9 Things That Piss Off Your Builder

[@jamesthomas2521]

I think a lot of people would benefit from a video explaining how customers should go about getting a builder and working with them on a project. Quotes, contracts, payment terms, materials bills, spreadsheets etc. We made a lot of mistakes but learnt loads when we had our extension built.

[@m0rce1]

Yes, please cover this topic. Thanks

[@paulacollins8327]

This would be fab, never been sure what 'making good covers,

[@PratabAli]

The final payment on completion, I've always been on time, to my disadvantage. But then you find things wrong, you call them to come rectify but they're on the next job or stop answering to your calls. I don't like taking people to court (time and money) so end up finding another or DIY a fix myself if I can. And these are builders found via the websites trust a trader and check a trade. Perhaps a video on how to spot the unreliable/sloppy builders on quotation visits, would be helpful. Perhaps we could set up an ITV krypton factor style task to assess them.

[@m0rce1]

@@paulacollins8327 what is 'making good?

[@paulacollins8327]

@@m0rce1 I've understood it to be the finishes touches, recently had a stud wall moved but have been left with broken plaster and ripped skirting boards, I didn't expect to have to try and fix this

[@martinwarner1178]

I said to a builder, "Is that your best price?" his reply was no, then he proceeded to give me his best price.....20% bigger. Best lesson I've had in that quarter. Brilliant video, and builders are just a breed apart, down to earth, the best "crack"....top class fellows. Thanks Roger. Peace be unto you.

[@24694104]

My builder ( a very distant relation through marriage) quoted me for a job lasting 5 days. I stocked up with tea bags and biscuits gave him the keys and told him he can take 2 weeks and buggered off on holiday. Builder said it was best job he'd ever done! No nagging, no endless questions or well meaning advice just getting on with the job and having plenty of tea! Plus he and the lads left the toilet spotless!

[@sandydogy]

wish i could find someone genuine like that people abuse my kindness

[@Shaggy-839two]

Offering tea and coffee 3 times a day and snacks did nothing for me. The Essex southend builders still took the piss. If anything I thought that being nice to them made them think I was a softie and could get away with anything. Did not haggle on price and paid full price and house full of kids but they still left our house demolished. Can't stand them.

[@stevem815]

'Which is why I don't cultivate friendships' Made me spit my tea!

[@oscar38]

We all burst out laughing at that one 🤣

[@SkillBuilder]

I used to have friends but I got rid of them all in one go by telling them I voted for Brexit.

[@MsElijah16]

That was a good one

[@twig3288]

@@SkillBuilder Good man!

[@bunnyhbrown]

@@SkillBuilder I'll join you in the sunny uplands as soon as you tell me how to get there :)

[@JOHNRICHMONDSA]

I gave up on Builders, Electricians plus Plumbers years ago. Went out and bought all the equipment needed to do the job myself. Saved lots of money over the last 40 years, and every job is done to perfection. Don't worry Skill Builder, I will stick to my day job.

[@djtaylorutube]

To be honest, i'm the same. I know my limits and am sensible enough to hand jobs over but if I can do it, then I will.

[@paulross7204]

@@djtaylorutube me too even though I have to admit it will take much longer to complete

[@cyclingSausage]

Me too! :-D

[@johna7075]

I do a lot of stuff myself, but problem with this approach is that you can't do half the jobs without getting building regs to sign things off which costs £££. If you don't you could have trouble selling the place down the line and if somehow it does go tits up you're not insured.

[@JOHNRICHMONDSA]

@@johna7075 We bought our property 40 years ago, which is on 2000 square meters. I have my own business, and at the time building regs in the sticks was not taken very seriously. I myself plus labour when needed, set about building a home for life. I am now 72 years old, and my daughter will have the problem selling the house when we do depart this wonderful life we have enjoyed together. We started with a small 3 bedroom home with one bathroom, now we have a cottage, a huge workshop and garage for 4 cars + the main house now has 4 bedrooms + two full bathrooms. As for Insurance total waste of money. I think my girls will be very well off once they have paid off what is needed to sell our property. Hope this answers your very sensible questions, buy the equipment and don't look back. we bought the house for 60 Thousand its probably now worth 3 Million.

[@esrAsnataS]

We had an extension and now can't wait to move as we hate what the builder did, always felt like they'd rather be off doing something else. The finish is OK until you get up close. Finding a good builder is like finding a needle in a haystack full of haystacks. I hate dealing with them.

[@m.bowyer5045]

Paying is not the problem it's finding a good non bullshitting builder that will do a good job,then not having to take them to small claims court!!!

[@petepiper7383]

There are just as many if not many more bullshitting customers - signed a builder

[@petepiper7383]

@@TheHeavyend81 I'm talking about real, professional builders not possibly the ones the likes of you think of employing as you want a cheap price or either don't want to pay at all hence you end up with a cowboy working on your property

[@philn1957]

Excellent, I'm a retired industrial installation electrician and unfortunately had to do a little bit of domestic work if work was slack, first job when doing a rewire of a house was to fit a temporary socket just for the customers kettle :)

[@trancemadmaz]

Roger has the perfect voice and personality for ranting. Loving the entertainment 😂

[@SpaceAce114]

Im German and this is comedy gold. Yes, the first thing I always offer to a british builder is a tea, I let him get on with the work, I dont try and supervise him, I let him get on with it and offer tea and biscuits every hour.

[@GHOST-hh4ft]

Respect to you and respect to Germany. 🇬🇧❤️🇩🇪

[@12000gp]

Can I work for you please?

[@tinytonymaloney7832]

Got it to start, finding a builder who can actually start is more of a headache, one even said he can start autumn 2022. Even if you can get one you then have the grief of finding the building materials which have shot up in price, dreading it

[@oscar38]

Never employ a trade who can start tomorrow. You'll have to wait for good trades....they're in demand.

[@fishbiscuit2000]

Autumn 2022? You're lucky. I'm booked through to summer 2023 now. Everything that went on hold during lockdown is back with a vengeance...

[@Finglesham]

@@oscar38 So true. My heating engineer took month of cajoling to do my job. I wanted the boiler upgrade in summer. But everyone does!

