Looking for a handyman (or woman) in London, UK.

[Huma0]

Hello, can anyone recommend a competent and reliable handyman in London. If they are local to South London (I am in SW9), that would be even better!

I have a large house where there are always small jobs to do and my mother also has plenty of work that needs doing. By this, I don't necessarily mean hanging pictures or those simple jobs that I can do myself. I am looking for someone who is able to do repairs, find solutions to problems and ideally has some skills, e.g. plumbing or carpentry.

I am not looking for a builder who is only interested in big projects (I know those already) but someone who is happy to do a series of small jobs. If they can provide paperwork, that would be perfect.

If you know anyone, please message me!

[Helen3]

I agree @Huma0 , I prefer informal networks too such as local FB groups where local people are recommending local providers.

I think you are more likely to find a good local supplier asking locally then on a national site.

[Gordon0]

I've had varying levels of success w/Airtasker.  The most recent was a job I had pre-booked for Saturday (gone). Turned up two hours late ("traffic"...despite being a ten min-drive from me). Left after two hours for another job. Came back later that day only to leave again for another job!

Came back tonight (Monday) and worked until 8pm and I was having dinner. 

Workmanship OK, but oh, what a faff!

[Huma0]

@Gordon0 

That's the sort of thing I am trying to avoid, but to be fair, that seems to be how most trades operate in London! They just have too much work I guess. At leat the job got done, which is better than nothing.

What always makes me laugh is that when they don't show up, the first excuse is always, "My van broke down." The second time, the excuse is almost always, "My girlfriend/wife is in the hospital." I wonder if they have any idea that they are all using the exact same excuses?

[Alon1]

@Huma0 

I can recommend the multi-task man who predominantly does work for my downstairs neighbour, but also done some work for me. However, I don't think he'll come out for £ 35 jobs. He lives in South London, but not sure post code. Still doesn't matter much, have van will travel. 

If you specifically need a plumber I can recommend mine. Excellent!

Likewise, electrician.

Lastly, this week I got a flyer through the post-box from Nextdoor.com. It's local based, so just need to check yours. See lots of handyman type jobs sought and recommended. 

Let me know if you want any contacts. If so, please private message only. 

.

[Huma0]

@Alon1 

Thanks so much. Yes I will PM you.

The £35 job is just because I was trying out the site @Paul1255 mentioned where you have to post a job with a quote, so I just put in one small job to see what responses I got. I actually have plenty of work for a handyman, so would prefer for them to come out for longer and get several things sorted.

[Alon1]

@Huma0 

You're welcome.

I wait your PM.

[Alon1]

@Huma0 

I got your PM.

I've tried to load a Reply but current msg: 'Oops. We can't send your message right now.'

Tried 2nd & 3rd time, but still no go.

Will do as soon as glitch-time is over. 

[Alon1]

@Huma0 

Update: Managed to send. But still not via Reply, rather had to create a new message.

[Rachel0]

@Huma0 The Nextdoor website works particularly well. It's a free, private social network for your specific area of London and I have been a member of my local one in Ealing for well over a year now.  You can put a post on there asking for recommendations for a local handyperson and see what replies you get.  I got a superb plumber that way and also a roofer.  It's also a very good site for buying and selling things such as odd bits of furniture - chairs, chests of drawers etc.  Give it a try - it costs nothing!

[Huma0]

@Rachel0  that sounds very good. I will definitely check it out!

My problem isn't necessarily finding decent tradespeople. It's that the good ones then never have time to come back and do other jobs. I had a guy whose team put a pitched ceiling in one of my rooms. They were amazing. I really wanted him to do my new bathrooms (a sizeable job) and he kept promising he would but after TWO YEARS I had to give up and find someone else. 

Often the ones who are less busy are less busy for a reason but I'm definitely encouraged that you found a great plumber. I do know a good one who was recommended by a friend, but everytime I need him, he refers me to one of his mates who turns out to be a nightmare.