Why I'll NEVER Hire Another Tradesperson

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  • Опубліковано 22 гру 2024

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  • @RagnBoneBrown
    @RagnBoneBrown  7 місяців тому +16

    Want some good quality trug buckets that last? Get 10% off using the promo code RAG10 at thebuildingworks.co.uk/product/reinforced-buckets/ As an affiliate I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases
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    • @MattBerryCustom
      @MattBerryCustom 6 місяців тому +1

      Just received the tubs, there was a delay but that was entirely my error. Exceptional quality, been carting hundreds of kilos of concrete up my tiered garden this afternoon and can testify that they are apparently indestructible. Don’t mess about, buy some today. Big thanks to you Keith and the lads at The Building Works. 😊👍🏻

    • @RagnBoneBrown
      @RagnBoneBrown  6 місяців тому

      ​@@MattBerryCustom Sorry to hear that Matt, I'm sending this to my point of contact now and will get back to you

    • @RagnBoneBrown
      @RagnBoneBrown  6 місяців тому

      ​@@MattBerryCustomdropping you an email... 👍

  • @TickTakashi
    @TickTakashi 7 місяців тому +158

    Earlier today a friend of mine asked me why I'm insulating my garage DIY instead of hiring someone. I told them almost word for word that "I will never hire another tradesperson" as well. The simple fact that I actually care about the quality of the result means that, 9/10 times, I end up doing a better job than a hired tradesperson - despite having little/no experience.
    This video really resonates with me. I have had several awful experiences with contractors recently, and I've been using YOUR videos to learn the DIY skills in order to fix them. I'm so grateful that people like you go through the effort to create easy to understand educational videos and put them up on UA-cam so that I don't have to be stuck with half-assed jobs by tradepeople who just don't care.
    Last year, I didn't even know what concrete was made of. This year I have:
    - Installed my own drains.
    - Poured a new garden path.
    - Cut out, fit and glazed new French Doors.
    - Added a new downpipe.
    - Put down new garage flooring.
    All thanks (very directly) to your videos. Massive, massive, massive thank you.

    • @RagnBoneBrown
      @RagnBoneBrown  7 місяців тому +11

      ♥️ thank you so much

    • @Bigroomboy
      @Bigroomboy 7 місяців тому +13

      You are bob on. Especially with insulation where the quality of fit and attention to detail makes or breaks the performance of all those expensive materials.

    • @weeeeehhhhh
      @weeeeehhhhh 7 місяців тому +5

      Not only will you learn a new skill, you'll pick up some tools, and likely have more money to spend on better materials.
      It's important to remember that poor DIY jobs aren't the end of the world. You'll usually get a good story out of it. You shouldn't expect perfection, and you're rarely getting perfection from the "professionals"

    • @ChristopherZygmant
      @ChristopherZygmant 7 місяців тому +6

      " I have had several awful experiences with contractors " - Haven't we all, completely agree with the sentiment here.

    • @NAFO_Badger_Brigade
      @NAFO_Badger_Brigade 7 місяців тому

      Stunning achievement - well done!

  • @beeftitans91
    @beeftitans91 7 місяців тому +82

    As a 'tradesman' who has done groundwork for 25 year's i can say that our trade is ruined by scammers and halfwits.
    There is a lot more that goes into things than people realise from the skills to the knowledge to the tools and other things.
    Hate it when people get ripped off.
    Happy to advise anybody that wants to reach out.

    • @TAH1712
      @TAH1712 7 місяців тому +8

      That's a fair comment. The skill to do it right shouldn't be underestimated - something that's 'Pretty on the eye' isn't necessarily going to last. The vast majority of customers don't want or really can't pay what a proper job really needs, so that's where the chancers step in.

    • @griswald7156
      @griswald7156 7 місяців тому

      @@TAH1712the trades men want money,so they agree a price then without consulting you work out a way thats cheaper and less bother to them..
      Could be just the overordering scam…where they van off with the excess materials you’ve paid for..
      We had a good £200 switch disappear which they said needed replacing…but they seemed to find value in it..one minute it was there the next it was gone…if they take something off and you want it ,hide it before they do abracadabra with it…

    • @CharlieReZa
      @CharlieReZa 6 місяців тому

      where are you based Beeftitans? Im on a confusing slope and need some professional advice !