[@vic6820]

Don't forget, the radio has to be on full blast to out-do the noise of the kango.

[@gbwildlifeuk8269]

9 Things that really annoy the builders customer: 1. Not turning up. 2. Charging for a day but not arriving until 10am and leaving at 3pm. 3. Missing at least two hours at lunch "collecting materials". 4. Disappear for days on quicker or higher paying jobs. 5. Nothing in writing! 6. Charging full price for materials left over from another job that customer already paid for. 7. Removing cast, copper etc as if its theirs and weighing it in. 8. Money up front regardless you dont know him from Adam. 9. Hiding rubbish instead of removing it. Want anymore?

[@Anakinuk007]

Most normal customers, are not bothered about a tradesman removing and taking away any metals. If the job is big enough, I actually take into account roughly what the metals are worth, and reduce the price in my quote. Sure I’ll pocket 2/3 of that amount, pay tax on it, and likely scrape and cut my fingers getting it out! If a customer decided they wanted to keep all the metals without saying anything beforehand - ok no problem my final price will just go up, and very likely more than the metals were worth…. And if they did insist on keeping any metals I took out before doing the job, also very likely I wouldn’t be doing the job too busy sorry!!!!! For the sake of £50-100 (often) it’s not worth quibbling about, I like to always do a good job and give a good price to begin with, I never rip people off. If a customer is difficult from the offset they can take their chances on somebody else. And of course, if you said to somebody before a job about metals and they did take your job on it’s almost certain their price would be well inflated. So in the end, from a customer point of view it’s in your interest to just allow it

[@gbwildlifeuk8269]

@@Anakinuk007 so what you are are saying is, on your contract, (assuming you have one) your wording is along the lines of: total cost £500 minus value of scrap to be retained by contractor, £50 - final price £450? Yeah right! Do you also refund the over ordered materials value? Deduct the charge from the day rate for the time you werent there? You'll be paying them soon 🤣🤣🤣

[@Anakinuk007]

@@gbwildlifeuk8269 - I’m a charge for the job kind of guy. So no day rate charges. I’ll give a rough quote give or take X amount, and when I’m finished I’ll tell the customer the final cost. That way I know exactly what the materials cost me, so both me or the customer isn’t out of pocket. I don’t do massive projects, working alone most of the time so in reality the jobs aren’t a complex web of figures. My final price is weighted depending if there is scrap or not. If a small amount sure I’ll pocket it to pay for ice creams and sweets. Larger amounts I’ll discount the final price. Let’s say there was £200 scrap which for me is very unlikely lol, I’d happily knock £60-70 of the final bill (within my quote range) seems only fair and honest. Of course if I dislike the customer, or have done multiple extras for a much reduced price as ‘I’m there’ then sure thanks very much I’ll keep the lot! For sure I’m not a wealthy tradesman lol I believe in fair prices for good quality workmanship. I do make the mistake of often not charging enough or making money on materials, I’m just a honest guy sure it’s a business but I treat others how I would wish to be treated. That’s often the difference between a tradesman of a particular trade, and a builder who dabbles in a bit of everything and is just there to make a buck and scarper ASAP.

[@hughtierney9109]

I don't think the objection to the builder buying materials at lunch is reasonable; it can be a time consuming business, especially if they have to go further to get the right thing, or the best thing.

[@DD-xt6vo]

@@gbwildlifeuk8269 So if the owner-customer hangs on to their scrap metal worth say 200, rather discounted only 50 for it, how much would Captain increase the bill to - 600 (450+200), even 700 (450+50+200) or even more for pure profit, spite &/or dislike? Fair & honest? I think not! Nor is taking away excess materials to use & charge for on another job. Asking is appropriate in either case. No wonder the public wonder what fools builders take us for...

[@corvair140]

Wanting to get in before 7.30, you are joking! Here in Devon, builders turn up at 9, tea break at 10, lunch at 12, tea break at 2 then in the van driving off at 3.30.

[@SkillBuilder]

stress free life.....for them

[@jas20per]

Yess's!! You are the first person to say what I have done all my working career "I do not cultivate relationships" I am sure you found like I did people you know wanted you to work cheaply because they know you or just pick your brain. Thankyou you did bring a smile to the face of a retired Electronic Engineer that could repair Tv's and other Houshold electronic equipment.

[@SkillBuilder]

Love it!!

[@PNH63]

Things that wind customers up, now where do you start. Not turning up to do quote,that will do attitude, no pride in work, huge prices for poor work, no regard for your house and protecting adjacent areas, leaving crap everywhere and expecting customer to clean up and on and on. I realise not everyone is like this but those who aren’t are a dying breed.

[@shahidaaktar6955]

💯

[@DuncanEdwards.]

I got lucky and had my extension done and finished Dec 2019, lads were great, excellent job and we beat covid prices (happy days)

[@tonyalways7174]

Might be useful to make a video of the 9 things that piss off customers and then show it to builders so they might at least have a clue what customer service looks like.

[@MrGelowe]

At this point I'll take a builder that knows what he or she is doing. It seems like half the contractors out there are complete morons that one day decided to pick up a hammer and bam here is my profession. It is like these people never google how to do shit. At least my experience in NYC. And contractors that charge more is not even a good indicator of quality of work because they figured out that they can charge as if they know what they are doing.

[@paulacollins8327]

Multiple start dates that come and go, delayed on previous job, too hot, 10% rain forecast in the next two weeks, van broke down, had to take cat to vet .... the list goes on

[@HighWealder]

See my 5 point list above

[@nikcrosina]

excellent! Should be required watrching for what calls itself builders ;)

[@johnriggs4929]

Top of my list is someone standing over you, watching you work. Guaranteed - something will go wrong, just like it does when you point a camera at someone working. Even worse though, is someone standing watching you in a doorway... a doorway you need to keep passing through, to get to materials/tools etc., so that you have to wait for them to move out the way, to pass through. Top this one off with running a bit late and needing to get the job done, and you have the perfect p1$$ boiler.

[@samharrison8723]

Cheers John! You've saved me the trouble of describing one of the most irritating aspects of customer behaviour!

