Posting this to a DIY group is a little odd I know, but...

I have a flat in North London that was in need of some renovation (a
new kitchen, some bathroom work, etc). The builder we got to do it
fitted the kitchen, but bodged the rest and ran off leaving the place
a wreak. Small claims court sorted us out eventually, but now we need
to get the damage repaired.

We are now having a hell of a time getting anyone interested in doing
it. The list of work is small, bitty stuff: complete the tiled floor,
repair or re-skim patches of plastering, wire in some lights, fit some
skirting boards... about 15 items of that nature. It does not include
decoration or surface preparation though.

So - does anyone know of anyone who might consider this work and do it
to a reasonable standard? We're willing to pay decent cash for a
clearly defined and agreed couple of days work with no hidden
complications or meddling from us. I can also supply all materials,
tea, cakes, entertainment or other request as needed.

Given our past experience though, we will have to ask for at least two
references to check, because if it goes wrong this time - we're
stuffed.

Thanks for listening.

On 2007-05-19 10:17:48 +0100, BlueJohn said:

Posting this to a DIY group is a little odd I know, but...

I have a flat in North London that was in need of some renovation (a
new kitchen, some bathroom work, etc). The builder we got to do it
fitted the kitchen, but bodged the rest and ran off leaving the place
a wreak. Small claims court sorted us out eventually, but now we need
to get the damage repaired.

We are now having a hell of a time getting anyone interested in doing
it. The list of work is small, bitty stuff: complete the tiled floor,
repair or re-skim patches of plastering, wire in some lights, fit some
skirting boards... about 15 items of that nature. It does not include
decoration or surface preparation though.

So - does anyone know of anyone who might consider this work and do it
to a reasonable standard? We're willing to pay decent cash for a
clearly defined and agreed couple of days work with no hidden
complications or meddling from us. I can also supply all materials,
tea, cakes, entertainment or other request as needed.

Given our past experience though, we will have to ask for at least two
references to check, because if it goes wrong this time - we're
stuffed.

Thanks for listening.

We have our own resident handyman.

Moreover, from a survey I just completed for B&Q, it appears that they
are thinking of offering a handyman service - i.e. you go into the
store and book one against a set of hourly rates.

In article ,
Andy Hall wrote:
Moreover, from a survey I just completed for B&Q, it appears that they
are thinking of offering a handyman service - i.e. you go into the
store and book one against a set of hourly rates.

They had what I think now was a trial run of this out of their Wandsworth
branch. Rates were high - IIRC 70 quid an hour. And the 'handymen' drove
round in brand new Minis...

--
*Why isn't 11 pronounced onety one? *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Andy Hall wrote:
On 2007-05-19 10:17:48 +0100, BlueJohn said:

Posting this to a DIY group is a little odd I know, but...

I have a flat in North London that was in need of some renovation (a
new kitchen, some bathroom work, etc). The builder we got to do it
fitted the kitchen, but bodged the rest and ran off leaving the place
a wreak. Small claims court sorted us out eventually, but now we need
to get the damage repaired.

We are now having a hell of a time getting anyone interested in doing
it. The list of work is small, bitty stuff: complete the tiled floor,
repair or re-skim patches of plastering, wire in some lights, fit
some skirting boards... about 15 items of that nature. It does not
include decoration or surface preparation though.

So - does anyone know of anyone who might consider this work and do
it to a reasonable standard? We're willing to pay decent cash for a
clearly defined and agreed couple of days work with no hidden
complications or meddling from us. I can also supply all materials,
tea, cakes, entertainment or other request as needed.

Given our past experience though, we will have to ask for at least
two references to check, because if it goes wrong this time - we're
stuffed.

Thanks for listening.

We have our own resident handyman.

We do indeed, alas nowhere near N London! I do a lot of work like this -
making good after errant tradesmen.

Moreover, from a survey I just completed for B&Q, it appears that they
are thinking of offering a handyman service - i.e. you go into the
store and book one against a set of hourly rates.

Interesting. I'll keep an eye on that.


--
Dave
The Medway Handyman
www.medwayhandyman.co.uk
01634 717930
07850 597257

On 19 May, 11:36, "The Medway Handyman"
wrote:
Andy Hall wrote:
On 2007-05-19 10:17:48 +0100, BlueJohn said:
snip

So - does anyone know of anyone who might consider this work and do
it to a reasonable standard? We're willing to pay decent cash for a
clearly defined and agreed couple of days work with no hidden
complications or meddling from us. I can also supply all materials,
tea, cakes, entertainment or other request as needed.

