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Builders and Plumbers in the southeast 25 times more expensive

16th January 2019

Regional / local: The UK’s cheapest tradesmen are in Birmingham / Nottingham / Nuneaton / Blackwood / Doncaster

  • North-south divide in builder costs as much as £240-per-hour
  • Surrey and London most expensive for tradesmen/women
  • Midlands offers best value to homeowners, according to HaMuch.com

A new data survey by building work pricing site HaMuch.com has revealed the stark differences between the southeast and the rest of the UK when it comes to the cost of building work. The divide appears to be drawn at Watford Gap, with the Midlands offering best value, whilst Surrey and London have the most expensive tradesmen.

The spread of prices for common household jobs across the recently-launched website’s 12,000 tradesmen ranged from £10-per-hour to an incredible £250-per-hour, with builders in Surrey charging as much as 25-times more than their counterparts in Nottingham. Plumbers in Surrey also charged an eye-watering 20-times more than those in Caerphilly. Meanwhile, hiring an electrician in London could cost you £250-per-hour, compared with a bargain basement £10-per-hour in Birmingham. 

The startling prices were uncovered by the data processing team for https://www.hamuch.com as part of their efforts to ensure that homeowners know the cost of jobs up-front. The website lists a labour cost for each tradesman/tradeswoman listed on the service and allows homeowners to search trades in their area by cost, so that no one busts their budget building an extension to having a boiler serviced. So if you are searching ” heating engineer near me “

“We knew there was a wide disparity in charges between the southeast and the rest of the UK, but we were shocked just how wide that was”, says HaMuch.com founder Tarquin Purdie. “The prices show that the market can take a lot in the southeast, whereas rates in parts of the Midlands and north may not have increased for several years. It is certainly something that will make the industry and even government ministers sit up and pay attention.

“We are committed to making sure homeowners and renters alike know the cost of a job before they even approach a plumber or a painter. Not all builders and trades will like it, but we think that the best are only too happy to be honest and up-front on costs.”

The most inexpensive painter and decorator and carpenter both charged £10-per-hour and were in Nuneaton and Doncaster respectively. The most costly were in Brighton and Islington, at £150 and £100. 

The full breakdown of low and high prices is as follows:

Building work: Cheapest, £10-per-hour in Nottingham, East Midlands. Most costly, £250-per-hour in Camberley, Surrey.

Electricians: Cheapest, £10-per-hour in Birmingham, West Midlands. Most costly, £250 in Edgware, London. 

Plumbing:  Cheapest, £10-per-hour in Blackwood, Caerphilly. Most costly, £200-per-hour in Addlestone, Surrey. 

Painting and decorating: Cheapest, £10-per-hour in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. Most costly, £150-per-hour in Brighton, East Sussex. 

Carpenters: Cheapest, £10-per-hour in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Most costly, £100 in Islington, London. 

Upgrade Your House: Swap Your Kitchen Cabinets

31st July 2018
Swap kitchen cabinets

When it’s time to upgrade your home, your kitchen is definitely one of the most important rooms in the house. It is one of the rooms that is used every single day, and usually forms the centre point of your house. That’s why experts recommend making a few changes to your kitchen cabinet installation to immediately add value to your home.

Your kitchen cabinets are one of the most practical aspects of your kitchen. Not only does it provide you with storage space but it can also create a completely unique feel to your kitchen. That’s why many homeowners choose to simply change the kitchen’s cabinets to immediately uplift the entire room and at their own unique style.

Here are a few great reasons why you should consider a kitchen upgrade:

  • It adds value. Since your kitchen is such a practical space, by simply changing up your kitchen cupboards you can immediately add value to your home in general.

  • Increases your storage space. By changing your kitchen cupboards, you can make use of the space you have and increase the amount of storage you have available in your location.

  • Add a new style. One benefit of a new kitchen cabinet installation is that you can choose your own style and create a unique feel in your kitchen.

  • Reduce germs and bacteria. Older kitchen cabinets can often be a breeding ground for mould and bacteria. The porous surface provides the perfect breeding ground for bad germs; upgrading your kitchen cabinets will allow you to make use of newly engineered materials that resist microbial growth.

If you work with a professional builder or designer you can get great ideas in terms of different types and styles of kitchen cabinets that are available. Kitchen designers know how to work with your existing layouts and to maximize the space that you have available.

Visit HaMuch to find a kitchen design expert to help you upgrade your kitchen and revamp your kitchen cabinets to add value to your home.

Improve Your Property’s Curb Appeal: Upgrade Your Door

31st July 2018
door repairs

If you are a home owner and you need to add value to your home, there are many was in which you can do it. One is to do maintenance and repairs to your property, and even add a few upgrades. In terms of important upgrades, your doors are very important and it can make a huge difference to a home’s look and feel.

There are many smaller upgrades you can do to add value to your home, and one of them is to upgrade or replace your doors. This can either be a brand-new door installation, or you can take a look at your existing doors and do door repairs where necessary. This does not only have to be the inside doors of each room, but also the doors on the outside of your home and even your garage door.