    • @beeftitans91
      @beeftitans91 6 місяців тому

      @@CharlieReZa based in Manchester.
      Happy to try and help you.

    • @Toyotaamazon80series
      @Toyotaamazon80series 6 місяців тому

      ​@@TAH1712Indeed, most of them want champagne work done for cider money. Miserable bastards! 🙄🙈

  • @Is_this_username_unique
    @Is_this_username_unique 7 місяців тому +193

    It may not be perfect, but it's miles better than it was before. Considering it's not your trade, you should be proud of what you achieved.

    • @RagnBoneBrown
      @RagnBoneBrown  7 місяців тому +7

      Thank you!

    • @Gman4633
      @Gman4633 7 місяців тому +1

      As always, inspirational and helped motivate me to crack on with the DIY tasks I keep thinking maybe I should pay someone. Thank you 🙏

    • @alexanderkupke920
      @alexanderkupke920 6 місяців тому

      Absolutely agree with that, especially bearing in mind, doing perfect concrete work is a trade that takes years to build up the skills and the feel for the tools, so with that result, I would not stress out about minor imperfections at all.

  • @stephencave187
    @stephencave187 7 місяців тому +92

    It's a driveway, you're not plastering your living room wall. A few trowel marks don't matter. That's a great job Keith. Well done too to your dad n bro. Bet they're more reliable than a fair few tradies. 👏🏻

  • @yannisb2178
    @yannisb2178 6 місяців тому +6

    I once got a carpenter to have a few internal doors fitted, mainly due to time constraints. I didn't have the time to do a thorough research. The guy had stripped most of the screws and chipped 2 of my brand new doors. When I showed him he said not to worry about it because it will be painted. Fair point but it's the lack of respect to people's money that's pisses me off. I also asked him to fix a damaged casing and he just put filler on it! I ended up doing this work later myself and I did it the way I wanted. This is why I try to do most of the jobs on my own. It may not be perfect but it will be cheaper and how I want them

  • @LoSongz
    @LoSongz 7 місяців тому +22

    I like it when men and women know how to get things done by themselves in different ways. Well done

  • @tuesboomer1623
    @tuesboomer1623 7 місяців тому +14

    I recently spent untold hours online researching contractors for a patio, walkway, landscaping project to finally get to work on some deferred maintenance projects which were put on hold while we were raising the family. We no longer have the physical ability to DIY large projects. Competent, responsible people are out there but it's definitely like finding the proverbial needle in a haystack. I have no idea how we would have found the two excellent, local, family owned companies we hired without the internet on which they could showcase their own, legitimate work. The search is much, much longer than the duration of the job.
    Your project turned out great! You are very resourceful and have accumulated a lot of knowledge which is your most valuable asset when you attempt these projects. You are slowly turning your property into a valuable asset.

  • @Rubeno_
    @Rubeno_ 5 місяців тому +1

    To be honest, and this is the very first video i've watched of your channel, you're doing yourself short by telling yourself you didnt do a perfect job. This looks 100's of miles better than before you started on this. I loved the end result and you made a great and clean video about it. Explaining a lot of your steps and why you're taking these steps. Again, amazing end result!

  • @blank-dr2kx
    @blank-dr2kx 5 місяців тому +1

    Superb job mate diy isn’t meant to be perfect. Yes it’s about completing the task to deem it fit for purpose but it’s also about knowing you did it yourself, it’s about you knowing every square inch of it because you were on your hands n knees eye to eye with it. Sense of achievement and pride that you had a go and succeeded in the task you required the most at that time . Top job mate

  • @ossieljuarez1936
    @ossieljuarez1936 7 місяців тому +47

    I feel the same way about tradesmen. I rather do the work myself and learn something in the process.

