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Have been trying to hire a handyman for weeks now

Big Blue SkyBig Blue Sky Posts: 716
in The potting shed
We need a new garden gate, some fence panels replaced and some other jobs done. After careful research on that website where one looks for handymen (not sure I can name it here), I contacted three, asking for a quote (all with great reviews, very local and specialising on the jobs in question). Two of them never responded, one asked for a convenient time (which is any time as we both are working from home) - and never responded after that, even though I sent a chaser email after about a week. 

Is that normal? Do I need to follow up or just start looking for others? 

All jobs are outside, so no covid excuse...
Surrey
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Posts

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Possibly away on holiday or already got as much work as they can manage. If the latter I would at least expect a response though.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Try the ‘Nextdoor.com’ website for your area. It’s where I go nowadays for recommendations for local tradesmen etc. I’ve rarely been disappointed. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    I'm now in my 5th week of waiting for British Gas to get my freezer fixed. 
    Devon.
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    Sometimes a local newspaper can be helpful, too.
  • BenCottoBenCotto Posts: 4,718
    Nextdoor is perfect for this. I much prefer it to Trusted Trader.
    Rutland, England
  • IlikeplantsIlikeplants Posts: 894
    Mybuilder.com has worked for me a few times over the years for both internal and external work. You get the local trade person contacting you to quote once you post your job as they obviously aren’t busy then. You leave feedback if they don’t turn up to quote or follow up on the job. I’ve only ever left good feedback as it has worked well for me.
  • madpenguinmadpenguin Posts: 2,543
    I know it can be very frustrating trying to get people to even come and look at a job.
    I have used mybuilder.com with some success for some jobs.
    You are advised to get 3 quotes for a job etc but what do you do if only one tradesman replies?
    For a gate and some fencing can you not look in the local paper for Fencers?
    You may have to leave a lot of messages in the hope that someone will get back to you.
    Keep a notebook with a list of all those you have contacted and when as I know I have got into a muddle when I have several jobs on the go.
    I sometimes see tradesmans vans out and about so take numbers from the side of the van!
    “Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings
  • IlikeplantsIlikeplants Posts: 894
    True @madpenguin - one time I did only get one who wanted to quote and be only had a few feedback but based on his quote and work suggestions we went with him and luckily it worked out.
    local trades people are definitely an option if you can get a local recommendation like from a shop near you.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    We get a small booklet through the door every so often, which is full of reliable local tradespeople. Very useful. 
    I believe things like Facebook are quite good for sourcing local tradespeople. Not something I have ever used, as I loathe these things,  but a few people have said it's good for that.

    I've also used Mybuilder, which worked out ok for me. I had several replies for the job [a fairly straightforward extension ] but one responded by calling me Mr. I replied to them and said if they couldn't even get that right, I wouldn't trust them to do my building work. I have a very obviously female name, so no excuse! 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    British Gas told me to use " local heroes" but none were local to me
    Devon.
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