Getting the builders in

A quick question for everyone following Getting The Builders In.

I'm always looking at ways to make the page more useful, so I'd be interested to know what type of content you'd like to see more of.

Would you like more homeowner advice on choosing the right tradesperson?

More DIY tips and tricks?

More trade secrets that can save you money?

More behind the scenes stories from over 40 years in the building industry?

More information on becoming self employed?

More guidance on learning a trade and earning whilst you learn?

More bathroom and kitchen design ideas?

Or perhaps something completely different?

I've spent over 40 years working across bathrooms, kitchens, plumbing, tiling, decorating, landscaping and many other areas of the building industry, so there is plenty of knowledge and experience to share.

Let me know in the comments what would be most useful to you and I'll do my best to cover it in future posts.

WHAT DOES IT REALLY COST TO START A TRADE BUSINESS?

One of the biggest myths I hear is that you need thousands and thousands of pounds to start a trade business.

The reality is very different.

When I first started, I focused on fitting and tiling whilst my brother concentrated on the plumbing side. Between us we learned from each other every day and gradually built our skills. What we didn't do was spend a fortune before we earned our first pound.

Transport is a good example.

Many people think they need a shiny new van before they can start. I used an estate car for around 15 years. With the seats folded down it carried all my tools, plasterboard up to approximately 1800mm x 900mm and timber up to around 2.7 metres long. It saved the cost of a van, reduced insurance costs and meant I wasn't advertising to thieves that expensive tools were stored inside.

Public liability insurance of £1 million is usually adequate when starting out and is far cheaper than many people think.

Workwear is also simple. A few pairs of shorts for summer, work trousers for winter, a couple of tops, work boots, safety glasses, ear plugs and dust masks. In my opinion, dust masks are one of the most important items you can own.

Most people already own a mobile phone, which becomes your diary, camera, customer contact system and office all rolled into one.

The tools are probably far less expensive than most people imagine.

For tiling, a large manual tile cutter will handle most straight cuts. Electric tile cutters are useful for angle cuts and awkward shapes. Over the years I moved more towards using a grinder with a diamond blade and polishing pads for exposed edges.

You'll need diamond hole cutters, a battery drill, battery screwdriver, drill bits including masonry bits, large and medium spirit levels, a silicone gun, tile grout floats and tiling trowels.

For plumbing and fitting work, a basic toolbox should contain adjustable spanners, seven inch water pump pliers, a hammer, hand screwdrivers, electrical testing screwdriver, Stanley knife, Stanley scraper and tape measure.

A 240 volt hammer drill with clutch is invaluable for stubborn tiles and plaster. A mixing drill or paddle mixer for plaster and tile adhesive, plastering trowel, hawk, mixing tub, bucket, hand saw and jigsaw will also cover many of the jobs you'll come across.

Many DIY enthusiasts will already own some of these items.

The biggest surprise for most people is that the tools are not the biggest investment.

The real investment is education.

I believe many people waste years trying to teach themselves everything when they only need to learn what is relevant to the work they are carrying out. My approach is different. I focus on teaching what you need to know and, just as importantly, what you don't need to know.

Rather than spending years learning information you will never need, you can focus on practical skills that allow you to start earning whilst continuing to learn.

Education is paramount. Without it, it can take years to teach yourself. Believe me, after 40 years in the trade I was still learning.

The biggest cost isn't tools.

The biggest cost is wasted time and inaction through having little to no knowledge.

What do you think is the biggest obstacle stopping people from learning a trade today?

Why I Used To Reduce My Price Before Speaking

One of the biggest lessons I learned early in my career was about pricing.

When I first started out, I was often so keen to win the work that I would work out a price at home, arrive at the customer's property, and then reduce it before I had even opened my mouth.

Many new tradespeople do the same thing.

The reality is that when you're worried about where the next job is coming from, confidence can sometimes disappear.

What I eventually learned was that there is a difference between being competitive and undervaluing yourself.

Customers deserve a fair price and tradespeople deserve a fair reward for their skills, experience, tools, insurance, materials and time.

Finding that balance is important.

The same principle applies to many businesses. When demand is low, companies often reduce prices to attract customers. As demand increases, prices naturally rise because the service or product is in greater demand.

