
Renovations and construction work: How to work effectively with tradespeople
Long-term planning
There is currently a shortage of skilled workers in the skilled trades across Germany. Apprenticeship positions often cannot be filled, resulting in long waiting times of more than 10 weeks. This is according to the economic report published by the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts. Long waiting times are almost unavoidable for large projects such as a new roof, air conditioning, or a pool. That's why such projects should be planned well in advance. If you have an old roof, it's better not to wait until the first tile comes loose or water starts dripping into your living room, but to make an appointment while the roof is still intact.
However, in the event of an acute emergency such as a burst pipe or a broken shower, many tradespeople will make time for you at short notice. It's similar to going to the doctor: you're happy to wait months for a check-up, but if you're laid low with the flu, you're glad you can get help quickly.
Plan construction work outside of peak season
For projects such as a pool, air conditioning, or new underfloor heating, it may also be worth planning outside the season. Not only will specialists be available more quickly, they will often charge less than in the peak season. If you plan your pool in winter or fall, for example, you have several advantages. After all, the construction work won't disturb you while you're sunbathing on the patio, and your beautifully landscaped flower beds won't be destroyed by the excavator.
Get recommendations online and offline
There are now many online portals where you can quickly and easily obtain quotes from tradespeople. On platforms such as My-Hammer.de, Handwer-123.de, and Blauarbeit.de, companies are also rated directly by previous customers. However, these often complain about a lack of reliability. Recommendations from your own circle of acquaintances can therefore still be more helpful. Agree on a quote in advance
Regardless of how you find your tradesman, it is important to obtain a quote in advance and clarify all costs. This is easily forgotten, especially in emergencies, and if you are unlucky, you could end up with a bill for several hundred dollars after the tradesman has spent only five minutes unblocking a pipe. Therefore, if possible, agree on a fixed price in advance and make sure that the tradesperson discusses any additional costs with you before starting work. That way, there will be no nasty surprises at the end.
Are you looking for a handyman because you want to renovate your house before selling it? Contact us now. We know which measures can really increase the selling price.
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