it doesnt meet the kick boards and is bowed in the middle, i complain and they say... thats Normal! Well fuck me its normal im gonna keep back payment then we'll see whats fukin normal.

The cabinetry maker then tells me its normal, i tell him i disagree and he has the balls to ask what i do for a living. After telling him nothing.. he says well there you go.. you should listen to us tradesmen! if he'd done teh job the first time round he wouldnt have been back at the house having this fukin conversation!

fukin uselss, piss poor finishing and attitude that John Lydon would be proud of. Still.. i'm not gonna pay the fuckers till they fix it :2thumbsup

still.. want paradise? comes at a cost i 'spose

[APPLE]

Uh huh.

Guess who is listed in there? Go on, guess!

No?you have a guess,who's listed in there,Go on' have a guess.....:lol: :lol:

[James Deuce]

They turned up today and started work. Replacement stuff looks very high quality.

They did say they'd be here last Monday week ago though.

[yungatart]

At last! Does this mean things are looking up for you now then?
We live in hope...

[James Deuce]

I don't believe it. The idiot has broken two $1000 dollar each hand blown glass door panels and is suggesting we use our insurance to fix them. He "claims" he told us there was a chance of breaking them.

What do I do? I'm being fucked over by this guy and there's nothing I can do.

[MSTRS]

I don't believe it. The idiot has broken two $1000 dollar each hand blown glass door panels and is suggesting we use our insurance to fix them. He "claims" he told us their was a chance of breaking them.

What do I do? I'm being fucked over by this guy and there's nothing I can do.


Bet he never 'told' you that you'd be paying for them either way??
The components are not yours until the job is finished and completely paid for. Breakage by the installer is not your problem - it's his.

[ManDownUnder]

I don't believe it. The idiot has broken two $1000 dollar each hand blown glass door panels and is suggesting we use our insurance to fix them. He "claims" he told us there was a chance of breaking them.



What do I do? I'm being fucked over by this guy and there's nothing I can do.


Take photos, keep a diary, don't pay until you have to, and keep an amount aside to cover disputes. He can then take you to the disputes tribuanl, you produce your evidence and all is good.

Hopefully it's that simple.

Plan/arrange things so the last payment is suitably delayed if you can. Have an "emergency" - I dunno, car breaks down or something" so the cash isn't available for the last payment.

[James Deuce]

Bet he never 'told' you that you'd be paying for them either way??
The components are not yours until the job is finished and completely paid for. Breakage by the installer is not your problem - it's his.

They were ours to start with. He was removing them from our current door as you can't get them anymore.

[James Deuce]

Take photos, keep a diary, don't pay until you have to, and keep an amount aside to cover disputes. He can then take you to the disputes tribuanl, you produce your evidence and all is good.

Hopefully it's that simple.

Plan/arrange things so the last payment is suitably delayed if you can. Have an "emergency" - I dunno, car breaks down or something" so the cash isn't available for the last payment.

He broke them at his workshop.

[ManDownUnder]

He broke them at his workshop.

hang on...

to clarify, they are your windows (i.e. removed from your house and broken at his workshop) or they are new windows broken at his workshop?

If they're yet to be installed (or paid for) title hasn't passed and they're his problem

If they're yours he has an onus of responsibility under the Consumer Guarantees (??) Act to deliver value and workmanship (and care) to the levels expected of a specialist as he purports to be (by way of him advertising as a builder).

If in doubt I'd call a halt to proceedings and get him to clarify who's paying for what and if you don't agree, get a different builder to finish the job.

If he's a master builder then take it up with the Master Builder Association. I get the feeling he's not going to be your friend at the end of this whole thing, so if you're going to make an enemy, why not do it now, and get a decent job out of it?

[Paul in NZ]

I suggest we all stay away from water towers and schools for the next week or so...

Cheer up Jim - I'll buy you lunch tomorrow - hows that...

Then you can go ring your insurance company - you get on so well with them I know it will be a breeze....

Paul N

ps - whats that sizzling sound?

pps - serious about lunch - my treat

[James Deuce]

hang on...

to clarify, they are your windows (i.e. removed from your house and broken at his workshop) or they are new windows broken at his workshop?