    • @TAH1712
      @TAH1712 7 місяців тому

      The learning to adapt to all the problems unveiled as you proceed is the most rewarding aspect to DIY. Hardwork never killed anyone but don't forget your hardhat!

  • @TheLindsay720
    @TheLindsay720 7 місяців тому +4

    That looks wayyy better than I was expecting from the disclaimer before the reveal! And from the complexity of the job too. Well done, Keith!

  • @teresabell1014
    @teresabell1014 7 місяців тому +9

    You did a great job. Great that you have a brother and your dad !
    People like your channel because you are open and honest about your experiences. 😊

  • @imaginitivity7853
    @imaginitivity7853 7 місяців тому +27

    My wife thinks I enjoy doing DIY. I don't. But I hate paying people to do a lousy job that I end up redoing myself even more.

    • @tomf4547
      @tomf4547 6 місяців тому +2

      That's the truth.
      Thought I'd give a local 'plumber' a chance last month. Job was to move a radiator. After FIVE hours I threw him out and finished it myself!

    • @xerr0n
      @xerr0n 6 місяців тому +2

      i always thought of myself as a perfectionist before but its not that.
      im a passionate person who has also twirled around with people who just don't seem to go any deeper than a few centimeters on a problem, its been mind numbing and -spinning.
      i started to hate the 80/20 rule for that because it seems more like 80% of the easy part of the job for 100% of the pay, while the hardest and really the longest 20% will be left to the next bloke who would have the misfortune to have it.
      ill just do it myself if youre not gonna do it properly.

  • @davidking5765
    @davidking5765 7 місяців тому +2

    If you chuck gravel into your mixer and add some water then you can use a sieve to collect the gravel and allow the muddy water to run away - clean gravel!

  • @roryhunterevans2862
    @roryhunterevans2862 7 місяців тому +3

    Don't let perfection be the enemy of good. A good job, well thought out and well executed. You'll probably be the only one that ever notices a trowel line here or there!

  • @darthrevanakc
    @darthrevanakc 7 місяців тому +1

    Love your work, keep up the awesome content

  • @sgtBelson
    @sgtBelson 7 місяців тому +5

    Good work. Feels good to DIY, and you even revitalized the gravel (oh, the tedium!). Keep us posted on the ‘big rain’ test.

  • @thenullco
    @thenullco 7 місяців тому +5

    Proper job, mate. I'd be very proud of that.
    Something extra satisfying about fixing drainage.

    • @TAH1712
      @TAH1712 7 місяців тому

      yep - water torture can be very cruel!

  • @andyc972
    @andyc972 7 місяців тому +4

    That turned out pretty good considering the circumstances Keith, it's quite a tricky space and slope(s) to manage, what a great family turning up in your "hour" of need, of course we know you've helped them out too !
    Despite all the hard work fitting the soak away, digging up the old surface and mixing and laying all the concrete, of course you then still take on a load of extra work riddling and washing the gravel - I applaud you Keith !

  • @youtoob1811
    @youtoob1811 7 місяців тому +12

    I've been doing my first house up and have used tradesman from pretty much all domestic trades in the last 18 months. I can say without equivocation, almost all the tradesman I've used were poor.... The "adequate" ones are the exception, not the norm - regardless of their reviews online. Just yesterday I had an electrician round to spur wall lights from existing sockets and convert them from single to double sockets. At the start of the job I offered my laser level so everything would be in-line and he declined the offer, instead using the existing socket tops as his "base" - of course they were out.... So he managed to miss the fact the existing sockets were not level with one another and even didn't check the chases came to the same height where the paralell wall lights would sit. They're out by around 1.5 - 2 inches and the sockets are out by closer to 3". I'm going to have to correct the problem myself, because I don't want the dope back in the house. I have a story like that for most of the tradespeople I've used - and they were all highly rated. It's absolutely criminal how bad the industry is.

