What do landlords REALLY want from repairers ???

[home servicer]

As a contractor dealing with many requests a week from agents, I,m looking to really stand away from the rest of the "handymen" crowd that are competeing for work. What do landlords really want from their contractors.
I dont do electrical or heating work but pretty much everything else.
Just want to try to gain a little more work.
Any idea's anyone

[mind the gap]

I'm confused. Are you asking us to offer you work, or tell you the qualities of a successful tradesman?

[bbva]

Reliable and on time.
Work done to a good standard.
No hidden extras.

[mind the gap]

Reliable and on time.
Work done to a good standard.
No hidden extras.

I'd second those.

Plus, please clear up after yourself and take away your rubbish.
Don't use every last drop of milk in the fridge without buying some more.
Don't suddenly insist on being paid in cash when the job is miles away from a cash machine.
Don't listen to Radio One when there are human beings within earshot.
Don't bring your dog into the property with you to keep you company.
Don't bring your dog with you and proceed to leave it howling in your van outside all day.
Just don't bring your dog with you.
Don't sit on other people's flat-packed furniture to have your lunch (you might break it).

[JK0]

I'd second those.

Plus, please clear up after yourself and take away your rubbish.
Don't use every last drop of milk in the fridge without buying some more.
Don't suddenly insist on being paid in cash when the job is miles away from a cash machine.
Don't listen to Radio One when there are human beings within earshot.
Don't bring your dog into the property with you to keep you company.
Don't bring your dog with you and proceed to leave it howling in your van outside all day.
Just don't bring your dog with you.
Don't sit on other people's flat-packed furniture to have your lunch (you might break it).

Oh, I've got one:
Please clean the skid marks off my lavatory pans when you finish work. :)

[Horsepig]

Plus, please clear up after yourself and take away your rubbish.


You can only take away your rubbish if you have a waste management license, otherwise you risk a large fine.

[Horsepig]

As a contractor dealing with many requests a week from agents, I,m looking to really stand away from the rest of the "handymen" crowd that are competeing for work. What do landlords really want from their contractors.
I dont do electrical or heating work but pretty much everything else.
Just want to try to gain a little more work.
Any idea's anyone

Not sure what kind of trade you are in, but is there some form of trade association you can join or be registered with that will give you a more professional appearance, it goes a long way with clients to know that they are employing a professional.

[mind the gap]

You can only take away your rubbish if you have a waste management license, otherwise you risk a large fine.

Yes. So you get a licence if you are in the kind of business (e.g. building, plumbing, plastering) which tends to generate lots of rubble/waste. You don't just leave it for the customer to dispose of.

Glad we got that one sorted :(smirk):

[mind the gap]

Not sure what kind of trade you are in, but is there some form of trade association you can join or be registered with that will give you a more professional appearance, it goes a long way with clients to know that they are employing a professional.
No, what goes a long way with clients is knowing that the tradesperson will turn up when they say they will and do a professional job at a reasonable cost. That is not the same as being a member of a professional association and nobody should delude themself that it is!

[Horsepig]

No, what goes a long way with clients is knowing that the tradesperson will turn up when they say they will and do a professional job at a reasonable cost. That is not the same as being a member of a professional association and nobody should delude themself that it is!

By definition, if you are employing a PROFESSIONAL then you get a PROFESSIONAL job, and that includes turning up on time, doing the job correctly and at a proper price. Or maybe you have a different definition of professional? And whilst I agree wholeheartedly that being a member of an organisation or body is no guarantee that the tradesman is either experienced or a professional, it does give the customer some comeback if things go wrong. That is the peace of mind to which I refer.

[islandgirl]

But I have employed professionals (eg accountants and solicitors) who did not do a professional job.

[Horsepig]

But I have employed professionals (eg accountants and solicitors) who did not do a professional job.

..and no doubt you had some comeback if they were registered with a professional body? I would not like the point I am trying to make to be misunderstood, I am not saying that membership of an organisation is any guarantee that you will get what you want, it's the buffer provided for the consumer that is the selling point. If the original poster could gain membership of a body he would be assessed for ability and 'professionalism' and his work most likely covered by an insurance backed warranty, so if he defaults, the consumer doesn't lose out.