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Never mind the rogue builders: Pricing website starts rogue customer list

19th January 2019
builders tools
  • HaMuch.com
    to compile list of debtor customers, complainers and con-men
  • Builders report increase in non-paying
    customers, rogue complainers & cancellations
  • Some customers hire tradesmen with no intention
    of paying quoted price

We are all used to seeing rogue tradesmen on early morning television shows, BBC’s Watchdog and regional news shows, but what these programmes never portray is the number of rogue customers that builders and other trades have to deal with.

Are customer who fail to pay up rogues too?

Building work-pricing website HaMuch.com is now attempting to redress the balance by compiling a list of customers who have failed to pay up, cancelled major jobs at short notice or consistently made unjustified complaints to get significant discounts. This list of nightmare customers will be compiled via feedback from plumbers, electricians, roofers, bricklayers and other tradesmen and tradeswomen who use the unique pricing website, before being made available to trades who sign up for the service.

“For far too long, the emphasis has been on the occasional bad builder,” says HaMuch.com founder Tarquin Purdie. “We hope that this list of bad customers can do something to redress the balance. A small number of customers have no intention of paying a quoted price in full and will pick and pick at work until the tradesman just gives in. It is certainly on the increase. Perhaps the BBC will even commission a show from Matt Allwright called Rogue Customers.”

Keep cost clear to avoid rogue customers

Purdie estimates that his users will have lost tens of thousands of pounds over the years to rogue customers. He cites cases of builders who have had to sue customers who refused to pay for an extension, one who paid for the kitchen but none of the labour to install it and another who cancelled a loft extension on the day work was to start, with all materials purchased. The list will help tradesmen and tradeswomen to avoid customers who are likely to cause them similar problems.

“I founded the site to help clean up the industry and create more transparency,” says Purdie. “We have made labour costs clear for all customers across the UK and we always act when we hear about poor tradesmen. So, this is the next step to creating a fair industry for all. We all need builders, plumbers and carpenters to work on our home and they need us. So these exchanges should always be fair and above board. We think this list will help to achieve that.”

Upgrade Your House | Twyford Bathroom Solutions

16th January 2019
e100 bathroom suite

When it comes to renovating your bathroom, there are several important elements to consider at every stage of the process, from designing, buying and installing a new bathroom suite.  

Perhaps the most daunting decision for a homeowner is settling on a bathroom suite that both looks beautiful and performs flawlessly, while keeping in budget. Twyford bathroom ranges feature a host of ceramics and furniture solutions ideal for any space or style. From mirror cabinets, and other storage solutions to toilets, basins, and showers, form and function combine to create the perfect modern bathroom.

Practical & Durable

Whether it is the striking design of the Moda range or the combination of curves and square of the E100 collection, a Twyford bathroom is both practical and durable, stylish and stunning. Available in a range of finishes from bright white to natural wood, the wide range of furniture solutions will perfectly complement your choice of ceramic and declutter your bathroom. Complete with contemporary mirror cabinets in several convenient sizes, features include internal shelves, handy fold-down storage compartments and optional external lighting.

Space Saving

The floating effect of Twyford’s wall-hung toilets offer a sleek aesthetic and increase the sense of space, as well as providing easier cleaning for homeowners. Likewise, thanks to clever behind the wall technology, cisterns can be concealed behind the wall meaning even greater space can be created and flush plates can be located away from the cistern – perfect for smaller bathrooms. Toilet options also include a unique combination of Twyford’s cutting-edge Rimfree® and Flushwise® technologies for an ultra-hygienic, clean and green solution.

Much as you’d expect from a name built on outstanding service and exceptional bathroom solutions, Twyford’s expert team ensures smooth and efficient running of your project from start to finish, working closely with your installer to create the bathroom of your dreams.

To find out more about Twyford bathrooms, visit www.twyfordbathrooms.com.

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. 

Banish Builder cash-in-hand payments for trades

2nd January 2019
money
  •  HaMuch.com announce New Year’s resolution is no more cash-in-hand for builders
  • Portable card machines have revolutionised payment for tradespeople
  • Does away with the industry’s reputation for tax-dodging

Building work pricing website HaMuch.com is set to put a cat among the building site pigeons by calling time on cash-in-hand payments for plumbers, electricians and bricklayers alike. 