Given our past experience though, we will have to ask for at least
two references to check, because if it goes wrong this time - we're
stuffed.

Thanks for listening.

We have our own resident handyman.

We do indeed, alas nowhere near N London! I do a lot of work like this -
making good after errant tradesmen.

Moreover, from a survey I just completed for B&Q, it appears that they
are thinking of offering a handyman service - i.e. you go into the
store and book one against a set of hourly rates.

Interesting. I'll keep an eye on that.


Thanks for the B&Q tip - I'll see if I can find out more on that.

I've also just been talking to somebody else who is in a similar
position - seems there are quite a few of us in limbo: not enough work
to attract a normal builder, and not enough DIY skills to do it
ourselves.

BlueJohn wrote:
I've also just been talking to somebody else who is in a similar
position - seems there are quite a few of us in limbo: not enough work
to attract a normal builder, and not enough DIY skills to do it
ourselves.

Exactly the niche that pays my mortgage.

"For all those little jobs that need to be done".


--
Dave
The Medway Handyman
www.medwayhandyman.co.uk
01634 717930
07850 597257

In article .com,
BlueJohn wrote:
've also just been talking to somebody else who is in a similar
position - seems there are quite a few of us in limbo: not enough work
to attract a normal builder, and not enough DIY skills to do it
ourselves.

Given the range of jobs you want done I'd say you have *no* DIY skills.
Just about all the ones mentioned require easily acquired skills - apart
from plastering. Although you would need to purchase the required tools
for some of them.

--
*Even a blind pig stumbles across an acorn now and again *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

On 19 May, 12:15, "Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:
In article .com,
BlueJohn wrote:

've also just been talking to somebody else who is in a similar
position - seems there are quite a few of us in limbo: not enough work
to attract a normal builder, and not enough DIY skills to do it
ourselves.

Given the range of jobs you want done I'd say you have *no* DIY skills.
Just about all the ones mentioned require easily acquired skills - apart
from plastering. Although you would need to purchase the required tools
for some of them.

searching uk.d-i-y will explain how to do a lot. Asking will reveal
more. Theres also
http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php?...ecial:Allpages


NT

On 2007-05-19 11:36:40 +0100, "The Medway Handyman"
said:

Andy Hall wrote:

Moreover, from a survey I just completed for B&Q, it appears that they
are thinking of offering a handyman service - i.e. you go into the
store and book one against a set of hourly rates.

Interesting. I'll keep an eye on that.

I don't remember what the proposed rates were, but the structure was
about th same as yours - i.e. front end loaded.

You could probably get the survey by accessing B&Q's site. There is a
survey on what people think of that which pops up. I did that one and
was then invited by mail to do the handyman one.

It does of course raise all sorts of questions

- who takes responsibility for the work?

- what's B&Q's margin?


Depending on how you view it, it could be competition or could be an
opportunity.

On 2007-05-19 11:44:40 +0100, BlueJohn said:

On 19 May, 11:36, "The Medway Handyman"
wrote:
Andy Hall wrote:
On 2007-05-19 10:17:48 +0100, BlueJohn said:
snip

So - does anyone know of anyone who might consider this work and do
it to a reasonable standard? We're willing to pay decent cash for a
clearly defined and agreed couple of days work with no hidden
complications or meddling from us. I can also supply all materials,
tea, cakes, entertainment or other request as needed.

Given our past experience though, we will have to ask for at least
two references to check, because if it goes wrong this time - we're
stuffed.

Thanks for listening.

We have our own resident handyman.

We do indeed, alas nowhere near N London! I do a lot of work like this -
making good after errant tradesmen.

Moreover, from a survey I just completed for B&Q, it appears that they
are thinking of offering a handyman service - i.e. you go into the
store and book one against a set of hourly rates.

Interesting. I'll keep an eye on that.


Thanks for the B&Q tip - I'll see if I can find out more on that.

I've also just been talking to somebody else who is in a similar
position - seems there are quite a few of us in limbo: not enough work
to attract a normal builder, and not enough DIY skills to do it
ourselves.

I think that TMH should franchise his service...

