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Why do tradespeople constantly let you down…

(55 Posts)
MayBee70 Sat 22-Feb-25 00:48:10

I’ve had an ongoing problem with my garage roof for years. It’s a flat felted roof which leaks. And has dangerous asbestos on the ceiling. On a local Facebook page a property repair company said they would look at and give quotes for leaking roofs. So I rang them, explained in detail the problem but said I didn’t want to waste their time if they couldn’t help. He said that, as he lived near to my village he’d stop off on his way back tonight. So I moved everything away from the windows so he could see outside and delayed my evening meal. Of course, he never turned up. Maybe, just maybe he might turn up another day but I doubt it. At least, for a few hours I felt rejuvenated as I thought I might be on the way to solving what has been a problem for a long time. I mean, he didn’t have to say he’d come over. Feel so deflated.

MayBee70 Sun 23-Feb-25 20:19:29

Feeling even worse now as he's been so incredibly helpful about several problems I have with the house. Think I've actually found a really good reliable company that can help me get on top of a lot of maintenance problems. Fingers crossed.

woodenspoon Sun 23-Feb-25 20:24:31

We are in a new area so we use word of mouth, neighbours, or checkatrade which we’ve found works well.

Cabbie21 Sun 23-Feb-25 21:25:16

Glad your chap has turned up and you are pleased, MayBee70.

Last week I rang a local very reputable company, but nobody answered the phone on several occasions. I left a message. Two days later I left another message as they had not got back to me. They have an office, so there is no excuse. It is not just a single trader.
I contacted another firm. Their receptionist was lovely, very polite, very professional. Someone came the same day to quote. They were extremely pleasant and polite, however when their quotation came, it was much higher than expected for a small job. So I am attempting a third contact.
Par for the course.

MayBee70 Sun 23-Feb-25 21:55:22

I ended up having a blind fitted by Hillary’s as I was desperate to get it done and they were easy to deal with. Having said that they made a mess fitting it ( screwed it to part of the wall that I’d asked them not to and completely covered the air vent). They also didn’t have as much choice as Blinds2Go who are actually the same company. The whole problem I have with my garage roof is because I used a roofing com pan that was recommended by a friend.