The bundle of used notes was once standard payment for tradesmen, but the website’s founder Tarquin Purdie believes that abandoning cash payments for 2019 will allow builders to fully embrace the 21st century and rescue the industry’s reputation in one fell swoop. He is now calling for home-owners to reject calls for cash payment, even if that comes with a discount.

“It’s not hard to see why builders have traditionally dealt in cash,” says HaMuch.com Managing Director Tarquin Purdie. “They have to buy materials and pay sub-contractors and that was traditionally all done with cash. But now they buy on-account or with credit cards, and their sub-contractors or workers all have bank accounts. Many builders used cash work to stay under the VAT threshold – and I have some sympathy with that for the one-man business – but a good building business should be VAT registered nowadays, withthe accounting wherewithal to deal with that.”

Purdie points to the prevalence of iZettle and other portable card readers among many tradesmen, with modern technology also allowing them to scan receipts and manage their money far better than their forebears. Tradespeople may have been seen as luddites in the past, but they now receive work via smartphone apps, advertise on social media and use WhatsApp to send images to customers. 

“If they are offering you a substantial cash discount, then that is nothing to do with convenience or cashflow,” says Purdie. “HaMuch.com was founded to make pricing clear for customers and builders alike, but we understand some firms may offer a small discount to get the work. However, anyoneoffering as much 10% or 15% cash discount nowadays is asking you to be complicit in tax-avoidance. It is as simple as that. Ask your tradesman for their bank account details, or simply use their card reader.”

Purdie expects the growth of the ‘cashless society’ will see far fewer customers feeling the pressure to pay cash for the likes of plumbing, roofing, glazing or gardening work. Although he recognises that some tradesmen may be reluctant to let go of cash payments.

“There will always be a handful of builders who want to have that roll of fifties to pull out in the pub on a Friday night,” he says. “But more and more home-owners are joining up the dots between that cash discount and how the NHS or local services may miss out on the lost tax money.”

Scourge of Festive Veg Causing Spike in Christmas Call-outs for Tradespeople

28th December 2018
christmas tradesman callout

From Brussel Sprouts blocking sinks to red-wine stained carpets and furniture, tradesmen at www.hamuch.com have revealed the most common reasons they’re contacted by panicking homeowners over the festive period.

The poll of 1,000 tradespeople from cleaners to plumbers has also revealed an 18% spike in the number of call-outs over this period, as people struggle to cope with the aftermath of the frenzied festive period.

Pete, a plumber at www.hamuch.com, said: “Homes have suffered over the Christmas period with blockages being a common issue. Dishwashers and sinks regularly need to be unclogged and the remnants of a festive dinner removed from the pipes….People can panic, particularly if they’ve tried to tackle the problems themselves but just end up making things even worse!”

What’s important to bear in mind is that a call-out over the Christmas period, particularly on the big day itself, can result in heftier charges than usual.

Tarquin Purdie, Founder & MD of pricing website www.hamuch.com said: “Accidents do happen and things can go wrong for no apparent reason, resulting in people needing to call in a tradesman.

“Household problems do not confine themselves to times when we are not relaxing at home with the family such as the festive period, and they even seem to spike during this period. This is probably because there is more demand on household appliances, more people using the house, and also there is more leftover food and rubbish to dispose of.”

Tarquin added: “The important thing to remember is that you can get a tradesman out over Christmas, but the call-out charge will be higher. Consumers should factor that in and decide whether any non-urgent issue can wait until after Christmas.”

Here are the Top Festive Aftermath issues identified by tradespeople at www.hamuch.com:

Upgrade Your House: Upgrade Your Bathroom – Design Tips

31st July 2018
bathroom upgrades

If you want to do upgrades to your house, your bathroom is often one of the best starting points. It is the one of the most popular rooms in the house, and one that will be used on a daily basis. That’s why you should carefully plan any bathroom upgrades and get the help of a professional if you want to do a decent bathroom renovation.

When renovating your bathroom, it is important to keep your budget in mind, to ensure that you can have a proper job done without compromising on quantity.