On 2007-05-19 11:52:56 +0100, "The Medway Handyman"
said:

BlueJohn wrote:
I've also just been talking to somebody else who is in a similar
position - seems there are quite a few of us in limbo: not enough work
to attract a normal builder, and not enough DIY skills to do it
ourselves.

Exactly the niche that pays my mortgage.

"For all those little jobs that need to be done".

Franchise time......

On Sat, 19 May 2007 03:44:40 -0700, BlueJohn wrote:

On 19 May, 11:36, "The Medway Handyman"
wrote:
Andy Hall wrote:
On 2007-05-19 10:17:48 +0100, BlueJohn said:
snip

So - does anyone know of anyone who might consider this work and do
it to a reasonable standard? We're willing to pay decent cash for a
clearly defined and agreed couple of days work with no hidden
complications or meddling from us. I can also supply all materials,
tea, cakes, entertainment or other request as needed.

Given our past experience though, we will have to ask for at least
two references to check, because if it goes wrong this time - we're
stuffed.

Thanks for listening.

We have our own resident handyman.

We do indeed, alas nowhere near N London! I do a lot of work like this
- making good after errant tradesmen.

Moreover, from a survey I just completed for B&Q, it appears that they
are thinking of offering a handyman service - i.e. you go into the
store and book one against a set of hourly rates.

Interesting. I'll keep an eye on that.


Thanks for the B&Q tip - I'll see if I can find out more on that.

I've also just been talking to somebody else who is in a similar position
- seems there are quite a few of us in limbo: not enough work to attract a
normal builder, and not enough DIY skills to do it ourselves.

===================================
It might be worth considering some kind of 'co-operative' if there are
several of you in the same boat. Surely, you can't all be totally devoid
of all the necessary skills for quite minor works.

Of course, the really hard bit is making a proper cup of tea since it
requires an exiting Prime Minister to do that.

Cic.

--
===================================
Using Ubuntu Linux
Windows shown the door
===================================

On 19 May, 11:36, "The Medway Handyman"
wrote:
We do indeed, alas nowhere near N London! I do a lot of work like this -
making good after errant tradesmen.

There is plenty of work about ... both making good after others, but
also simply taking on the small jobs that others can't be bothered
with.
I think one of the strengths of the various handyman services is that
they provide a one-stop shop - someone will turn up, reseal your
shower, stop the tap drippng, change a light fitting and fit a new
lock,
all in one visit. Plumbers, sparkies, chippies don't generally offer
this
flexibility.

There are quite a few such companies around now, especially in London
(disclaimer: I now work for one of them) and I'd be inclined
to think that if the OP doesn't want to take on at least some of the
tasks himself then they're probably the best solution.


Moreover, from a survey I just completed for B&Q, it appears that they
are thinking of offering a handyman service - i.e. you go into the
store and book one against a set of hourly rates.

Interesting. I'll keep an eye on that.

My understanding of the B&Q service is that has been trialled
from Wandsworth and another sto Google and the Kingfisher
annual report say that they're planning to extend it to 25 stores
in the near future.

http://www.kingfisher.com/managed_co...files/reports/
annual_report_2007/index.asp?pageid=21

I *think* that it may have been fixed, task-based pricing rather than
time-based, but I'm not sure.

John

In article ,
Cicero wrote:
I've also just been talking to somebody else who is in a similar
position - seems there are quite a few of us in limbo: not enough work
to attract a normal builder, and not enough DIY skills to do it
ourselves.


It might be worth considering some kind of 'co-operative' if there are
several of you in the same boat. Surely, you can't all be totally devoid
of all the necessary skills for quite minor works.

Many simply don't want to make the time for DIY works over an above their
own job. Or can't be bothered. Which is fair enough - provided they are
happy to pay a decent rate for those who will do the work for them.

But what often worries me is that such types often say 'it's a simple job
which will only take an hour or so' which suggests they don't expect to
pay a true rate.

--
*Money isn't everything, but it sure keeps the kids in touch *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Andy Hall wrote:
On 2007-05-19 11:52:56 +0100, "The Medway Handyman"
said:

BlueJohn wrote:
I've also just been talking to somebody else who is in a similar
position - seems there are quite a few of us in limbo: not enough work
to attract a normal builder, and not enough DIY skills to do it
ourselves.

Exactly the niche that pays my mortgage.

"For all those little jobs that need to be done".

Franchise time......



