Unreliable craftsmen - is this common in the industry nowadays?

I don't really understand some of the comments, but probably that's not a big deal

Again about haggling: I am not at all of the opinion that the cheapest offer is the best and that everything should cost nothing. But if a craftsman quotes a sum on site and afterwards the written offer shows double that amount, I think it's fair to question that critically, without it having anything to do with "haggling," right?

I have to say, I usually don't get verbal offers or I don't even ask for them. We always ask to have everything sent in writing. If we like someone, we don't compare anymore as long as the offer is within the expected range.

This is not because of you. It’s the same game here. Our experiences match yours, but we only had local companies here, mostly master craftsman businesses, no MyHammer. Apart from the plumbers and the tiler, you mostly just want to run away screaming. Those who were so kind as to accept the job did not perform their work properly or were massively delayed. We are just annoyed anymore. Theoretically, we still need a stair builder, but we dread it. They simply do not need orders, unfortunately, that’s how it is.

When I wrote that I am building with my landlord, some here laughed at me and advised against it. My landlord arranged the architect for me. The architect obtained the shell construction offer. My landlord, who has been setting up houses as investment properties for years (small scaffolding company), is now obtaining offers for all other trades and will supervise the construction.

Of course, he does not want to do it for free, but this way I get experienced and good craftsmen from the region whom he also knows and knows how they work.

I want to say that construction is like professional life; you have to know someone who knows someone.

If we were to obtain offers on our own, the trades would mercilessly take advantage of us. Just like with a car dealer. If they realize you are not familiar with the subject, then you are at their mercy.

With us, these were companies recommended by business partners, one even an acquaintance of my husband. Unfortunately, that does not protect against nasty surprises either. And so we had at least control over all trades and, for example, "kicked out" the drywall installers one day before moving in. We are now finishing the rest ourselves.

All those who currently depend on craftsmen, I feel sorry for.

I myself have several self-employed craftsmen in my family and circle of friends. What is happening at the moment is unbelievable. I am glad that with us everything can be done, but nothing has to be done.

I bothered 2 companies with a request and both companies sent their salesperson to us. After the 20-30 minute and really nice conversations, the gentlemen left and promised an offer within 2 weeks. (The price indications given in the personal conversation were completely reasonable).

Well, that was already 6 and 8 weeks ago. No offers came... Of course, I didn't remind anyone. If you don't want to, you already have.

I registered at MyHammer 4 weeks ago and posted the project. The heating including new piping etc. has meanwhile been installed and the company has received its money. By the way, about 35% cheaper than the price indication of the salespeople...

A CHEERS to the internet!!!

It is what it is... Those who are in a hurry and HAVE to do it usually pay for it.

Yes, that is unfortunately the case. Most companies were quick here only with the invoice.