Bricklayers (brickies):
A bricklayer will build and repair any internal or external walls, including chimneys. They will construct garden walls, and create specialist finishes such as archways, floors, fireplaces and paving.
Builders generally become more accomplished with experience, working more efficiently and with better results as they do more jobs. The daily brick output can be more than doubled with experience.
Any cutting and building with stone may require a specialist bricklayer with the skills required for stonemasonry, this will cost you extra.
The rates of a standard bricklayer depend upon the amount of bricks laid and the complexity of the job but can be up to £250. A bricklayer’s labourer will also afford between £40 and £60 per day.
Carpenters, Joiners and Cabinet-makers (chippies)
Carpenters generally deal with the more heavy duty construction based woodwork such as laying floorboards, joists and beams. These jobs are traditionally grouped as the ‘first fix’.
The joiners, or the overseers of the ‘second fix’, do the lighter, more detailed work involving doors, windows and skirting boards.
Cabinet-makers are highly trained, highly skilled craftsmen who design and produce furniture of all types, to all customisations. They will also do minor repairs and restorations.
The advance in availability of modern tools and machinery has seen the arrival of multi skilled workers, less skill and specialisation is required and the work of carpenters and joiners has become somewhat interchangeable.
Rates, depending on complexity and veneers:
Carpenter: £100-£150 per day
Joiner: £125-£175
Cabinet-maker: £150-£300
Roofers
A watertight roof is essentially important if you want to avoid the expensive, highly damaging problems that can arise from leaks and damp. It is also worth remembering that roofers work seasonally, so it is wise to get any hint of a leak seen to as soon as possible before the winter rain sets in and it’s too late.
A specialist roofer who can repair and replace all roofing systems is required for any roof work. Roofing entails the laying of waterproof, breathable membrane and battens beneath slates or tiles, edges should be sealed with lead flashing. Water should run straight into the drainage system, plumbers may work with your roofer to ensure that it all works smoothly. Carpenters may also need to work with your roofer on any timber structure repair or replacement.
A specialist thatcher will be required for the replacement of thatched roofs.
Rates:
Roofer: £120-£200 (depending on speed and skill level)
Thatcher: £10,000-£12,000 (depending on size of house, materials and complexity)
Plumbers or Fitters
Plumbers are simply involved in the installation, maintenance and repair of hot and cold water systems. This includes the fixtures of bathroom suites, boilers, piping, central heating, surface water draining systems and sewerage.
Plumbers must be
CORGI (Confederation for the Registration of Gas Installers) registered to deal with gas appliances. Plumbers may specialise in bathroom or kitchen fitting, any metal sinks or baths should be earthed by a specialist.
Central heating engineers come under the wide bracket of ‘plumbers’ however only usually work in their specialised area of central heating and boiler repair. That is not to say that an experienced plumber cannot also work with heating systems but a central heating engineer will usually carry spare parts in their van so are good to call if you have a plumbing problem that is specific to your heating system.
Rates:
Plumber: £100-£250 per day