The challenge is understanding where that balance lies.

Over the years I discovered that most customers are not looking for the cheapest quote. They are looking for value, trust, reliability and confidence that the job will be completed properly.

A fair customer deserves a fair tradesperson.

A fair tradesperson deserves a fair customer.

When both sides understand that, the relationship usually works well for everyone.

What is your view?

Would you choose the cheapest quote, or the person who gave you the most confidence that they could do the job properly?

After more than 40 years in the building trade, from designing and fitting bathrooms and kitchens, painting and decorating, scaffolding, suspended ceilings, hard and soft landscaping, plumbing, tiling, carpentry, plastering and much more, I have experienced all manner of issues, challenges and problems.

One philosophy has stayed with me throughout my career:

"For every problem, there is always a solution. You just have to find it."

That mindset has helped me overcome obstacles, complete difficult projects and build a successful career in an industry that is constantly changing.

This page is for homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, young people considering a trade, and anyone looking for practical advice based on real experience.

Over the coming weeks and months, I'll be sharing tips, mistakes to avoid, money saving ideas, business advice and the realities of working in the trade industry.

I don't claim to know everything, and I still learn something new all the time, but if my experience can help someone avoid costly mistakes, gain confidence, learn new skills or build a better future, then this page will have served its purpose.

Thanks for following and welcome aboard.

Do you want to learn a new skill for DIY around your home?

Do you want to look for a new career?

Do you want extra income?

Do you want to become self employed?

Are you struggling to choose a trade and wondering whether to give one a go?

Are you leaving school and unsure what direction to take?

Do you want to know how to find work?

Do you want to know what to say to customers?

Do you want to know how to quote properly?

Do you want to know how to price your work and understand your true worth?

Do you want to know what makes a good tradesperson stand out from the crowd?

Do you want to know how to keep your books, receipts and records organised?

Do you want to know the benefits of working alone or with others?

Do you want to learn shortcuts that save time without compromising quality?

Do you want to know what tools you need and how to use them?

Do you want help deciding which skills suit you best?

Do you want one to one tuition and ongoing support to help you get started?

Do you want to know where to advertise and find work?

As a customer, do you want practical advice on choosing the right company?

Do you want to understand payment schedules and how they should work?

Do you want to know how to avoid pressure selling?

Do you want to know where to look for genuine feedback and reviews?

Do you want emergency tips that could save you thousands of pounds?

Do you want advice on transport choices that could save money on insurance and running costs?

Do you want to understand the benefits of different builders merchants and suppliers?

Do you want to know which materials perform best and where you can save money without sacrificing quality?

Do you want to understand guarantees and what a good guarantee should look like?

Do you want to know what you really need to know and what you don't?

Do you want to become a kitchen fitter, bathroom fitter, or home improvement specialist?

Do you want to learn how to run, grow and build a successful business?

Then you are in the right place.

Follow me and you'll receive a huge amount of free advice, tips and guidance designed to give you the confidence to start your journey.

I welcome genuine feedback, discussion and different viewpoints. We all learn from each other.

Trolls and people who simply want to criticise for the sake of it will be removed. There are plenty of other pages for that.

Everything I share comes from my own experiences, successes, mistakes and lessons learned over more than 40 years. It is what has worked for me, but I also understand that everyone is different and there is no single path that suits everyone.

One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that not every customer is right for every tradesperson, and not every tradesperson is right for every customer. First impressions matter. If something doesn't feel right, it usually isn't.

My goal is simple.

To give young people and adults, male and female, an alternative to the traditional office environment.

To help people gain skills, confidence and independence.

To show people that they can choose the type of work they do, the customers they work for and the direction they want their lives to take.

Even when you produce work to the highest standard, not everyone will see it the same way. Learning how to manage expectations, communicate well and choose the right customers is just as important as learning the trade itself.

This page is about freedom, practical skills, self belief and creating opportunities.

If that sounds like something you're looking for, you're in the right place.

Our new services 🧰🔧

🔧 HANDYMAN SERVICES CHESHIRE

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📍 Lymm, Knutsford, Thelwall, Northwich & surrounding areas

📺 As seen on the BBC programme
“Getting The Builders In”

📞 Call or WhatsApp Chris on 0789 171 0038