    • @Toyotaamazon80series
      @Toyotaamazon80series 6 місяців тому +1

      Construction is an unregulated industry which leaves it open to all sorts of chancers. It's been made worse by open borders/mass migration. Unless it goes back to a guild system it won't change. Don't forget the cowboy clients either. Most home owners want champagne work for cider money.

    • @youtoob1811
      @youtoob1811 6 місяців тому +1

      @@Toyotaamazon80series - Agree on the guild system - something needs to change. I don't mind paying for good work, but it seems you get cider work in either case. I had hallway landing stairs plastered (skimmed) - cost me £850 and took 1.5 days for 1 guy. After it dried the true state of the finish became clear - looked like the surface of the moon.
      I literally could've done a better job and it took me 2 days (and a new large orbital sander) to put right. No point getting the guy back to correct because it would require new skim or sanding and in either case it wasn't going to be a good result.
      £850 for 1.5 days work is not cider money, but the outcome had more apples than the local greengrocer, nonetheless.

    • @Mattlawton-ft6ew
      @Mattlawton-ft6ew 6 місяців тому +1

      Alot of them cant be bothered and just want to get to the pub

    • @Toyotaamazon80series
      @Toyotaamazon80series 6 місяців тому

      @@youtoob1811 Did you ask him for his papers? Did you check references? Did he have insurance?

    • @youtoob1811
      @youtoob1811 6 місяців тому +2

      @@Toyotaamazon80series - He had over 100 positive reviews on a popular job site in the UK. I always check sparkies are certified (I think they have to be regardless). I also think they have to have insurance to use the website. I forgot to mention that he tried to talk me into NOT bothering with capping - "you don't need it because of the RCBO" I was told. I insisted they were capped.
      I had another sparky who did a good job for me a while back, but when he came out to quote for this work he didn't bother sending a quote or responding to messages. Obviously didn't want the work and missed out on multiple other jobs.
      These aren't isolated incidents, as I say I've had many tradesmen do work for me - there's a pattern. I won't say all tradesmen are bad, or sloppy, or unprofessional - but a LOT are - like 60-70% - and they've all been highly rated. Getting one of the good guys is pot luck IMO.
      I came to the concolusion that most dissatisfied customers don't leave bad reviews through fear of comeback.

  • @jscook54
    @jscook54 7 місяців тому +20

    That looks great! I am impressed with your variety of skills and determination to carry them out.

  • @alfnilsson6352
    @alfnilsson6352 Місяць тому

    Just a couple of maintenance tips. Check the silt trap more often than once a year, they tend to fill quickly. Check the drain once in a while, sometimes it does not rain enough to flush particles away and it clogs.
    Thanks for your nice videos!

  • @CRN8091
    @CRN8091 6 місяців тому +1

    Looks good mate, it’s hard to come by good and reliable trades these days.Its a problem we have here in Australia too.I always DIY where possible and videos like yours always inspire me to give it a go.

  • @PaulMcGuinness
    @PaulMcGuinness 7 місяців тому +2

    Finding good tradespeople is hard, but there are definately those out there that are both great, and that care. That said, I've now done 3 bathrooms, 1 kitchen, decking, fencing and a shed after watching videos on UA-cam from makers like yourself. Keep up the good work 👍

  • @pettofficial.
    @pettofficial. 7 місяців тому +2

    'Done is better than perfect'
    That's how I see it, I'm a perfectionist and would probably die before I complete some projects so sometimes I need to bite my tongue, push on and get it finished! Great job you did there 👌🏻

  • @danludlam1562
    @danludlam1562 7 місяців тому +2

    That looks so good. You don't actually know that even a competent professional would do much better - don't beat yourself up. Even as a DIYer if you paint a room, you can see every imperfection but that doesn't mean a professional doesn't have the same - they just don't have to see it every day!

  • @BigBrogann
    @BigBrogann 7 місяців тому +2

    I love your videos! I’m fortunate enough to buy my dream home as my first property but my biggest regret was not buying a house with loads of potential and doing it myself, the amount of trades people I’ve had that has done a shoddy job or not finishing it is unreal, but like you said. When you find the right tradesman you need to keep hold of them.
    But from now on I think I’ll do it myself because like you said, sometimes the care that you put into a project is more and it’s more satisfying because you know you’ve done it!

