I don't really enjoy getting plenty of quotes but there are so many variations and calibre of so-called builders that it is almost imperative to do 'homework' before asking anybody to do any work. When we moved in, we trusted friends to recommend their friends to do the work and got fleeced; £300 to remove vandalised bay roof and replace with felt roof, (he took the lead roof to the scrap yard and got £200 for it); and the 'friend' replaced the lock for £65. All because we did not shop around and trusted 'friends'.
I agree with you. Nobody likes to be one in a long chain but this is the harsh reality i.e. the best person who can deliver at a reasonable price gets the job.
£300 to remove a lead roof and replace it with a felt roof ? Far too cheap. How much do YOU think it should be ?.
How do you know he got £200 from the scrapyard ? Must have been one hell of a size roof to get that amount--hence- £300 too cheap for the job.
£65 to supply and fit a new lock ?. You mean the guy drove to your house maybe in his van- and used his fuel and also his time -(after picking up and paying for a lock at builders merchants ?)-he then got out the tools he has at one time have to purchase- and then fitting the lock . £65 - far too cheap.
How do you know just 'who' is best person for a job ? Cheapest price ?.
Just imagine getting people out to quote you for the job you require
- the time they take to get to your house- and the time they spend chitty chatting with you etc. It all costs money .Not your money- but theirs.
How many quotes does a person need ? I will tell you . As many as it takes until they hear the price they want to hear.
Nobody turns up to do the job ? only 2 reasons really- They dont trust you- or dont like you- simple as that.
Some People think that tradesmen are liars, theives and dishonest -- but in fact- it is the other way around .
A customer will say anything at all to get the price of a job down . If the price they hear is not what they want to hear- they have not got the strength to say so.
They usually come out with any old rag tag and bobtail story to wiggle out and get someone else out to maybe give them a price they want to hear.
Of course- not every potential customer is like this- some are really genuine honest people .
Tradesmen are generally honest and want the work--but- realise this !!-- whenever you set out to buy something- WHEN is it ever the price you expected ? It is always more .