[@MrWindermere123]

Aha - I've been a gardener and I call thse customers 'curtain-twitchers'. If you want to annoy them in revenge, scratch your a*** in an unusually searching way.

[@GHOST-hh4ft]

I done a job back in September for a bloke, it was a 3 day job. He stood there watching me and speaking to me all day, every day for the 3 days straight, he didn't leave me alone once. It was so fking annoying.

[@skimmingstoness]

One thing that really annoys me is builders and trades saying they'll go away and call me with a price. Then instead of admitting there isn't enough margin in it and being honest, they just never call you back or block your number.

[@purplemonkeydishwasher5269]

Yeah that gets me too! Had a great lad on our street, i showed him a patch of damp on our ceiling. He said the job was too small for him and said no one in the area would take on small jobs at the moment. but as i had the ladders out for something else he went onto the roof with me and showed me what i needed to do to repar the roof so i could get on and do it myself.

[@purplemonkeydishwasher5269]

He'll be getting a call back when i need my roof replaced

[@mrbadger9920]

@Cornflakes packet. They probably decided that you would be a pain in the backside to work with

[@skimmingstoness]

@@mrbadger9920 Don't want to do the job I require then they can do one. When it's my money I decide what gets done.

[@mrbadger9920]

@@skimmingstoness To be fair, you didn't get to decide though, did you?. They did when they chose to ignore you.

[@MJ-nn1ox]

My dads builder kept going to get more supplies, until we caught him laying a driveway when he was meant to be working at dads place. Is it any wonder that people are sure of any builder.

[@jimmorris5700]

You bloody fool you don’t think builders just carry one job at a time do you I’ve got to have three or four on the go you never know there might be waiting for materials all the subcontractors are on another job do you wanna wake up

[@MJ-nn1ox]

@@jimmorris5700 Just be honest and don't treat your customers as gullible idiots. I no longer trust what any tradesmen tell me 100%.

[@jimmorris5700]

@@MJ-nn1ox Trouble is customers don’t want to be told the truth, Same as the teachers to tell you your child is stupid you don’t want to hear it Get outraged lol. If you want exclusive use of your builder with paying for when he cannot do anything because Mary materials are men are not available go-ahead will cost you a damsite more !

[@alexnewton1936]

@@MJ-nn1ox Are you sure the driveway wasn't the booked job before your job?

[@MJ-nn1ox]

@@alexnewton1936 It was a very large extension that we agreed the builder could delay so that he could finish his ongoing jobs and could thus concentrate 100% on it. A couple of times he said that was going to cost some future work, which was accepted as he made sure the job was at a good place and we knew that he needed something for the future. If he had not made various excuses and just been more honest, maybe it wouldn't have pissed us, the customer, off. If it was so normal why did he behave like a kid who had been caught stealing sweets? Maybe the extension would have been finished sooner, as it certainly passed his do by date, and it certainly wasn't for lack of materials as the garden was full of them. No I think that a lot trades people don't realise how the customers feel when they disappear and not come back for hours/days. As a customer I don't care about everyone else, once the trades person is on site i like to feel that they are focused on my job to the best of their abilities.

[@freebornjohn2687]

I've not come across a builder who wants to start at 7.30 for years, they turn up at 9 and then want tea to get them in the mood. There's some excellent honest builders about, but there's far too many rogues that are incompetent and lazy.

[@misiokinsale]

So,mayby,you can start business as builder,or advice to your son do it? No? will be tired and covered with dust? Million people should go to it-survive just those from client dreams. As long as shortage of worker will atracting moneymaker,not builder ,situation wont be good.

[@drewheffero9672]

Brilliant....." Thy shall get out the biscuits " The most honest and straightforward explanation of a Builder you will ever see...

[@lucascsmith]

Chance of any of these'd be a fine thing if I could find a decent builder at the moment.

[@thetessellater9163]

Where are you?

[@lucascsmith]

That's what I say to the builders when they don't turn up as scheduled.

[@damionlee7658]

The power of good tea should never be underestimated. Short customer story: A number of years back I had a complete central heating replacement. Out with the old back boiler, radiators, immersion, and 70s gas fire... In with a nice gas boiler, new radiators, immersion, and electric fire. And most of the pipework was replaced. We had a house full with three teams working for a week. Kept them fuelled up on tea, coffee, and a range of biscuits and snacks. What did this lead to? Plumber needed to run pipework down the lounge wall, cutting through the coving. Later in the week, he found himself with ten minutes spare, so he mixed up some filler, and sculpted it to fill the hole, matching it to the coving. A kitchen cabinet had to be taken down to make way for the boiler. Carpenter later on had to wait for the plumber to sort out the boiler pipework, so he came and found me to tell me that he had been thinking that rather than throwing out the removed cupboard, it could go on the other side of the kitchen, and he'd pop it up while he was waiting on the boiler. During down time while waiting for the electrician to install the wiring for the fire, one of the carpenters went out, and came back with a piece of skirting that matched the rest of the room. The new fireplace was smaller than the old one, and he cut pieces to cover the now bare walls. There were a bunch of things like this. None were asked for, and certainly not expected. It basically came down to the team finding little finishing jobs to fill their down time. Look after your contractors, and many will extend themselves in ways that will save you significant time in "Finishing" work. I found the same was true with my contractor gangs when I was working on sites rather than being the customer. My teams would always give me that little bit more effort when they felt appreciated and looked after.

[@42RHD]

I think the last sentence offers a clue, you worked on sites.

[@damionlee7658]

@@42RHD sort of. To be clear I was working IT Systems, Networks, and Security, so when I refer to sites I was on, this was rarely a building site. I have worked alongside people in the building trades a couple of times, but honestly tea, biscuits, and the occasional bacon butty is just common decency.

[@djtaylorutube]

Yes to all of that and i'm not a builder but I do point out to my wife why I haven't bothered to do half the jobs on the "honey do" list. No bacon sandwich and no tea... i'm sitting on the computer on KZbin!

[@TheFatmer]

Builders start in two weeks, I’ll go order 10kg of sugar, only have one kg at the moment, cheers for the heads up! Hopefully the odd bbq for lunch will go down a treat as well ;)

[@firstnamelastname59]

You have plenty of time. A builders' 2 weeks = a gregorian month.