Here are a few great bathroom design tips from experts:

  • Try to stick to your existing layout, in order to avoid any additional costs to move plumbing around.
  • Think about how your bathroom will be used; if you love taking long baths, spend money on a decent bath to enjoy for years to come.
  • If you have a big family or entertain guests regularly, be sure to use quality fittings and never cut corners as this will easily start to show.
  • Keep an eye out for specials, even though it may take a bit longer to finish, it will save you money in the end.

Experts will also help you to save money when it comes to your walls and floors. They will show you different types of tiles that have a very realistic wood or stone effect but are much cheaper than real stone and wood. Plus, these tiles look great, they are very durable, and they come in a wide variety of designs that are perfect for your bathroom.

When it comes to sanitaryware, never go for cheap products; a cheap toilet for example, can often have a compromised flushing capability, which can lead to other issues down the line. An expert builder or designer can help you choose quality products for your bathroom renovation that will perfectly suit your specific bathroom layout.

If baths aren’t your thing, try to save money by purchasing a cheaper bath and rather spend time on a luxurious shower. If you don’t have space for both, you can choose to have a shower-bath installed that will offer the comfort of a both but the convenience of a shower.

Looking for a bathroom upgrade? Visit HaMuch to find an expert to help you upgrade your bathroom and improve your home.

How Much Does a New Bathroom Cost? Breakdown of Fees and Rates

18th June 2018
bathroom upgrades

Considering investing in a new bathroom for your home? Not sure how much it will cost? HaMuch breaks down the major costs to help you understand what kind of financial commitment you are making.

New bathrooms are one of the most popular areas of home improvement in the UK.

Spaces we spend much of our time in, with the potential to add great value to a property, renovations to bathrooms can have a major impact on the aesthetic appeal of a home. But, despite the fact they are often the smallest rooms in our house, improvements can still be costly.

So, how much does a new bathroom cost and is it affordable for you? Here, HaMuch breaks down the average cost of a new bathroom, looking at everything from individual item costs to fees and labour charges.

Average Cost of New Bathroom Fixtures

When kitting out a new bathroom, there are heaps of different fittings and fixtures you’ll need. Depending on your project, you may want to go for every item available, or pick up the bare essentials. Below is a list of everything you could possibly need:

Bath

  • Low range: £100
  • Mid range: £300
  • High end: £1000

Starting at £100, bath prices can rise to £1000 or more. More expensive baths are often made from higher-quality materials, are larger and feature bespoke designs.

Shower  

  • Low range: £50
  • Mid range: £200
  • High end: £1000

A basic shower fitted to a bath will cost you very little. However, prices start to spike as you consider larger options, multiple fittings and full shower screen setups.

Basin

  • Low range: £50
  • Mid range: £100
  • High end: £300

Basins are often inexpensive and you can pick up a nice design for only a little more than a budget option. Even high-end fixtures don’t tend to be much more expensive. This is due to the fact most are made of the same material; ceramic or porcelain.

Faucets

  • Low range: £20
  • Mid range: £50
  • High end: £120

A good pair of taps can be very cheap — the cheapest item on your bathroom shopping list. However, more appealing designs such as waterfall taps or a copper finish will set you back a little bit more.

Toilet

  • Low range: £50
  • Mid range: £200
  • High end: £500

If you are just looking for a simply designed, functional toilet, you won’t need to pay more than £50-£100. Prices can range up to the £500 mark, though, if you are in search of something a little more stylish.

Vinyl Flooring

  • Low range: £100
  • Mid range: £200
  • High end: £400

Cost of vinyl flooring is based off both design and floor space — usually by square metre. Expect to pay £15-30 per square metre, with the average bathroom space set around 8-10 square metres.

Counters

  • Low range: £60
  • Mid range: £150
  • High end: £500

As with all types of furniture, bathroom countertops and cabinets can be obtained for a range of prices. Simple flat-pack designs can be brought in for anything as low as £60. However, if you are looking for hardwood treated options, be prepared to pay much more.

Tiling

  • Low range: £200
  • Mid range: £800
  • High end: £2000

Tiling is the one place you’ll see most variance in price. This is purely down to the material used. Cheap tiles are inexpensive and doing entire walls will cost very little. Yet, the different types of materials out there is so varied that if you want something striking and unique, you could be looking at thousands of pounds

How Much Does A New Bathroom Cost? Don’t Forget Rates for Fitting!