Already been done, eg:

http://www.handyman.co.uk/
http://www.handymanhome.co.uk/
etc etc

David

Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
In article ,
Cicero wrote:
I've also just been talking to somebody else who is in a similar
position - seems there are quite a few of us in limbo: not enough
work to attract a normal builder, and not enough DIY skills to do it
ourselves.


It might be worth considering some kind of 'co-operative' if there
are several of you in the same boat. Surely, you can't all be
totally devoid of all the necessary skills for quite minor works.

Many simply don't want to make the time for DIY works over an above
their own job. Or can't be bothered. Which is fair enough - provided
they are happy to pay a decent rate for those who will do the work
for them.

Time, right tools, knowledge, confidence. Lots of reasons.

But what often worries me is that such types often say 'it's a simple
job which will only take an hour or so' which suggests they don't
expect to pay a true rate.

Whenever I hear that phrase it sends warning signals.....


--
Dave
The Medway Handyman
www.medwayhandyman.co.uk
01634 717930
07850 597257

On 19 May, 12:15, "Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:
In article .com,
BlueJohn wrote:

've also just been talking to somebody else who is in a similar
position - seems there are quite a few of us in limbo: not enough work
to attract a normal builder, and not enough DIY skills to do it
ourselves.

Given the range of jobs you want done I'd say you have *no* DIY skills.
Just about all the ones mentioned require easily acquired skills - apart
from plastering. Although you would need to purchase the required tools
for some of them.


Perhaps, but a) I don't want to bodge it, b) I don't have the time to
do it, even if I did know how. I realise that I could take a holiday
for it, but frankly, I'd rather spend that time having sex.

On 19 May, 13:15, Andy Hall wrote:
On 2007-05-19 11:44:40 +0100, BlueJohn said:

I've also just been talking to somebody else who is in a similar
position - seems there are quite a few of us in limbo: not enough work
to attract a normal builder, and not enough DIY skills to do it
ourselves.

I think that TMH should franchise his service...

Surely any potential franchisee seeing what he does would go amd copy
it without getting involved in the franchise. What Mr Medway has is
primarily job skill, applicants without it would be a lot of work, and
those with it can do it themselves anyway. To put it another way, why
do franchisees do it?


NT

wrote:
On 19 May, 13:15, Andy Hall wrote:
On 2007-05-19 11:44:40 +0100, BlueJohn said:

I've also just been talking to somebody else who is in a similar
position - seems there are quite a few of us in limbo: not enough work
to attract a normal builder, and not enough DIY skills to do it
ourselves.

I think that TMH should franchise his service...

Surely any potential franchisee seeing what he does would go amd copy
it without getting involved in the franchise. What Mr Medway has is
primarily job skill, applicants without it would be a lot of work, and
those with it can do it themselves anyway. To put it another way, why
do franchisees do it?

I think they only would do so if they haven't got enough work on, or
because maybe they could charge more as a franchise member?

You need to imagine Joe Public thumbing through the Yellow Pages looking
for a handyman. He sees lots of entries for individuals offering their
services, then he sees a big advert for an apparently large national
outfit. Who's he going to choose - some bloke he's never heard of, or a
'safe' 'reliable' big company (although they will charge a load more dosh)?

It's the same phenomenon which means that British Gas still install vast
numbers of boilers despite their stupid prices; the single-handed CORGI
who fitted me a boiler recently at a reasonable price also does contract
work for BG, and he reckons they've virtually got our town sewn up.
Bizarre, I know.

David

On Sat, 19 May 2007 14:53:08 +0100, Dave Plowman (News) wrote:

In article ,
Cicero wrote:
I've also just been talking to somebody else who is in a similar
position - seems there are quite a few of us in limbo: not enough
work to attract a normal builder, and not enough DIY skills to do it
ourselves.


It might be worth considering some kind of 'co-operative' if there are
several of you in the same boat. Surely, you can't all be totally
devoid of all the necessary skills for quite minor works.
-----------------------------------------------------

Many simply don't want to make the time for DIY works over an above
their own job. Or can't be bothered. Which is fair enough - provided
they are happy to pay a decent rate for those who will do the work for
them.

But what often worries me is that such types often say 'it's a simple
job which will only take an hour or so' which suggests they don't expect
to pay a true rate.

==================================
All very true. Unfortunately, it's often a case of, 'My time is valuable,
you've got time on your hands'.