If they're yet to be installed (or paid for) title hasn't passed and they're his problem

If they're yours he has an onus of responsibility under the Consumer Guarantees (??) Act to deliver value and workmanship (and care) to the levels expected of a specialist as he purports to be (by way of him advertising as a builder).

If in doubt I'd call a halt to proceedings and get him to clarify who's paying for what and if you don't agree, get a different builder to finish the job.

If he's a master builder then take it up with the Master Builder Association. I get the feeling he's not going to be your friend at the end of this whole thing, so if you're going to make an enemy, why not do it now, and get a decent job out of it?

They're blown glass door panels out of our existing door. He removed the door to take to his workshop while the new door frame was installed for reinstallation into the new door that he has built.

He's actually a Joiner so I'm not sure that the MBA covers that.

Can't call a halt to things with no door installed, and it took 7 months to get someone to even agree to do the job. Who would I get to finish it? Santa Claus?

Sorry, I'm really pissed off, and I feel like a hostage.

[James Deuce]

I suggest we all stay away from water towers and schools for the next week or so...

Cheer up Jim - I'll buy you lunch tomorrow - hows that...

Then you can go ring your insurance company - you get on so well with them I know it will be a breeze....

Paul N

ps - whats that sizzling sound?

pps - serious about lunch - my treat

It's OK, it's a different Insurance company.

That would be lovely, and the first nice thing anyone has done for me since the last nice thing you did for me. Shut up Dover.

[Sniper]

Sorry to hear about the shit this guy is putting you through Jim. I would keep a log of all the things he has done and if he isnt willing to sort out his own faults, you subtract it from the cost of building the house.

[ManDownUnder]

Sorry, I'm really pissed off, and I feel like a hostage.

And rightly so. Consumaer's Institute is your friend.

Any lawyers online?

Also, contact the Insurance Company, tell them what's going on and ask them if they';re ok to pay on that or should the builder do it? They won;t want to pay if they don;t have to, and they have lawyers (and know the law)... they're either going to wriggle out if ot (giving you grounds to hold this guy to account as of now, or they'll pay up.

?

I don't know what else to say mate

[The_Dover]

Shut up Dover.

christ jim, I don't know whether to be flattered or offended!

I wouldn't kick a man whilst he's down, unless it was dorkauckland or that singstar fella.

Is the work this guy is doing based solely on a verbal contract? I'm pretty sure that the contractors that I deal with are liable for ANY damage that they cause whilst on site.

[Hitcher]

or that singstar fella.

Takes careful note of where this thread may be going...

[Paul in NZ]

christ jim, I don't know whether to be flattered or offended!

.

Choose to be flattered.

:yes:

[The_Dover]

Takes careful note of where this thread may be going...

what the crap are you on about? the rest of my post was on topic and inferences to fictitious characters are not against the rules.

who pissed on your chips?

[James Deuce]

After some good natured discussion he has agreed to investigate his Insurance channels first and our Insurance company is geared up for a scrap if necessary.

[Hitcher]

who pissed on your chips?

One day we'll meet, and I'll then explain what I meant. You should learn to be less touchy.

[James Deuce]

christ jim, I don't know whether to be flattered or offended!


It was a joke - trying to maintain my sense of humour, and I was expecting some innuendo. Hang I think I just got that done to me....

[The_Dover]

sorry, it's the scotsman in me always spoiling for a fight. and i'm not even a ginger.

so Jim, if you can't get them anymore how is he going to make reparation? what are these panels like anyway? those sorta bottle bottom type things that you see in hooses back home?

[Hitcher]

After some good natured discussion he has agreed to investigate his Insurance channels first and our Insurance company is geared up for a scrap if necessary.


I can't see why this wouldn't be on him. The glass was broken while it was in his care. No different from a motorcycle shop spreading one's ride all over the road whilst out test riding said during a service. This "joiner" doesn't have a surname like Dilligaf, does he?

Crap luck, BTW.

[yungatart]

Surely the "tradesman's" public liability insurance should cover this.....
Damn, Jim, you musta been a real bad fella in a past life...your bad luck must come to an end soon:sunny:

[James Deuce]

sorry, it's the scotsman in me always spoiling for a fight. and i'm not even a ginger.

so Jim, if you can't get them anymore how is he going to make reparation? what are these panels like anyway? those sorta bottle bottom type things that you see in hooses back home?

