We get it – building and renovating are stressful projects to undertake. From finding good, trustworthy tradies to do the job and complete it within budget, to living with the dust and debris that fills any space undergoing improvements, it’s a hard day’s work for everyone.
However, if you’re finding that you and your tradies don’t seem to be getting along, or you’re feeling a bit of tension in the air, then perhaps you should consult our list of things people do that drive tradies crazy. Should you discover that your behaviour might be behind the issue, just remember, people work better in positive work environments, and you want to get the best out of your tradie, right? Read on for the solutions to your tradie woes.
1. You ask about mate’s rates
If you’re one of the lucky few with a good tradie as a friend, don’t exploit the friendship to get cheaper rates. What a tradie charges for their services puts food on their tables and keeps a roof over their head. Do your research on tradies in your area and get quotes from all of them for the project you want to complete. Go with the person who offers you a rate you can afford for work you are happy with.
2. You want someone at your place tomorrow
Getting angry about not being able to find an available tradesperson at the drop of a hat won’t get you anywhere. Tradies have pre-booked jobs to attend to, so if you need something finished by a particular date, make sure you allow enough time for the project to be booked in advance and completed.
3. You aren’t welcoming
Sure, tradies might have grubby hands and dirty boots, but don’t send them packing when they ask to use the bathroom or sit at the kitchen table to eat their lunch. The only reason they’re at your home in the first place is to complete work for you, and unlike people who work in offices or stores, tradies don’t have a lunch room or staff toilet available to them. If your tradies are polite, good folk, let them wash their hands in the bathroom and have a cuppa on the verandah.
4. Asking your tradie to do more work for the same cost
If your build or renovation is moving along smoothly, or even ahead of time, don’t just assume you can ask your tradie to do an extra job at no extra cost because they’re already there. While there’s nothing wrong with asking your tradie if it’s possible to squeeze another job into the timeline, be aware that you will have to negotiate a price for the extra job and materials it may require.
5. You haven’t communicated with your tradie effectively
Having a brief conversation with your tradie about what you’re hoping to achieve isn’t good enough. You need to have an in-depth discussion with the tradie leading the project about what you want done, what your budget is, what your timeframe is, and go from there. Even better, put together a written project brief that both you and your tradie can refer to.
6. You haven’t paid for the work that’s been completed
Telling your tradie that you won’t pay them because you aren’t happy with their work – when it’s already finished – isn’t fair. This is why communicating with your tradies throughout your renovation or build process is so important, it’ll help you avoid situations where you’re disappointed and the tradie is confused because they delivered what you asked for.
You might also like:
10 DIY tricks that are second nature to tradies
Seven etiquette rules for working with tradies
How much dos renovating a home cost?
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