[@mikefisher9992]

All the points made are valid, but in return how about the builder turning up everyday, at 7.30, and not absent doing another job he has on the go.

[@flyingjackcarpentry9394]

In the real world its a massively stressful juggling act for builders. We gotta keep the cashflow going to be able to pay the guys working for you. Sometimes that means nipping off to do a few smaller jobs between draws on the bigger jobs. Wish it wasn't the case. The whole thing is a massive gamble for builders. I've known too many good honest builders end up bankrupt when a customer refuses to pay out of spite.

[@israeladesanya4596]

Why 7.30? An builders have to juggle jobs around at times, otherwise they would lose the work.

[@flyingjackcarpentry9394]

@@israeladesanya4596 in my experience, doing things like extensions, customers soon get tired of a regime of early starts. It's a very intrusive thing, having an extention done. 1-3 months of having blokes turn up to early to make alot of noise and mess can get to u eventually.

[@mikefisher9992]

@@israeladesanya4596 I appreciate that, the point I was making is that they don’t inform the customer they will either be in later the following day or not until the day after. With regards to the 7.30 start I was only referring to the time stated in the video.

[@lloyd4011]

I love it when the builder hasn't turned up for a few days, even though the job is running behind schedule. Had it when we were having work done on a house we where waiting to move into.

[@craigstephens93]

If only all builders were as good as James and Roger...

[@jdjones4825]

3:11 A good chance a Builder turning up on a horse will be a bit of a cowboy

[@SkillBuilder]

Ah you got it!

[@PNH63]

I have given up with all trades because of lack of quality and massive prices.

[@highlanderes]

“… little snaggings …” is on the list on how to pis off your customer - finish the job!

[@philiphurdwell3443]

Not always about snagging......so many times customer wants to feel empowered after a builder having control over their home and savings, more often it's about basic psychology

[@FlashdogFul28]

As someone who's not a builder I think there is a lack of trust around pricing of jobs and how long they will take. Much like getting your car fixed or employing a Lawyer the public find it had to tell when a price is honest or based on what you think someone can pay or just overpriced or even if your a good fit. That can make the whole thing very expensive and people are worried about cowboys. So doing a smaller job first might be a matter of trust. Especially given the sums of money involved and stress as the home owner.

[@Asgardsteve1]

Latest one is, "I know materials have gone up a lot but can you do it for the price i was quoted by someone else before they went up"

[@1petrofski]

Yeah just say you can match it or even better that price even though materials have increased. I will just cover the additional cost of the material increase. Us builders are miracle workers. Lol

[@OnlineHousehusband]

Things that really annoy myself having used builders in the past Roger..... 1) Reliability 2) Poor time keeping 3) Say they'll turn up to quote and they don't 😡 4) Don't rock up until 9am and finish at 3pm part timer. 5) Not fussy enough, poor attention to detail. I could keep going lol 😂 I'm only just playing devil's advocate Roger and I'm sure they're some great builders out there, A&E Construction on KZbin and Stu Crompton are both brilliant but it's a bit of give and take ultimately between customer and builder. Great videos as always Roger!

[@SkillBuilder]

All fair

[@justice4g]

just give me one that tries to do a half decent job and I'll be happy

[@joeshepherd6159]

Do it yourself then mate.

[@OnlineHousehusband]

@@joeshepherd6159 I tend to most the time 🤣

[@monstrositylabs]

Being drugged up and staring into space is the one which pisses me off at the moment!

[@bernardhusbands544]

Builders starting at 7:30. That made me laugh 😂

[@hannahjames3180]

It should be a legal requirement for all builders to have a large breakfast before starting their working day.

[@bernardhusbands544]

@@hannahjames3180 And a tea break on arrival at the job.

[@hannahjames3180]

@@bernardhusbands544 I have seen some extraordinarily tidy workmen in my time who take pride in their work and keep it clean. The majority are far from acceptable though. Don't get me started on illegal substances being ignored by colleagues and employers alike!

[@hannahjames3180]

@@flyingjackcarpentry9394 Old skool I expect. Liked a drink but weren't a menace to society like some are now. I've seen some horrendous health and safety breaches by qualified tradespeople. A different breed of wayward builders these days.

[@hannahjames3180]

@@flyingjackcarpentry9394 Health and safety rules state that colleagues and site personell must report anyone who is believed to be under the influence so they can be removed from site. Surprisingly, many don't bother adhering to legal procedures.

[@blowduke]

Had one customer rang her doorbell at 8.30 to start,she told me to come back at 10 as I’m to early ,I just said ok I will pop back at 10 in about 3 weeks time ..

[@djtaylorutube]

To be honest, that's totally understandable!

[@stuartmcdonald7928]

Class. Should also add: Make your f*****ng mind up before the job starts With regard to any finish, don’t say to the builder “just do what you thinks best” cos it’ll never be what you expected.

[@jak0995]

my biggest bugbear above all of these, is the customer not leaving you alone to get on with it, be it over your sholder questioning everything you do or just standing right next to you all day chatting shit like you are best mates. im all for good customer relations, but at some point we need to get stuff done

[@northernlightsrenovations1710]

Truer words never spoken before! Some clients just don't get the fact that it takes some effort to accomplish your tasks, not sitting around gabbing. I've got one client who I swear has sent me 50+ emails so far, and expects an answer to each and every one of them. I haven't even started the work yet!!

[@darrinpatterson2764]

Many years ago i had a client quite literally put a chair in the middle of his kitchen as we fitted his kitchen around him for 5 days, never again

[@sjbrodie]

I always say now if you want to watch you will have to wear all ppe. Hat,gloves,glasses,boots,mask,overalls and ear defenders that soon go. 😅

[@gsf67]

What is becoming commonplace is that some customers expect you to give a price on the spot. We hate it. Often times there will be extra work required, e.g, rotten joists, timber, which you can't see, until you start doing demolition work. Another annoyance is that people expect you to undercut another person. If you undercut some other bloke, just to prove that you can do it, you will lose money. Better off to stay in bed than lose money.