If the OP and his fellow sufferers got together they might find it
less demanding than they think and not too expensive if they shared the
cost of tools, possibly by hiring. Almost any tool can be hired at
reasonable cost.

Cic.
===================================
Using Ubuntu Linux
Windows shown the door
===================================

In article . com,
BlueJohn wrote:
Given the range of jobs you want done I'd say you have *no* DIY
skills. Just about all the ones mentioned require easily acquired
skills - apart from plastering. Although you would need to purchase
the required tools for some of them.


Perhaps, but a) I don't want to bodge it, b) I don't have the time to
do it, even if I did know how. I realise that I could take a holiday
for it, but frankly, I'd rather spend that time having sex.

Fairy nuff. But a local group might be a better place to ask for tradesmen
- and or your neighbours. This one is really for help with DIY.

--
*What was the best thing before sliced bread? *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

On 2007-05-19 15:11:16 +0100, Lobster said:

Andy Hall wrote:
On 2007-05-19 11:52:56 +0100, "The Medway Handyman"
said:

BlueJohn wrote:
I've also just been talking to somebody else who is in a similar
position - seems there are quite a few of us in limbo: not enough work
to attract a normal builder, and not enough DIY skills to do it
ourselves.

Exactly the niche that pays my mortgage.

"For all those little jobs that need to be done".

Franchise time......



Already been done, eg:

http://www.handyman.co.uk/
http://www.handymanhome.co.uk/
etc etc

David

First one appears to be a loose cooperative, which is fine but not a franchise

Second one is more like it.

On Sat, 19 May 2007 12:15:37 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)"
wrote:

In article .com,
BlueJohn wrote:
've also just been talking to somebody else who is in a similar
position - seems there are quite a few of us in limbo: not enough work
to attract a normal builder, and not enough DIY skills to do it
ourselves.

Given the range of jobs you want done I'd say you have *no* DIY skills.

and I'd say that you're a ****.

wrote:
On 19 May, 13:15, Andy Hall wrote:
On 2007-05-19 11:44:40 +0100, BlueJohn said:

I've also just been talking to somebody else who is in a similar
position - seems there are quite a few of us in limbo: not enough
work to attract a normal builder, and not enough DIY skills to do it
ourselves.

I think that TMH should franchise his service...

Surely any potential franchisee seeing what he does would go amd copy
it without getting involved in the franchise. What Mr Medway has is
primarily job skill, applicants without it would be a lot of work, and
those with it can do it themselves anyway. To put it another way, why
do franchisees do it?

To some extent that's what I did - I saw what the existing large companies
did & learned from it. The last 18 months have been a huge learning
experience though. Whilst there are many people out there with the DIY
skills, they may well lack the business & marketing skills required.

Not sure about franchising, but I might well write a 'how to' book. When I
did my research I could only find two - one from America and one from
Canada - no 'how to be a handyman' book relevant to the UK.

Might be a few bob in it.


--
Dave
The Medway Handyman
www.medwayhandyman.co.uk
01634 717930
07850 597257

On 2007-05-19 22:35:30 +0100, "The Medway Handyman"
said:

wrote:
On 19 May, 13:15, Andy Hall wrote:
On 2007-05-19 11:44:40 +0100, BlueJohn said:

I've also just been talking to somebody else who is in a similar
position - seems there are quite a few of us in limbo: not enough
work to attract a normal builder, and not enough DIY skills to do it
ourselves.

I think that TMH should franchise his service...

Surely any potential franchisee seeing what he does would go amd copy
it without getting involved in the franchise. What Mr Medway has is
primarily job skill, applicants without it would be a lot of work, and
those with it can do it themselves anyway. To put it another way, why
do franchisees do it?

To some extent that's what I did - I saw what the existing large companies
did & learned from it. The last 18 months have been a huge learning
experience though. Whilst there are many people out there with the DIY
skills, they may well lack the business & marketing skills required.

Not sure about franchising, but I might well write a 'how to' book. When I
did my research I could only find two - one from America and one from
Canada - no 'how to be a handyman' book relevant to the UK.

Might be a few bob in it.

Not a bad idea at all, although I suspect that there is still the
situation of those who know how to market themselves and those who
don't and never will.

The business aspect is something else and a key part is to be firm but
fair about pricing and not being afraid to ask for a good price for the
work done.

On 19 May, 22:35, "The Medway Handyman"
wrote:
wrote:
On 19 May, 13:15, Andy Hall wrote:

I think that TMH should franchise his service...