Doors are much more than simply an entry point to your home. They are part of the design and functionality of your home, and it is something that you use it every day. Having the right door can be a great attraction to your home, making your property look great and even add some value too That’s what’s important to work with a professional to assess your current doors and to replace the ones that are no longer functional, or ones that you can improve.

Adding Value with Doors

In most instances, simply replacing your old front door with a brand-new, modern door will make a world of difference. It will immediately attract attention to your home, giving it curb appeal and drawing attention to the right spaces. You can also have a professional replace all the doors on the outside of your home, including a brand-new garage door.

Door repairs are necessary, not only to ensure that the doors are functional and work as they should, but also that they look great and are an asset to your home. That’s why it’s often a good idea to work with a professional to help you assess the condition of the doors at your home and make suggestions in terms of styles and materials that you can choose for your new doors.

Looking for a new roof? Visit HaMuch to find an expert to help you with professional home door repairs and add value to your property.

Improve Your Property’s Curb Appeal: Change Your Roof

31st July 2018
Roof repair and replacement

A new roof can significantly increase your home’s value and that’s why so many home owners are considering changing or upgrading their roofs. Not only can a roof installation increase your home’s value but it can also help with the structural soundness and safety of your home.

Another benefit of taking care of your roof is that you can do all the necessary repairs to maintain the quality of your roof and the value of your home. It’s not always necessary to replace your entire roof, especially if you don’t have the budget, so professional roof repairs are extremely important.

Changing Your Roof

There may be a few reasons why you may need to completely install a new roof, especially when the roof is old, dated and riddled with pests or asbestos containing materials. It is estimated that a new roof can provide a return of up to 63 percent on your investment, making it a great choice for many home owners.

A new roof can sell a home faster, it can improve the safety of your home, and it can improve your home’s energy efficiency. Not to mention the increase in selling price and the fact that when you choose the right materials, you can significantly increase the life of your roof.

Here are a few benefits to having a new roof installed:

  • Get the latest in technology
  • You can choose the design
  • Easily go green
  • Get an expert installation
  • Boost your home’s value

Updating your roof can be a great way to attract potential buyers, as this is one of the first things you’ll notice when you look at the house. You may not want to replace your entire roof but you still need to do the necessary roof repairs.

It’s best to work with an expert when it comes to a new roof installation. It’s not a small job and you need guaranteed workmanship from an experienced roofing contractor.

Looking for a new roof? Visit HaMuch to find a roof expert to help you repair or replace your home’s roof and add value to your property.

Prepare Your Home for Autumn: Get Your Mind On Your Gutter

31st July 2018
clean gutters

With winter on the way, it’s important to take care of all the general maintenance around your home to be prepared for the colder months. When it comes to gutter repairs, you can do a lot to ensure that they are fixed and ready for the cold temperatures.

Your gutters are important as it helps the water to flow systematically and also avoid any water damage to your home and foundations. Gutters are important to have, and it’s even more important to have them cleaned and fixed regularly.

If you fail to clean your gutters properly, it can lead to water entering your home, especially during the fall or heavy downpours. They should direct the water away from your home and regulate the waterflow throughout your property.

Clean Your Gutters Thoroughly

It’s important to clean your gutters thoroughly before winter to remove all the dirt, debris and leaves from your gutter and downspout. If you have a lot of trees in your garden, you may want to have your gutters cleaned regularly from spring to fall.

It’s important to start by inspecting your gutters, which is why professional help is needed. A professional can tell you whether you need to fix your gutters and also ensure that all your gutters are cleaned after summer.

Be sure to have branches trimmed away from your gutters to ensure that there won’t be any leaves or twigs clogging your gutter through the year. Leaves and seeds fall into your gutter and clog them up, which will require regular cleaning.

Hire a Professional

The best way to have your gutters cleaned is by working with a professional. When you hire a professional you know that your gutters will be inspected, cleaned and repaired as needed, to ensure that your home is ready for the winter. Whether you choose to do it yourself, or hire a professional, you should ensure that you do this during autumn to be ready for winter.

When it comes to gutter repairs, visit HaMuch to find a local roofing contractor in your area to help you fix your roof before winter strikes.

 

Prepare Your Home for Autumn: Repair Any Broken Fences or Gates

31st July 2018
Repair Fence

With the end of summer around the corner, you need to prepare your home for autumn and this means inspecting your yard for any repairs or maintenance that needs to be done. This includes inspecting your gates and fences, so that you can do gate repairs in time.

Inspecting Your Fence

inspecting your friend is extremely important, especially when it comes to signs of damage. You may have more trouble with the wooden fence then a vinyl fence, has would can show signs of rot due to somewhat painful. This is what is important to check out your fences before autumn comes so that you can do all the necessary repairs.

Be sure to get the help of a professional to check all the fence posts to ensure that they are structurally sound and that none of your boards are damaged or loose. If you only have one single damaged board, you can easily repair it; however, if you have more extensive damage, especially damage to the structure of the fence, call in an expert to repair the broken fence.