[@silviupaul580]

You need to tell a price for start, and write it down on a piece of paper , mentioning what work will be done for the price. And stick on it. For extra work negociate separately and write it too to avoid any misunderstanding. Everyone has something in his mind when refer to some work but , if it is writen will be clear for both what will be done for the mentioned amount of money.

[@jonnorris7564]

Ok here you go, in 1991 I was being paid 85 quid a day as a highly experienced carpenter. Then I started putting in computer networks, 350 quid a day and a chimp could do it. So being a craftsman doesn’t actually pay much, fact.

[@gug1970]

bugbear as a customer. If i ring up an ad it would be just peachy if they didn't just grunt at you "yeah" ? when they answer the phone. Hardly inspires confidence. If its your business, why not act businesslike ?

[@Louisthesaxman1]

I don't mind them doing that at all. As a builder it makes it easy for me to get work haha

[@memecoinmafia2732]

give them a break ...most builders don't make any profit and work in extremely hazardous conditions

[@northernlightsrenovations1710]

@@memecoinmafia2732 That's true, and there is all the after hours work as well that goes unpaid.

[@Besties4ever-and-ever]

I love a builder who I know pays trade price for materials but then tries to charge me retail which includes the VAT and then adds VAT on at the end of the estimate. A builder who is transparent on costs and diligent in their estimations on materials will get my money all day as I’m happy to pay for their experience and time. I’m not happy being charged for materials that are clearly left overs from another job or my leftover materials being taken away for their next job. Be diligent. Be accurate and be honest and you’ll be paid what your worth.

[@SkillBuilder]

Trade price is for the builder, not the customer. You have to have a mark up to cover you for the time the part needs replacing.

[@leebrewer1324]

If been estimated for a job and your happy with it then it doesn’t matter what a builder pays for it as long as it’s done properly

[@magicmuesli]

I'm afraid you've misunderstood how this works; the builder (or any other supplier for that matter) pays what they pay for their materials or stock and marks them up at their discretion. This is totally legitimate and standard business practice. If the customer does not like the price for what is being offered they can try elsewhere. Likewise, it's a competitive market, if the builder's prices are too high they may have to reduce them to secure work.

[@cuebj]

Very few builders take sugar anymore. I made first mug for my builder, he licked his lips - exactly how he liked it, just a drip of milk, no sugar, we were friends from that moment on. I did the clearing up and cleaning using two Henrys and a blower while he was working, if not in his way, or after he left and at weekends

[@jimbaggott9165]

Now retired builder New Zealand. Mates rates> I always told mates that "Mates rates are double." Then told them I was not joking! Worked every time!

[@mercury1076]

Where's the counter-video? 1,000,000 things that really annoy builders' customers.

[@TheWaxChainFanClub]

The first day my builders came out I had them tea, biscuits, rolls and sausage, the lot. Took the piss right out of me. Asked to borrow MY tools! If you really want to piss of a builder, have a lock on the wife's knicker drawer.

[@syproful]

So what you saying. That you had some run off with your wifes underwear ?

[@hannahjames3180]

Better off with a chastity belt and make sure women are with blokes who know how to pleasure her and not be selfish in bed. Plenty of those about.

[@Chyronn]

Moral of the story: don't hire cowboys

[@cuebj]

Bigsby and Clevett discuss assistants and apprentices who lack housetraining and have to be re-programmed not to mess about in customer's house.

[@paulelliott6673]

My old mate use to beeline for the bedside cabinet. Plenty of “toys” Some were a little hard to figure out. My favourite though was when he hung out of the bedroom window using the blow up sheep he found

[@Cruner62]

Roger I have to make a comment here: I invited builders to build my first house and spent time to ensure they were reputable and this includes all the trades involved. I did not just pick the lowest charge and agreed to pay each weekend or less if they finished earlier. In the main contractors case I did some of the tasks to help them. Things went well with the foundations, blockwork and other basics. They would work on these I was told by others because they could really get a move on, however when it came to the slower more detailed work they started to have sick days and other time off the job. People told me that is because they are doing other work else where so I checked on them and it was true. Same with other trades like plasters, joiners, plumbers, roofers. I was warned that they all do this to maintain their work load and sod you once they get so far because you will have trouble getting anyone to finish other peoples work. In my case I ended up finishing the topping out from the eaves up and inside - the plasterer was the worst of all and I ended up stripping the lot off and doing it myself. I did learn a lot though and built two complete houses myself and spouse including a stone built one, it took a bit longer to do but it passed all the quality work by inspectors NHBC and others. So never again will I recommend a builder or trades man again.

[@Cruner62]

@@monday7150 No just a job well done and I don't think ALL builders are bad just most usually the cynical ones.

[@tonylee-UK]

All trades should be DBS checked by law. I don't know of any profession where a stranger can just be given the keys to someones home without knowing that persons background.

[@pkpropertysolutionsltd701]

You should do another video on how to piss off your customers, I’m sure you’ll get a good response

[@hannahjames3180]

@@czx68 Interesting...

[@johnjock6052]

when they watch some bloke on u-tube and tell me iam doing it wrong !

[@malcolmfunnell4501]

Top rant Rog , It would have took me three time’s as long

[@SkillBuilder]

That is the thing about lists, once you start

[@paulhill1665]

Last tradesmen I used were kitchen fitters, they did not know how to use a level, had to throw them off site, and re do the work myself.

[@jimmybrown9349]

Plenty of Tea & Biscuits @ my Place. As I now live in Australia maybe a Beer or 3. As a Retired Chippie I like you Roger have heard it all. If I am doing a Job that goes on for a few Days I like to be paid at the end of the Day, just in Case I have had enough on the first Day ha HA. If someone is doing a job for me I pay them as required, (End of each Day if you like). I don't pay hourly rates just for the job required. Don't worry about the Neighbours or the noise. Start when you like @ my house, I'm up early, have been known to Cook a Fry up. I don't do mates Rates however I do Swap jobs You help me out & I will do the same. Dust & Dirt, you can't make an Omelette without breaking Eggs. If the Bloke down the road is Cheaper, then it's his. Great Vid.