No, not those ugly things, these ones are clear glass. There's a Professor of Glass Blowing (I shit you not) at Victoria University who is going to make us a couple. Apparently.

[The_Dover]

hey man, glass blowing is an art. I've been to venice and seen them in action. pretty impressive.

i just can't for the life of me picture what the hell these things look like. they must be flat'ish??

his insurance will almost certainly cover it unless part of the contract was for the demolish and removal of them, which he'd fucken charge you for anyway.

[James Deuce]

They're about 10" square and they are domed. Quite difficult to describe really.

[Hitcher]

They look a bit like those perspex skylight bubbles. But square. And made of glass. Coloured glass.

[Ixion]

And not skylights. So, actually, totally different ?

[MSTRS]

Let your insurer fight his insurer. As long as you are not expected to pay for the damage yourself.
Just to be a joygerm, I don't think Public Liability covers the article being worked on, only damage to anything else....ie. if I am putting a stripe on (say) someone's front mudguard & I damage that guard in any way, then no cover. But if I turn around with the knife in my hand and cut the paint on the adjacent door, or stand up & break the wing mirror with my shoulder, then I'm covered.

[James Deuce]

Coloured glass.

Not! That would be tasteless, and no his surname isn't Dilligaf.

[Swoop]

As others have said regarding the Joiners insurance company.

As a side note, old glass is an absolute bastard to work with and the risk is always present no matter how carefully you handle it.
Getting a glazier to cut old glass is even more difficult!

Hope it all works out Jim.

[James Deuce]

There was no cutting of glass involved. Merely removing it from the old door frame.

[Swoop]

There was no cutting of glass involved. Merely removing it from the old door frame.

I realise this Jim, as you would want to keep the glass the same in the new door.
Just stating that it is problematic to work with.
If anyone has looked through an old pane of glass, you might notice some distortion of the view. Glass "sags" with age since it remains partly "fluid".
The larger the pane/s the bigger the risk involved.

[Swoop]

There was no cutting of glass involved. Merely removing it from the old door frame.

I realise this Jim, as you would want to keep the glass the same in the new door.
Just stating that it is problematic to work with.
If anyone has looked through an old pane of glass, you might notice some distortion of the view. Glass "sags" with age since it remains partly "fluid".
The larger the pane/s the bigger the risk involved.

EDIT: I do not know how thick the blown glass would be, but I'm guessing quite thin to be able to be worked.

[James Deuce]

Door's still not fucking finished.

Happy New Year.

[JimO]

you need to shift to dunedin mate, it would have been done months ago

[F5 Dave]

I'm yet to find a Lawn guy who will bother to show up to give us a price.

5 numbers called, some twice.

Enough to make a man consider buying a lawnmower & doing it himself. Almost.

[JimO]

I'm yet to find a Lawn guy who will bother to show up to give us a price.

5 numbers called, some twice.

Enough to make a man consider buying a lawnmower & doing it himself. Almost.

ask one of the neighbourhood kids to do it my son cuts the old lady next doors grass for $10 a cut ,and he does it with a push mower (no motor)

[LXS]

ask one of the neighbourhood kids to do it my son cuts the old lady next doors grass for $10 a cut ,and he does it with a push mower (no motor)

or get some wild animals in to graze, you'll have dinner sorted for the rest of 07

[James Deuce]

Anyone got any neighbourhood kids who can do quality joinery?

[The_Dover]

most of the kids on my street could probably roll you a mean joint.

[Beemer]

We're still waiting for the quote to paint our ensuite bathroom (roughly 6ft square) but to be fair, we only got the guy out here to have a look last June...

[James Deuce]

ROFL - so it ISN'T just me. :)

[Guitana]

Sorry to hear about the shit service from your builder unfortunately due to a lack of tradies in NZ - Welders,Fabricators,Plumbers, Sparkies ,Builders Joiners,
Panel beaters mechanics Oh well you get my drift! These guys are usually trying to ballance a number of jobs and complete them all as they go! I'm not making excuses for this guy he may be a complete fucktard but in general because of the housing boom good tradies are in short supply and most of them have moved overseas as they get payed more and have better working conditions, so you generally end up with the cowboys!! I work in the engineering industry and it's at the point in some areas where work is being turned away.If hes a useless C**T sack him and don't pay him or you could do the work yourself! Bunnings run a number of quality DIY evenings!!!