When considering the average cost of a new bathroom, it’s important to remember that all your new elements must be fitted. This is something many opt for as a DIY project. However, we don’t recommend this.

A poorly fitted bathroom can be a nightmare scenario. Moisture has a habit of helping bodge jobs fall apart quicker than if they were in other rooms of the house, and the regular use means if not fitted properly, things can go downhill fast.

Getting in a professional tradesman to complete your new bathroom installation is recommended. But how much will this cost?

Labourer charges vary, depending on industry and experience. However, you are looking at around £100-£200 per day for your average professional bathroom installer. This will include the cost of plumbing work or electrical changes as needed.

Job sizes vary massively when installing a new bathroom, based not only on the size of the space, but also the scale of the job. Fitting a single bath will take a day, while a full refit on a large bathroom can take a month.

Labour Rates

Until a tradesman can come into your property and give you an accurate quotation based on what you need doing, it’s impossible to say exactly how much the price of fitting your bathroom will be. However, we can provide a rough estimation:

  • Single job: £150*
  • Small bathroom: £1500-£3000
  • Medium bathroom: £2500-£4000
  • Large bathroom: £3500-£5500

*This includes call out charge and the fitting of a single item, such as bath, shower or toilet.

Overall Average Cost of a New Bathroom

There are so many variable factors involved in the average cost of a new bathroom that it’s difficult to give a figure that works for everyone.

Instead, we suggest you use this blog as a basic guide, considering unique elements involved in your own project.

For example, you may have a medium-sized bathroom that will be equipped with budget tiles, flooring, basin and toilet, yet incorporate a high-end shower. Taking the numbers provided, you can build your own rough quote to help guide you in your search for the perfect bathroom.

Need to find a tradesman to fit your new bathroom? HaMuch is a directory full of local experts listed by their rates. Find competitive prices and get in the right person for the job here!

Home Improvement on a Budget: Install Water Filter

11th May 2018
Water filter installation for home improvement on a budget

There’s no question about water being a necessity in life. In fact, without water, there would be no life. When it comes to drinking water, drinking sufficient amounts of clean, hygienic water is key to remaining healthy. Water filters are being used all across the UK in order to bring fresh, great tasting water to you within the comfort of your home. Water softening is another method commonly being used to get rid of unwanted hard metal cautions that are typically found in water. Reverse osmosis is a modern method of technology for water purification, which uses a semi-permeable membrane in order to remove molecules, ions and other particles from drinking water.

Water Filter Options

There are different types of water filters in the UK for your home, ranging from main water filters, fridge water filters, tap water filters to water filter jugs. Fortunately with our available technology, we can opt to filter our water in jugs or straight out of the tap!

If you are looking for a good water purifier or water filtration system, there are numerous options out there that you can go with. Brita water filters are well known in UK households, providing a modern water filter for the home setting. Charcoal water filters use the method of carbon filtering, which uses a bed of stimulated carbon in order to get rid of impurities and contaminants through the process of chemical absorption. Alkaline water filters have the ability to not only filter your drinking water but also alkalize it. These filters do not hook up with a sink nor do they have variable ORP or PH ranks of water. Under sink water filters can be set up for those of you looking for something attached to the sink.

Then there are fridge water filters that conveniently remove any particulates or contaminants from the water that is put through the refrigerator’s water or ice dispenser area. Most modern refrigerators use a long filter cartridge that is fitted within the fridge, close to the grille. So it’s always a good idea to check out all of the functions of a refrigerator prior to purchasing. Inline water filters can be installed behind your fridge to help bring out better-tasting water and ice in your refrigerator.

Some of these water filtration systems or water softener systems require expert hands in order to avoid tampering with a refrigerator’s original settings. If you are uncomfortable working with equipment, it’s best to hire a professional who has experience with installations and other works that are similar in line. Many people want to get the latest water filter systems for their homes but are unable to due to feeling insecure about their abilities to install equipment. In fact, if you feel hesitant about upgrading your water filter system in the house due to not finding qualified men to get the installations done, make sure to check out hamuch.com. You are sure to find great wholesome deals on home professionals waiting to help you out with your installation as well as regular servicing in the future.