[@geoffreyreeks2422]

Speaking as a builder, I agree. I give each of my tradies bottled water and a carbonated sugar drink each day. That develops a good relationship with my tradies. That good relationship facilitates the work. Regards, Geoff. Reeks

[@SkillBuilder]

Lay off the carbonated sugar drinks. If you see an obses person a bottle of pop is never far away.

[@Christine-pn8tl]

Hi there I have a condensation problem in a small extension with a shower room kitchen and bathroom. I discovered a few leaks which were causing damp. The leaks are fixed and the extension dried with a fan and industrial de humidifier I am anxious to avoid any more condensation and not sure whether I should install air bricks the windows have trickle vents and I've put a new extractor fan in the shower what is your opinion on air bricks ?

[@OutOfMyBrainOnaTrain]

Just need a video on how builders annoy customers - pushing the job back, not returning calls, late starts, not clearing up, substandard workmanship and how dare the customer highlighting the issue, hearing the comment of there’s no way I can work to tolerance as I wouldn’t earn any money while charging 300+ a day, overpricing extras once the job started, messy toilet habits, advising the best way to get the job done - which is a shortcut/bodge after a price was agreed to do the job properly, giving an overpriced estimate and justifying it when comparing it to British Gas as an example…..

[@tonywright8294]

I’m a top class cabinet maker ,we never talk to builder types terribly common 🤣🤣

[@elvispresli666]

Thanks Roger I always enjoy these sort of videos. Should be its own series called Rogers Rants

[@davidpriest5253]

Get a box of Yorkshire tea, and fill it with Lidl Tea bags - because my roofer filled under a slate with a sandwich wrapper! True story

[@effervescence5664]

"If I give you cash can you not charge me the VAT" is the most common one. "You don't have to sign it off" - I've had this asked with a boiler and fuse board change infront of the estate agent and solicitors - who went very pale and politely informed the customer the house would be "un-insurable and un-sellable". Suffice to say I didn't take the job and walked away and I heard they had to sell it at a loss as no one would take it on.

[@djtaylorutube]

Yes but then if it's not VAT free, don't object to a bank transfer, credit card or whatever ;)

[@paulmaryon9088]

Brilliant Roger, just finished a job where the customer broke everyone of these rules, still waiting for final payment!! Needless to say, not going back there, even tho she wants more done, great vid thanks mate

[@gavinfaulkner1362]

Excellent stuff Roger, I have been in the building trade 35 years and agree with so much of what you said, I have found there are a lot of cowboy customers out there and they still catch me out some of the time, so builders BEWAEAR

[@Bennynoye]

Rodger Busby skill builder Leg end ! 👌⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@AntelJM]

We just had builders in for three weeks. They refused all offers of refreshment. They brought their own coke and at lunchtime they sat on the garden wall and just ate chocolate. I’d have loved to have made them tea and sandwiches 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@thestampede3153]

LOL My Grandmother loved to bake cakes, pies, bread etc all day every day pretty much, she needed her bathroom modernising a bit, after a week my father went round and the two bathroom fitters were still there (original estimate was 4 days) he asked WTF was going on the main bloke apologised and told him 'mate your mother keeps interrupting us with tea, coffee and cakes every hour and we haven't got the heart to refuse', at which point my Grandmother appeared with tea, coffee, 2 slices of orange cake and a couple of snowballs lol.

[@MsElijah16]

@@thestampede3153 😂😂😂😂

[@mrbadger9920]

They probably thought your house looked a bit dirty and didn't want to risk getting bellyache from a mouldy cuppa.

[@robertwood6523]

Were i live builders and other trades are not supposed to start work untill 8-30 our bylaws

[@christastic100]

I absolutely love these rants . As a spark same things apply

[@djslaney1964]

When i get a builder in to give me a quote I always ask for a written break down as I want to know what I am paying for what materials, as I was in a similar trade and found some builders over price for materials and put your money in their back pocket. If their honest they wont mind doing it and i will pay for all materials up front no questions asked.

[@kristofercordero1524]

Yes but as a builder you get discounts and membership perks which together with proper markups ,due to getting the correct materials. , and retrieval and delivery of said materials also needs to be compensated..... or else we would spend all day taking things back and waiting for others .... bad business model....I think 🤔 maybe lieve the pro stuff to the pros.

[@morrismaintenance1380]

Spot on Roger

[@vinnysurti]

I hate it when you meet that customer who treats you like they are superior to you and think they’re special (you know the type) and talk down to you because your not wearing a shirt & tie.

[@ricos1497]

What sort of builder doesn't wear a shirt and tie?

[@vinnysurti]

@@ricos1497 I wear dusty T shirts 👕 and not my best jeans 👖. I wear head protection sometimes to protect myself from helmets ⛑

[@lloyd4011]

Mate, you want to turn up in a shirt and tie. Customers head will fall off.

[@peterpeterson9903]

Roger your rant is all very well and if I had teams of chaps like your guys turn up working at the level evident in these videos I would be doing the tea run on the hour ever hour without fail for pro's like that, however the issue is that you and your guys are not normal. Everyone in your videos looks the part, someone on site in trainers and joggies just sends alarm bells to me, they know what they are doing, they seem respectful from the videos and their working environment is neat and safe. Your guys also just create nice things, I know roofs and framing will not be seen but I see too many pieces of 2x4 nailed together a jaunty angles, angles not cut properly etc. - that roof and the dormer project you guys have done this year is mint. Beautiful craftsmanship, I would have you come and do my house tomorrow if you would travel a bit! I am in this industry on the design side, I sometimes do some homers for folk, my latest and last was for a lady in her 80's - simple lean to extension, I supplied a complete tender package with everything on it, every detail, supplied the structural calcs, BW approved drawing package, details of every single thing. She went and got quotes, I got feedback from her that builders were commenting the drawing package was one of the most clear and concise and detailed they had ever seen. So, she went with builder A - this builder has become a joke, I was not retained past tender so I am not involved anymore but she still emailed me updates and I have spoken to the builder once or twice. The builder claims he didn't see any of the BW drawings and just built it his way, didn't build it correctly, it's now 650mm smaller than it should have been, he has made all the rooflights and window openings his own sizes even though they were all based around standard Velux sizes etc. he has moaned about the roof tile choice, because it is not Marley Modern, no it is not, and guess what others do exist, live with it! He shouts as my client when she questions anything, he knocked through into her living room and then left for a week while the extension is not even slightly wind and watertight. He buys all the cheap brands even though full schedules were provided, he bogs off for 2-3 weeks at a time, the site is a tip and I mean a tip, things are just scrappy, plasterboard was put up the wrong way round, he has ignored all the wall make up for fire duration and just double sheeted the walls with gyproc, not fireboard and 15mm like was on the spec - this man deserves none of the niceties. So on the flip side, customers could have a rant too, your rant is about certain things some customers do, but sadly there is a flip side.