Surely any potential franchisee seeing what he does would go amd copy
it without getting involved in the franchise. What Mr Medway has is
primarily job skill, applicants without it would be a lot of work, and
those with it can do it themselves anyway. To put it another way, why
do franchisees do it?

To some extent that's what I did - I saw what the existing large companies
did & learned from it. The last 18 months have been a huge learning
experience though. Whilst there are many people out there with the DIY
skills, they may well lack the business & marketing skills required.

Not sure about franchising, but I might well write a 'how to' book. When I
did my research I could only find two - one from America and one from
Canada - no 'how to be a handyman' book relevant to the UK.

Might be a few bob in it.

Youre quite right about franchises.

But explaining to the world how to outcompete you is not such a good
idea.


NT

On 2007-05-19 23:59:33 +0100, said:

On 19 May, 22:35, "The Medway Handyman"
wrote:
wrote:
On 19 May, 13:15, Andy Hall wrote:

I think that TMH should franchise his service...

Surely any potential franchisee seeing what he does would go amd copy
it without getting involved in the franchise. What Mr Medway has is
primarily job skill, applicants without it would be a lot of work, and
those with it can do it themselves anyway. To put it another way, why
do franchisees do it?

To some extent that's what I did - I saw what the existing large companies
did & learned from it. The last 18 months have been a huge learning
experience though. Whilst there are many people out there with the DIY
skills, they may well lack the business & marketing skills required.

Not sure about franchising, but I might well write a 'how to' book. When I
did my research I could only find two - one from America and one from
Canada - no 'how to be a handyman' book relevant to the UK.

Might be a few bob in it.

Youre quite right about franchises.

But explaining to the world how to outcompete you is not such a good
idea.


NT

There's a big difference between reading and doing.

On Sat, 19 May 2007 15:58:46 +0100, The Medway Handyman wrote:

Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
In article ,
Cicero wrote:
I've also just been talking to somebody else who is in a similar
position - seems there are quite a few of us in limbo: not enough
work to attract a normal builder, and not enough DIY skills to do it
ourselves.


It might be worth considering some kind of 'co-operative' if there
are several of you in the same boat. Surely, you can't all be
totally devoid of all the necessary skills for quite minor works.

Many simply don't want to make the time for DIY works over an above
their own job. Or can't be bothered. Which is fair enough - provided
they are happy to pay a decent rate for those who will do the work
for them.

Time, right tools, knowledge, confidence. Lots of reasons.

But what often worries me is that such types often say 'it's a simple
job which will only take an hour or so' which suggests they don't
expect to pay a true rate.

Whenever I hear that phrase it sends warning signals.....

Indeed so. The customer who says give me a range of options and prices can
be dealt with fairly. Likewise the one who says I want a cheap job just so
long as it works/is safe. Likewise the one who say I'd rather pay a bit
more for a good job.

Jobs that have a high (perhaps implicit) expectation of the finish can be
very time consuming which is the really big cost. E.g. Decorating,




--
Ed Sirett - Property maintainer and registered gas fitter.
The FAQ for uk.diy is at http://www.diyfaq.org.uk
Gas fitting FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/GasFitting.html
Sealed CH FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/SealedCH.html
Choosing a Boiler FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/BoilerChoice.html
Gas Fitting Standards Docs he http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/GasFittingStandards

Andy Hall wrote:
On 2007-05-19 23:59:33 +0100, said:

On 19 May, 22:35, "The Medway Handyman"
wrote:
wrote:
On 19 May, 13:15, Andy Hall wrote:

I think that TMH should franchise his service...

Surely any potential franchisee seeing what he does would go amd
copy it without getting involved in the franchise. What Mr Medway
has is primarily job skill, applicants without it would be a lot
of work, and those with it can do it themselves anyway. To put it
another way, why do franchisees do it?

To some extent that's what I did - I saw what the existing large
companies did & learned from it. The last 18 months have been a
huge learning experience though. Whilst there are many people out
there with the DIY skills, they may well lack the business &
marketing skills required. Not sure about franchising, but I might well
write a 'how to' book.
When I did my research I could only find two - one from America and
one from Canada - no 'how to be a handyman' book relevant to the UK.

Might be a few bob in it.

Youre quite right about franchises.

But explaining to the world how to outcompete you is not such a good
idea.


NT

There's a big difference between reading and doing.