Signs of rot can include:

  • Boards that cave in
  • Gates that sag and don’t close properly
  • Posts that are loose

In addition to checking your gates and fences for damage, you should also make sure that it is ready for the winter snow. It should handle the moisture of the snow, which can damage wooden fences, in addition to the weight that it needs to be able to carry.

Keeping Leaves Away from Your Fence

One of the first chores should be raking leaves regularly. Be sure to rake the leaves close to your fence, especially when it rains so that it doesn’t collect any unnecessary moisture. When it starts snowing, rake as much snow as you can off your fence so that you remove any specific weight you can from your fence.

Work with a professional to keep your fence clean, inspect it for any damage, and do professional repairs when needed. This will give you the peace of mind needed to know that your home is ready for autumn and winter.

Visit HaMuch to find an expert in your area to help fix broken fences and ensure that your home is prepared for the colder winter months.

Summer Home Improvement: Garden Fence Ideas

9th July 2018
Repair Fence

Adding a garden fence to your home is a great way of increasing its value and giving it a stylish look. There are different fences available, depending on your property type, layout and design. A garden fence can be a practical addition to your property as well.

Here are a few great garden fence benefits for your home:

  1. It’s decorative. When it comes to fencing, you can be creative and have any fence installed that you want. There are different materials and designs available and your landscaper can give you tips on what will work best.

  2. It increases security. A garden fence can add a measure of security to your home, especially if you choose a higher, stronger fence. You can choose a durable design and have a high fence installed to boost security around your summer home.

  3. It creates a boundary. One of the main reasons why people install garden fences is to create a boundary for your property. It’s convenient, stylish and very practical. A summer house looks even better with a beautifully installed garden fence around it.

  4. It adds privacy. You can also choose wood fence panels, which is a great way of adding both style and security. Privacy is becoming increasingly important as home owners want to know that they have privacy inside their property. This is also why you can install higher fences as opposed to smaller, wooden picket fences.

Garden fences can be very convenient and add a measure of style, security and privacy to home summer home. If you want to install a cost-effective fencing option, you can go with a PVC fence. When you install a PVC fence, you will enjoy an easy installation, optimal privacy and a variety of styles. Plus, it’s very affordable too. A PVC fence requires little maintenance over the years, so it’s the perfect choice for your summer home’s fence.

Working with a Professional

When it comes to installing a garden fence, it pays to work with a professional. Not only can you get excellent ideas but you can get tips on what the best option for your specific property will be. With so many great materials and designs available, you can be as creative as you want and get a reliable, durable fence that will last for decades.

Adding a fence can be a great way to add value to your home and increase privacy. But it can also be a way of enhancing your backyard and installing an entertainment area, or simply a landscaped garden to compliment your home.

With HaMuch you can find an affordable professional in your area to install a beautiful and very modern garden fence for your summer home.

Summer Home Improvement: Garden Furniture Ideas

4th July 2018
garden furniture ideas

Turning your house into its summer edition is not only enjoyable to have but also a great way to add some style and elegance to your everyday living. With so many different garden furniture ideas, you can really transform your garden into a relaxing and rejuvenating space. From beautiful and modern garden furniture ideas to durable rattan garden furniture, there’s something for everyone.

Adding beautiful garden furniture is not only a great way to enjoy your garden, but also a way to add value to your property overall. Regardless of the size of your summer home, you want to spend a lot of time outdoors and this is why you need the right outdoor patio furniture.

Enjoying Your Summer Home

Your summer home is a place where you can relax and unwind, as it is a space that is unique, personal, and available to you whenever you need a break from the busy everyday life. Whether it’s a modern and sophisticated home or an old eighteenth-century cottage, you can really do a lot with a holiday home, especially with great garden furniture.

Here are a few great garden furniture ideas for your summer home:

  • Repurposed furniture. You can add a unique style to your summer home by using repurposed furniture that you bring back to life. With a little paint and a few tweaks, you can breathe new life into old furniture for your garden. 
  • A built-in bench. A built-in bench can add a very versatile style to your garden and it can double as additional storage space. You can design a built-in bench in almost any length, shape and style, making them very convenient.  
  • Contemporary furniture. You can consider various alternatives to wood, which will add a beautiful contemporary look to your garden patio. You can even consider adding a slate table as this makes a great outdoor patio idea.  
  • Choose harmonious furniture. Another great option is to choose furniture that will complement the design of your garden. This will add a touch of harmony and will immediately allow your garden to be relaxing and versatile. 
  • An eye-catching piece. If you truly want something to stand out, choose an eye-catching piece of furniture that will immediately draw attention. This can be a traditional wooden bench or even rattan garden furniture.  
  • A layered look. Similar to interior design, you can create a beautiful layered look for your garden by combining different furniture styles. Wood is a very versatile material to use here and it’s perfect for your outdoor garden.

With so many great ways in which you can add style and convenience to your outdoor garden, your summer home can be a really enjoyable place to be. You can add a touch of your own personality and choose garden furniture that fits in perfectly with the rest of your home.  

To find out more about working with qualified tradesmen near you, use HaMuch online and choose a tradesmen like carpenters and gardeners that can help you design and install outdoor patio furniture for your beautiful summer home.