[@Tom_Hadler]

That sounds a nightmare. I'm creating drawings from my own house, and I'm worried it'll be a waste of time and they'll just do what they want. So not looking forward to hiring a contractor

[@peterpeterson9903]

@@Tom_Hadler My advice would be to inform your contractor you are the client but you are also the project manager and they will report to and take authorisation from you. I know that sounds obvious, however, you would be surprised. If your knowledgeable enough to do your drawings I suggest you can manage it just fine. I have friends who have had an extension built and I had to bite my tongue at their total ineptitude and naivety to the whole situation, they agreed the walls could be lined and plastered BEFORE the spark did first fix, because they saw that as progress and the spark could just "make some holes and pop the wires in later". This was through a single contractor, what sort of scheduling is that? So yes, get an agreement, you will retain on site control and they must follow spec and schedules unless agreed in writing.

[@Tom_Hadler]

@@peterpeterson9903 Yeah I need to have the confidence to tell them who's boss I think, which can be tough when you don't want to fall out. Not looking forward to possible conflicts. What contract do you suggest using, I would definitely use one. Is it JCT small works or something? I am almost tempted to have a go at some construction myself, but I think I would quickly find myself out of my depth, or working very slowly. Best would be to help out as a labourer and learn a little along the way, which might also help keep the relationship cordial. Or antagonise it!

[@designcoordinationmanageme3177]

We tended to find they dont like post it notes pointing out discrepancies, errors or non-compliances, and they really dont like it when you use the word NOT ACCEPTABLE.

[@GK-qc5ry]

Would be good to see a video on how to hire a quality builder and to ask for.

[@Turbofab]

Tea and Hobnobs are in my terms and conditions ... This shows my humor and also shows if they read the terms if I turn up and there is tea and Hobnobs ☺️

[@cousindave1]

I've been to Salisbury today and seen a copy of the Magna Carta but I couldn't see anything about tea and biscuits on it. Mind it was all in Latin or something which I don't understand a word of, so it might have been hidden in there somewhere.

[@SkillBuilder]

The trouble is that a lot of copies were made because this was long before Caxton introduced the printing press. The Magna Carta was also re-written on a number of occassions by scholars under the instruction of subsequent monarchs looking to limit the power of the Barons and raise more taxes for themselves. The Barons were never interested in the rights of the commoner and let this detail slip from a number of copies. The abolition of the biscuit tax (1344) was an attempt to re-establish the right of the working man to sustenance from the employers purse and bring an end to this tyrany so it could be that the version you saw in Salisbury pre-dated this.

[@paulelliott6673]

Was on a build and the tea came out every twenty five minutes even uncle Bob the tea fiend couldn’t handle that after a few days.

[@martymay9723]

Luv it! Good on you Roger......

[@steamhammer2k]

We now need. The 9 Things That Really Annoy Your Customer

[@haroon420]

I’ve never paid more than a £100 (max) for any of my contractors. But I’ve always either paid them half at halfway stage or all of it at the end. On the day they’re leaving. Never had to ask anyone to come back. That being said, we had one brickie who didn’t turn up on last day and his labourers tidied up. He didn’t come back to collect his £2k for 3 months. I didn’t remind him but the day he called, told him to come over and I had the money ready 😝

[@Palo-jm7xc]

i'd love to see the quality of the work

[@haroon420]

@@Palo-jm7xc his work wasn’t good. He had subcontracted to some part time brickies who spend the winter months in Australia. He didn’t explain the work to them so there was some tension. I told the brickies, I’ve got a deal which was clear with Julian. If he hasn’t explained certain bits to you, then that’s his fault. Their work wasn’t good either. Probably they were getting on with time and this was just beer money for them. We had other people work other stages of the house and it was faultless. But I couldn’t call them back for other stages due to availability.

[@fpvlee1586]

Should do a customer version if poss asp! I bet you it would be just as long if not longer tbf.Works both ways😉

[@SkillBuilder]

Yes it was said

[@sharonclaridge]

When I was getting my log burner fitted and flue lined the guys had agreed to be onsite 8.30am ... but as they 'were passing' (local company) and saw the lights on they dropped in a bit early...6.30am. Not a problem, at least I wasn't still in my jammies and rather that than not turning up :)

[@richardelliott1893]

We are having an extension built at the moment. Our builder is great and we’ve had to wait 18 months for him to start. I make tea for all the lads a couple of times a day and bacon sandwiches for their lunch. I’ve told him he can arrive as early as he wants and wherever he needs to work in the house we will fit in with him. I try not to hassle him about anything and we always pay on time. I’m hoping this makes me a good customer who he would want to work for again.

[@SkillBuilder]

You are the dream customer

[@HeatGeek]

Lolol enjoyed this Roger 👍

[@KunjanChauhan]

things which p*** me off as a customer: - crappy workmanship (bathroom still leaks after 2 months and pouring concrete - no you ain't getting paid) - bring your own tea (on the continent, builders just get on with the job, they are generally efficient and professional). customers may or may not provide tea etc. its not a builders right. - be on time, every time. this is how the rest of the world operates. - finish the job on time, not 3 months later - when the plumber says he cant wire an electrical plug because its the electricians job...really..! does he call the electrician to his house! i am sure the law will allow some degree of commonsense - one does not expect the plumber to wire up a fuse panel. - not using protective sheeting and not tidying up - not wanting to coordinate with other tradesmen because it's not in his e'fing job description - using the hammer too much (one tool ...) - Sun newspaper page 3 stuck on the porta potty - not taking pride in his workmanship - deliberately cutting corners because he has better things to do - misleading customers (the roof job that was not really needed or the water pump that only needed a 30 minute job to open, clean and refit etc) - misleading customers about skill, experience and ability like the electrician who installed the control panel under the boiler where it constantly tripped due to drops of condensation. - and the worst is receiving a quote with no breakdown of pricing so customers cannot make an informed commitment nor trust the builder. I like to see the materials cost and the hourly rate separately because it's fair. I don't intend to imply that all builders are like this. I know many who are really good and professional. But I have also had my fair share of the worst.