To be honest it wouldn't bother me if another 10 handymen started up in the
area - one thing there isn't is a shortage of work.


--
Dave
The Medway Handyman
www.medwayhandyman.co.uk
01634 717930
07850 597257

Ed Sirett wrote:
SNIP
Whenever I hear that phrase it sends warning signals.....

Indeed so. The customer who says give me a range of options and
prices can be dealt with fairly. Likewise the one who says I want a
cheap job just so long as it works/is safe. Likewise the one who say
I'd rather pay a bit more for a good job.

Very true. Repairs to rented property or jobs for people putting their
house up for sale are good earners IME. The customers want a quick 'bodge'.
As long as you (and they) are clear about their expectations.


Jobs that have a high (perhaps implicit) expectation of the finish
can be very time consuming which is the really big cost. E.g.
Decorating,

That's why I don't do much of it!



--
Dave
The Medway Handyman
www.medwayhandyman.co.uk
01634 717930
07850 597257

This is somewhate related to the subject of small repair jobs, and I
have noticed a growth in the handyman businesses, which is good...
Anyway is there anything on offer for helping people with limited
fitness move stuff around? Get boxes of stored household effects out
of the loft? Carry an old TV or washing machine out to the front
garden where it can be collected by the council? My husband and I
are not pensioners nor formally disabled, and we have a reasonable
income, so we don't qualify for social services help, but for various
reasons are not fit enough to scramble around in the loft or lift
heavy objects. And we are not related to or friends with anyone who
is.

So what nature of tradesperson is available for this type of task?

Inge Jones wrote:
This is somewhate related to the subject of small repair jobs, and I
have noticed a growth in the handyman businesses, which is good...
Anyway is there anything on offer for helping people with limited
fitness move stuff around? Get boxes of stored household effects out
of the loft? Carry an old TV or washing machine out to the front
garden where it can be collected by the council? My husband and I
are not pensioners nor formally disabled, and we have a reasonable
income, so we don't qualify for social services help, but for various
reasons are not fit enough to scramble around in the loft or lift
heavy objects. And we are not related to or friends with anyone who
is.

So what nature of tradesperson is available for this type of task?


It pays to cultivate your neighbours. There are always youngsters
loafing about who would jump at the chance to earn a few bob. "There's
no such thing as society" is a great philosophy until you get old.

On 20 May, 11:23, Stuart Noble
wrote:
Inge Jones wrote:
This is somewhate related to the subject of small repair jobs, and I
have noticed a growth in the handyman businesses, which is good...
Anyway is there anything on offer for helping people with limited
fitness move stuff around? Get boxes of stored household effects out
of the loft? Carry an old TV or washing machine out to the front
garden where it can be collected by the council? My husband and I
are not pensioners nor formally disabled, and we have a reasonable
income, so we don't qualify for social services help, but for various
reasons are not fit enough to scramble around in the loft or lift
heavy objects. And we are not related to or friends with anyone who
is.

So what nature of tradesperson is available for this type of task?

It pays to cultivate your neighbours. There are always youngsters
loafing about who would jump at the chance to earn a few bob. "There's
no such thing as society" is a great philosophy until you get old.

No I would want someone who was in business and insured in case of
injury to themselves or damage to our house - and preferably someone
used to lifting regularly. Neighbours might not like to refuse and
then it could turn out they had a weak back or something themselves.
And we're not old anyway, just physically unfit in ways that don't
necessarily show.

On 20 May, 18:50, Inge Jones wrote:
On 20 May, 11:23, Stuart Noble
wrote:
Inge Jones wrote:

This is somewhate related to the subject of small repair jobs, and I
have noticed a growth in the handyman businesses, which is good...
Anyway is there anything on offer for helping people with limited
fitness move stuff around? Get boxes of stored household effects out
of the loft? Carry an old TV or washing machine out to the front
garden where it can be collected by the council? My husband and I
are not pensioners nor formally disabled, and we have a reasonable
income, so we don't qualify for social services help, but for various
reasons are not fit enough to scramble around in the loft or lift
heavy objects. And we are not related to or friends with anyone who
is.

So what nature of tradesperson is available for this type of task?

It pays to cultivate your neighbours. There are always youngsters
loafing about who would jump at the chance to earn a few bob. "There's
no such thing as society" is a great philosophy until you get old.