[James Deuce]

DIY = Dead In Yard where I'm concerned.

This dude has been on holiday for 2 months.

[Guitana]

It always makes me laugh when people complain about tradesman's charges....like how much do they or their company charge for their job? I drive a 17 yr old car and ride a 9 yr old bike.I doubt if you'll find many tradesmen in the upper income bracket.....so how come those who are think they are always getting ripped off?

Well said!!! I had some arsehole come into my workshop wanting some welding done but didnt want to pay for it because he didnt think it would take long and it was an easy job I told him to go Fuck Himself!!!!
A plumber charges $80 for an emergency call out has to drop all the work hes doing and stick his arm some C**ts shitter because his missus keeps flushing tampons!! Then the fucker turns around and moans about the charge out cost!! How many people out there would go round to some wankers house and stick their arm round their ubend for twenty bucks? Any Takers I thought not!!!!

[Beemer]

The guy we got in to give us a quote for the ensuite said he was a bit busy but would get the quote to us in a few weeks. Every time he sees my husband he says "I haven't forgotten about your bathroom" but to be honest, there is no way I'd hire him even if the price was good! If he takes seven months and still hasn't provided a quote, how long would it take him to do the work?

[pixc]

My bf is a tradesman. What rips my undies is people ringing up 2 weeks before xmas, and expects bf to be there that day to lay the flooring. More often then not they have months before hand to sort it out but leave it until too close to xmas. The month leading up to xmas and a good month after new years he is over booked..as are most other tradesmen. Because there are more jobs then tradesmen, he can pick and choose his jobs. Saying that he still is honest with people. He will tell them out right that he cant do it and will offer the numbers of a couple of other contractors. He used to go the extra mile and book in more then he should but its starting to have an effect on his health. Floor laying wasnt a particular good career choice for him, hes 6'4 and on his knees all day.

[Guitana]

DIY = Dead In Yard where I'm concerned.

This dude has been on holiday for 2 months.

Sorry to hear that I can understand your frustration you just want the work done!!

[pixc]

When i called in the sparky, they charged me $30 for travel. I could see their shop from my kitchen window. They are only 4-500 metres away. When I talked to them about it they said it was a standard fee..bla bla bla bla..I told them next time..I'll pick the bugger up myself.

[Guitana]

My bf is a tradesman. What rips my undies is people ringing up 2 weeks before xmas, and expects bf to be there that day to lay the flooring. More often then not they have months before hand to sort it out but leave it until too close to xmas. The month leading up to xmas and a good month after new years he is over booked..as are most other tradesmen. Because there are more jobs then tradesmen, he can pick and choose his jobs. Saying that he still is honest with people. He will tell them out right that he cant do it and will offer the numbers of a couple of other contractors. He used to go the extra mile and book in more then he should but its starting to have an effect on his health. Floor laying wasnt a particular good career choice for him, hes 6'4 and on his knees all day.

Unfortunately most tradesmens health is affected by their work environment try being a welder and your boss wont supply you with breathing gear when your welding with hazardous equipment because it costs too much!!No-one sees that side of the trades, NZ's dirty little secret, OSH is a joke!! I had a wanker threaten me with the sack because i would'nt weld a pipe fifteen metres up the side of a building without a safety harness he didnt want to pay $50 to hire the harness so I told him to do it himself well fuck me if the prick didnt nearly fall off!! I told him he was a fucken dick and walked off the site now the arseholes broke coz he sacked some workers for similar reasons and they sued him in the employment court!!! HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!

[The_Dover]

How many people out there would go round to some wankers house and stick their arm round their ubend for twenty bucks? Any Takers I thought not!!!!

I'd do it. I deal with shit and cuntrags all day long.


Floor laying wasnt a particular good career choice for him, hes 6'4 and on his knees all day.

Lucky you're not so tall then, being on your knees must be the perfect career!

[Guitana]

I'd do it. I deal with shit and cuntrags all day long.

Yeah sorry mate forgot about you point taken!!!!!

