I need a Man or Woman who is honest & True

[L1zzy]

Ok Guys - I need some help - I'm trying to locate someone who knows what they're doing in Dorset/Somerset area to come and do some minor Lime repairs on my listed cottage. I had hoped to have gone on my Lime course by now & so have a go myself but a.) the course was cancelled due to lack of interest (???) and b.) I'm now swamped at work so won't get time to tackle this this year. before Winter. But as my window frames are all about to be repaired and then I shall Linseed paint them all I need someone who'll come and repair the render round the edges and cills.

My problem is I've now called about 5 people on the Conservation Office list of gooduns and NONE yes I mean it NONE have bothered to call me back .Customer Service is a foreign Country !!

So I'm looking for recommendations from the good PPUK folks please.Any ideas?

 

[Ian Bond]

I bet most of us have been there - I've lost count of the number of companies that have let me down.

I've agreed to quotations for work, and then repeatedly been fobbed off when trying to get a start date - never to see or hear from the builder again! What I really cannot stand is being strung along, so that by the time you realise they aren't coming back it is too late in the year to do the work anyway. I've even agreed to let 3 firms do the same job (in desperation) only for not one of them to ever turn up.

So I ended up doing the lot, plumbing, rewiring, plastering, joinery etc...

Often badly, and several times until I got it right - all good fun. That's why I don't have time to strip all paint of my windows.

Perhaps the problem is when I ask for stuff to be done without cement and so on - I think it puts people off who are used to working with modern materials.

Have you tried Mike Wye in Devon - perhaps he can recommend someone? I know he's a fair distance away, but I reckon that people must come from far-and-wide to get their lime & stuff from him. So he may be able to suggest someone. Not that good lime plasterers are going to be kicking their heels wating for work to come to them.

 

[middi]

Sorry Lizzy, I live too far away.

If you Just want a man or a woman, not do do any repair work, though,
they would flock down from all over the country

 

[L1zzy]

Thanks folks its nice to know it isn't just me - I wouldn't mind f they just said not my bag too small a job or just No.Its the dithering that gets me all mad as you so rightly say Ian. Middi - I quite like the ideas of flocks of people who travel round doing these jobs - shall we start a raoming consortium!! We could make a fortune.

Mike Wye's name coms up so often he must be a demi god - yes good idea I can but ask.

Thanks

Liz

 

[Sue Wilkinson]

No, its certainly not just you. I have had the exact same problems as Ian. I am now more or less making a living from doing just these sorts of small repairs for people around the area. The materials don't seem to matter actually, small jobs are just not wanted.

I have found that by being willing to take on little things (fitting cat flaps is popular) I'm getting repeat business left right and centre for decorating and lime repairs. I could do your repairs for you if you wanted to lift the house up into Northamptonshire, but sadly you are a bit far off when I'm having to fight off the villagers on my doorstep.

Do try Mike Wye. He and his team are very helpful. Also try IJP Building conservation based in Reading. It may be too small for them, or too expensive for you to use them, but they use contractors as well as staff for the specialist work so may know of someone in your area.

Best of luck.
Sue

 

[L1zzy]

Many Thanks Sue - useful info - I wish I could transport my cottage up to you for a couple of weeks but sadly..........

 

[NT]

It sounds like the same old story - once you realise the time you spend looking for someone is greater than the time it takes to do the job, and that theres still no-one interested, you figure out doing it yourself is the best optoin.

The one other option that often works is to get someone unskilled in who needs a bit of work and doesnt mind what. Certainly theres a failure rate, but its good a surprising percentage of the time, and a good route to getting non-damaging works done.

Most builders seem to be put off by a client that has some idea what theyre talking about and doesnt agree with them. From their POV its a recipe for trouble.


NT

 

[Penners]

Lizzy

This is probably flippin' obvious, but as this is a small job (or would be viewed as such by a builder), have you tried ringing round people who call themselves "handyman"? I've used one or two in my time for small jobs like a bit of guttering (I don't do ladders!), and usually find them passably competent - at least so far! More importantly, they seem less averse to taking on a job that just involves a day or two's work.

 

[L1zzy]

Thanks to all for the voices of support - I am now going to start praying that the August Lime Day here in Dorset does actually happen - that will give me about 2 week window to do the job myself - I can't take anymore rejection from builders who have never even met me. Its you guys who keep me positive and make me think 'hey have a go girl.... if at first .....etc etc - so thanks TEAM.

Lizzy

 

[skier-hughes]

Which course are you going on? Do you have a link? I'm still wanting to do one, and the lime plastering keeps moving back, that August may be good for me, and Dorset always makes a nice holiday... and another body would help it keep running.

Graham