No I would want someone who was in business and insured in case of
injury to themselves or damage to our house - and preferably someone
used to lifting regularly. Neighbours might not like to refuse and
then it could turn out they had a weak back or something themselves.
And we're not old anyway, just physically unfit in ways that don't
necessarily show.

I dont think you could slot that into a successful business model.
Hence the need goes unmet.


NT

On Sun, 20 May 2007 10:50:14 -0700, Inge Jones wrote:

On 20 May, 11:23, Stuart Noble wrote:
Inge Jones wrote:
This is somewhate related to the subject of small repair jobs, and I
have noticed a growth in the handyman businesses, which is good...
Anyway is there anything on offer for helping people with limited
fitness move stuff around? Get boxes of stored household effects out
of the loft? Carry an old TV or washing machine out to the front
garden where it can be collected by the council? My husband and I
are not pensioners nor formally disabled, and we have a reasonable
income, so we don't qualify for social services help, but for various
reasons are not fit enough to scramble around in the loft or lift
heavy objects. And we are not related to or friends with anyone who
is.

So what nature of tradesperson is available for this type of task?

It pays to cultivate your neighbours. There are always youngsters
loafing about who would jump at the chance to earn a few bob. "There's
no such thing as society" is a great philosophy until you get old.

No I would want someone who was in business and insured in case of
injury to themselves or damage to our house - and preferably someone
used to lifting regularly. Neighbours might not like to refuse and then
it could turn out they had a weak back or something themselves. And
we're not old anyway, just physically unfit in ways that don't
necessarily show.

==================================
Realistically, it's more a question of changing your life style.
Discarding old TVs or washing machines isn't an everyday occurrence so the
main problem appears to concern moving furniture and other household
effects. You could store things in an outbuilding rather than in the loft
and a carefully chosen trolley would help for other things. It would be
worth contacting one of the disability groups or stores for some advice.

Cic.

--
===================================
Using Ubuntu Linux
Windows shown the door
===================================

wrote:
On 20 May, 18:50, Inge Jones wrote:
On 20 May, 11:23, Stuart Noble
wrote:
Inge Jones wrote:

This is somewhate related to the subject of small repair jobs, and
I have noticed a growth in the handyman businesses, which is
good... Anyway is there anything on offer for helping people with
limited fitness move stuff around? Get boxes of stored household
effects out of the loft? Carry an old TV or washing machine out
to the front garden where it can be collected by the council? My
husband and I are not pensioners nor formally disabled, and we
have a reasonable income, so we don't qualify for social services
help, but for various reasons are not fit enough to scramble
around in the loft or lift heavy objects. And we are not related
to or friends with anyone who is.

So what nature of tradesperson is available for this type of task?

It pays to cultivate your neighbours. There are always youngsters
loafing about who would jump at the chance to earn a few bob.
"There's no such thing as society" is a great philosophy until you
get old.

No I would want someone who was in business and insured in case of
injury to themselves or damage to our house - and preferably someone
used to lifting regularly. Neighbours might not like to refuse and
then it could turn out they had a weak back or something themselves.
And we're not old anyway, just physically unfit in ways that don't
necessarily show.

I dont think you could slot that into a successful business model.
Hence the need goes unmet.

I'd take on that sort of work as a Handyman - provided the client was
willing to pay my standard rates - never been asked to though.


--
Dave
The Medway Handyman
www.medwayhandyman.co.uk
01634 717930
07850 597257

In article ,
Owain wrote:
There's a "Universal Aunts" agency - one would think there would be a
"Universal Uncles" - or for the older generation, "Universal Nephews".

Sounds like something you'd find hanging around Soho...

--
*When the going gets tough, use duct tape

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

In article ,
Huge wrote:
On 2007-05-19, pete wrote:
On Sat, 19 May 2007 12:15:37 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)"
wrote:

In article .com,
BlueJohn wrote:
've also just been talking to somebody else who is in a similar
position - seems there are quite a few of us in limbo: not enough
work to attract a normal builder, and not enough DIY skills to do it
ourselves.

Given the range of jobs you want done I'd say you have *no* DIY skills.

and I'd say that you're a ****.

Thanks for reminding me that for some reason the "spineless ****" filter
seems to have dropped out of my killfile. (aka "privacy.net")

Interesting. The post from 'pete' hasn't appeared here, so perhaps my ISP
has already filtered him.

--
*When the chips are down, the buffalo is empty*

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.