[James Deuce]

My door's still not finished.

Still needs painting, draft excluder and sealing on the inside.

Anyone know anyone called Tony from New Jersey who works in waste management?

[chris]

DIY = Dead In Yard where I'm concerned.

DIY = Don't Involve Yourself

[spookytooth]

Bloody tradesmen all we do all day is sit about waiting for the fone to ring.Last nite some random who i dont know rings me.Yea wat i say well he says i gotta move a cupple of things i should be finished round 12 on saturday , so you can come and patch up the holes then. Sure thing i say i was wondering wtf i was going to do saturday arvo.He seemed to have some hearing problem as he mistook what i said for go get fucd :innocent:

[James Deuce]

If you haven't read the thread Mr spookytooth I suggest you stay vewy, vewy quiet.

It is now over a year since we paid a 50% deposit (he refused to even start without it) to this guy to do the work. He seems to think it reasonable that he still hasn't finished.

I don't care what excuse anyone posits for this "Master Craftsman". He's not very good at his job, his people skills are terrible, and certainly doesn't understand the meaning of the word "contract".

On the other hand the Heat Pump went in a day early. The Electrician seems to actually care that he is perceived to do a good job, on time, in a friendly fashion. I am more than happy to recommend the Electrician.

The Joiner on the other hand, needs a reality check.

[Paul in NZ]

The Joiner on the other hand, needs a reality check.


All joiners need that.... Look at some of them that join KB.....

[James Deuce]

Guess who's here painting the door?

15 months after being employed to do the job.

[peasea]

Guess who's here painting the door?

15 months after being employed to do the job.



Take 15 months to pay for it.

[Toaster]

Take 15 months to pay for it.

Damn you beat me to it.

Agreed, take your time and see how he likes it.

[peasea]

Damn you beat me to it.

Agreed, take your time and see how he likes it.

I saw the 'Tradesmen' line and thought; "I could tell some stories in this thread" but I won't hijack it, suffice to say that I've had my share of goobers. It's difficult to find good/reasonably priced/punctual tradespeople. If you find what you need, hang onto them and tell others.


Maybe a "Good tradesman in my area" thread for reference?

[canarlee]

tradesmen?


feckin useless!!!



i have now lost both my days off waiting for a god damn fucking tradesman!


sorry rant over

[Toaster]

Maybe a "Good tradesman in my area" thread for reference?

Damn fine idea. Word of mouth is the best and cheapest (free) form of advertising.

[peasea]

tradesmen?


feckin useless!!!



i have now lost both my days off waiting for a god damn fucking tradesman!


sorry rant over

What were you after, and where?

[canarlee]

What were you after, and where?

a locksmith/builder in napier. front door got ripped out but thats a whole different story........



but alas i cannot call one of my choosing, its down to the landlord.

[James Deuce]

Take 15 months to pay for it.

Too late. He got paid in advance as in Wellington it's the only way to get them to accept a job.

[peasea]

a locksmith/builder in napier. front door got ripped out but thats a whole different story........



but alas i cannot call one of my choosing, its down to the landlord.

Ahh, the joys of renting.
I wouldn't like the idea of having one through the place while I'm not home either, they do all sorts of weird shit (ala Target etc), trust nobody.

Good luck with that.................

[fireball]

a locksmith/builder in napier. front door got ripped out but thats a whole different story........


but alas i cannot call one of my choosing, its down to the landlord.

shame you are so far away i know a couple of good ones up here.....

hope it gets fixed soon!

[MSTRS]

Guess Who's here painting the door?

15 months after being employed to do the job.


Bloody musicians - can't be relied upon for anything. You gonna jam with them afterwards? See if they can still do American Woman or Saskatoon.

[yungatart]

They say, "Good things take time".....15 months, blardy ridiculous!
But at least its done now, eh Jim?
Another step along the road to sanity.....

[Coldrider]

A builder who started my house two weeks ago ditched a house he was to start last week, leaving someone with a builder to find at very short notice.
Am I complaining, no sir......

[Brett]

If anyone needs any form of tradesman from a painter to a landscaper and everything in between, let me know. I work for a pretty large building company and can pass on details of reputable contractors that are looking for work at the time. Just flick me a PM.