If there are please post them here.

I would like to keep my business in the community, but it's increasingly hard with the quality of builders that seem to be out there.

Some examples...

I took my car to get serviced, why did it take three days? No explanation, just that it simply wasn't ready.

I used the black business directory to look for carpet fitters, of the 3 in my area, one was cut off, one I woke up at 3pm and he quoted me some outrageous price before I even told him the room measurements. The last one actually came round... 4 hours later than he said he would, then proceded to try and build up a spliff and chat me up, when I declined his offer of a 'link up', he then got vex and started to quote me prices higher than he did before, and told me it was going to take a couple of days.

The man who actually came to do the work got it done in two hours.

My friend is currently getting rewiriing done in her house, and has been having a nightmare. Most of the problems she's having is because the electrian wanted to date her and now is getting nasty about it as she keeps rejecting him.

She also had to get a plumber in and he came hours late and did such a slapdash job she had to get someone else in to repair it.

Now I know there are rouge white work men out there, but I'm not talking about them. Where are OUR standards?
Is it just something we have to put up with being single women?

That really is lamentable i had a chap works for some sort of building firm that sponsored him to go university but does plumbing part time really knows his stuff..actually used he's services twice i just cannot imagine him being discourteous to women or taking advantage of his position who knows could have to do with him being about 20-21 years old...or to do with you guys being single females
Be interesting to hear what the other women have to say ....

Thanks for the reply guys. Vezz, I know that some black people will expect something for nothing. My mum is one of those people, and she has got what paid for.. A half done kitchen and shabby decorating, by 'a friend' who she used to cook dinner everyday.
However there are some that will pay good money for a good service, I know I will. I also know there are bad white traders, but I wanted to focus on us for a while because that is who I want to deal with.

Maybe we should start up a network here? I'm going to need some double glazing done soon, and will need a professional person who will stick to the time frame they set out. Any suggestions?

Hello again! I'm now finally in my place and need this double glazing done! Does anyone have a reccies?

Go to a union and get refferals

Good advice. There is a organisation for builders and tradesmen ( which escapes my memory) which you can refer to. But builders black or white are notoriously unreliable and the good ones you have to book way in advance.


Salsa if your in London I got a good friend who is a builder/ decorator and produces quality work. If you PM me I could give you his details.

A trick I have used when searching for other people, goes around the houses a bit but worth the effort.

Contact reputable contractors in your area or close to. Phone them up tell them you are doing research or survey regarding the employment of African tradesmen ie how many they employ are they employed directly or as subcontractors(it's the subcontractors you really want-but either will do) You will need to ask a series of prepared questions. Then ask for their contact details for further info failing or when you would be able to contact them at the company office/depot.

If you get their personal phone numbers then phone them up, if not turn up at office or depot when you know they will be available.

The last time I tried this the company(Housing Association contractors) arranged for me to interview their employee I turned up asked my made up questions and then got their number to do some work.

The guy was great, did the job and still have his number and gained him lots of work over the years (unfortunately here in the midlands so not worth passing on). As it was the lady who needed the work was retired so not sure if that is why he didn't make a pass at her. And I guess he didn't make a pass at me since one of the first questions on my fake interview was are you married/single/co-hab.

The first time I tried it was for an electrician The brother was a subcontractor who employed pure white boys, who did a good job but kinda defeated the purpose, although the person using him took solace knowing that he was the one earning the money, that was in Sheffield.

Like I said it goes around the houses but you can gain valuble info. Many brothers worth employing already work for or subcontract with established fims.