In the UK, many builders are so worried about finding their next job that they say yes to every project that comes along. The result? They're spread thinner than marmalade on toast, and jobs that should take months stretch into years.
When we decided to renovate our mid-terraced Victorian house — leaving only two walls standing — the first thing we heard from our friends was their horror stories. They say patience is a virtue, but waiting two years for a six-month renovation? That's a test of sainthood. I knew we had to try something different.
Once we picked a builder and started to negotiate prices, the first thing I noticed was that their fee structures didn't incentivise speedy completion. A tiny final payment doesn't exactly light a fire. It's no wonder projects drag on. So I offered them a thirty per cent upfront payment, instead of the five to ten per cent they were asking for, and a hefty chunk on completion. I told them it was so they wouldn't take on another job until ours was done.
They started in May, and by December we were moving into our new home.
This got me thinking: what if there was an Uber for builders? A platform where builders could seamlessly find their next job just as they're finishing the current one — like Checkatrade or MyBuilder, but for large projects. If we reduce their stress about future work, maybe they can focus on the job at hand and finish more quickly. It's a win-win: builders get a steady flow of jobs, and homeowners get projects done on time.
First posted on LinkedIn, Fri 18 October 2024. · All Friday Thoughts