[@BankJunction]

OK Roger, how about 9 things that really annoy your customer. Its only fair. And come on, mission creep is the way the world goes round. Builders are the worst for reverse mission creep - I cant come round tomorrow, dog ate my sandpaper, can I borrow your crap Ryobi One sander, my Festool charger wont work, the sheds exploded, the missus needs the hall mirror fixed, oh, I forget, I need to see my accountant, the job I was doing next week I have to do tomorrow because the clients been arrested etc etc. etc. But we love you Roger.

[@SkillBuilder]

Adrian It is a piece of satire

[@BankJunction]

@@SkillBuilder Roger of course `I know. As was mine! Keep the good work.

[@jimnyjolly278]

Yorkshire Tea from the plantations of Yorkshire....PMSL

[@MJ-ce6tv]

Thanks.

[@chrislambe400]

Need a customer version of this.

[@SkillBuilder]

He did say that at the end. We will do a follow up

[@chrisjones7504]

Yorkshire tea is the best if you like to actually taste the tea! Yorkshire tea, one sugar and a splash of whole milk, tea perfection! Pg or tetleys doesn't have the same strength of taste. I am a carpenter so I know good tea when I have it 😂

[@SkillBuilder]

Hi Chris I don't think there is anything wrong with the tea but they have gone all woke, telling people what to think.

[@chrisjones7504]

@@SkillBuilder ah right. I don't really follow their advertising or social media

[@benjaniroberts1984]

“Can you knock off ££’s if I do it for cash” “Is there anything you can do with the price” “Ballpark figure, I won’t hold you to it” Most common phrases I’ve heard over the years, total bugbear of mine!

[@MinkieWinkle]

most builders will lower the price for cash, as almost non of them will declare it.

[@UnseenSpirit]

@@MinkieWinkle I agree. Works for many companies / builders

[@rowey1992]

What's wrong with a 'ball park" figure? Punters want to know is it a 1000 quid or 10,000 quid. depending on the answer they may actually waste less of your time by saying forget it before you actually do all the work of a quotation.

[@AntelJM]

The ballpark thing seems quite sensible though. I’ve got ten grand to spend, if you say it’ll be nearer twenty I’m not going to waste any more of your time.

[@duplicitouskendoll9402]

I always try to find tradesmen who are below the VAT threshold (and check that they actually are too). If the price is good no need to haggle over cash. If the price is high still, you know they're probably ripping you off. That said, I've never had anyone ever refuse to lower the price for cash. I already pay income tax... The government can do one wherever possible when it comes to taxing me again. No guilt or shame whatsoever. Should the tradesmen declare it, sure, but most won't anyway (perk of being self employed) so why should I pay more?

[@hughtierney9109]

I've been told not to come to work tomorrow as it's by husband's birthday. Some advance warning would have been appreciated -better still, not oblige me to take a day off in mid-project at all. I've heard from someone else that they were asked not to turn up for work the next day because they (the client) was having some friends over for lunch!

[@philiphurdwell3443]

Someone I know said we had a builder round and he didn't even bother to send a quote, I explained to them that when they were busy interviewing the builder the builder was interviewing you and probably didn't like you!

[@SkillBuilder]

so true, if a builder gets a bad feeling about a customer it is the same as the customer getting a bad feeling about at buider. The trade is unusual in that it requires a relationship to be formed and not just a transaction. That is a huge difference from selling cans of beans in a supermarket

[@rmmccarthy1240]

...don't cultivate friendship- beautiful!

[@tonymcgirr2912]

When they ask “Would u like a drink?” I reply “Yes please,black,no sugar,and not too much butter on the bread,as the bacon tends to slide off!

[@Chyronn]

Cheeky

[@Cornz38]

Whenever i say to Mrs Mohammed, for some reason she gives me such a dirty look!!

[@ashleyrowe2681]

Just recently cancelled a job as the client did not like the 7.30am start, i doubt they found someone else to do the works within the time scale who started at 8.30am and left for 5pm

[@TurinTuramber]

Just adding to the traffic by working 9-5

[@paulhayles6947]

“Can you move your van” makes my blood 🩸 & “While you’re here can you” makes me nauseous. You know what’s coming next.

[@ricos1497]

Help with my prostate examination?

[@loafersheffield]

While you are here, can you just, I call the seven dirty words. Think I'll revisit George Carlin's 7 dirty words before I empty the van, sort out my shizzle for tomorrow and check my messages and emails.

[@madcarew5168]

Or just the ignorant "Move your van"....

[@thestampede3153]

Yeah I've had to ask a roofer to move his van, he was working on one of my neighbours property and parked across my gate blocking me in and I had a job to go to myself. I asked politely, he decided to treat like an imbecile for daring to ask him to move his van, less polite and he understood my point of view a bit better and didn't block my gate again. I've been there done that, been on site with nowhere to park ended up a bit close to someone's garage they came back struggled to get back in, I didn't treat the neighbour like dogsh!t I apologised and moved the van and they told me to just park there as they weren't going out again once in. Mission creep tho.... unless it's backed by cash I've threatened to walk off a job once because it got so out of hand with one customer.

[@memecoinmafia2732]

just say ..sure ill send you a quote

[@JJ-zg1hh]

...get ye kettle on and thy biscuits out... Ha ha - comedy gold!

[@mmcg968]

I'm paying for you to build my extension - you're not paying me to be your tea boy. You want tea, make your own or bring a thermos.

[@leefarnan71]

Give them drawings, a specification and your own project manager, most domestic builders won't start.

[@we-are-electric1445]

Don't cultivate friendships - best advice yet !