  • @techywill
    @techywill 7 місяців тому +14

    "Professionals" cut too many corners from my experience. Unsure if cutting costs, don't care, or incompetent. I once had a fridge repairman leave wet towel in our freezer, repair people decide to not complete work that was in the contract, people argue what the numbers from insurance mean when they are clearly labeled, etc. That's why i do most of my own work, so I can learn, more care is put into work, and cheaper.

  • @dougdavidson175
    @dougdavidson175 7 місяців тому +2

    That was a bucket load of work! Thanks to family and friends. Take care & stay safe Keith and family.

  • @katherinecarroll3706
    @katherinecarroll3706 7 місяців тому +1

    Wow that looks fantastic.Awesome job. I agree it is so hard to find good professionals that care about quality work. I am retired so when I do have to hire someone I am there watching over their shoulders and asking questions.

  • @karlpopewoodcraft
    @karlpopewoodcraft 7 місяців тому +1

    Looks absolutely immaculate to me Keith awesome job done. Looked like hard graft as well, family to the rescue!!

  • @tonywall8393
    @tonywall8393 7 місяців тому +2

    Great video Keith! I love watching all the different projects you undertake. Well done!

  • @mrfaffley4479
    @mrfaffley4479 7 місяців тому +1

    Nothing is perfect and it doesn't have to be. Good enough is fine.
    You took on a big challenge with this one and showed tenacity and resilience to see it through. It's your driveway, you made it and if it needs maintaining in future, you will be able to do it. Great job! 👍

  • @greenambles
    @greenambles 7 місяців тому

    Thanks for this. Clear and detailed so less daunting. I have a big (for me at least) project ahead of me removing 2 big sheds, laying a level concrete base on top of the current sloping one then building a garage/garden-room.

  • @Nousmourronsseuls
    @Nousmourronsseuls 6 місяців тому +1

    Great vid - thanks. I have also turned to doing nearly all my own jobs instead of getting in tradesmen. With so many excellent UA-cam videos and the ready availability of tools and materials, all you need is the time and willingness to learn and give it a go. Over the years I’ve saved tens of thousands of pounds, have confidence the job has been done properly, have a great collection of tools and enjoyed a lots of good workouts away from my desk job.

  • @andljoy
    @andljoy 7 місяців тому +24

    That concrete slope is an embarrassment to the tradesman who fitted it. My dad ( who has worked as a brick layer and laborer in his early life) did a ramp in our back yard when i was just a wee baby (so almost 40 years ago now) so my mum could get the pram with me in it to the back door. We ripped that up oo has to be at least 10 years ago now and that concrete was almost impossible to remove the sledge bounced off it hit after hit after hit for about 20 mins before it finally started to crack.
    EDIT. What you have done looks amazing, i am sure it will last decades.

    • @Andrewt09876
      @Andrewt09876 7 місяців тому

      Eeee

    • @griswald7156
      @griswald7156 7 місяців тому +1

      Yes the professionals use a few less bags of cement than is needed…3 bags times £20 thats £60 extra in his pocket..
      And you’ve got no idea hes done it…or 3 free bags for his next job..courtesy of you..thanks Governor..
      And you get a big crack in your drive for the frost to work on a few years later…then you employ another cowboy to fix it..for a kings ransom..

  • @annie-centrepiecefurniture
    @annie-centrepiecefurniture 7 місяців тому

    Looks amazing!! So neat and tidy, can’t believe how easy the old cement came up so easily, so that speaks volumes! Great video as always 😀👏

  • @maxisaez20
    @maxisaez20 7 місяців тому +3

    Always DIY has an extra feeling that become more value than hire someone to do it. Really like your job. Keep doing like that.

  • @twasb2000
    @twasb2000 7 місяців тому

    Good job and plenty of hard work. One easy detail when concreting is to use a 10-20mm triangular fillet nailed to the top of the shutter as a guide to give the finished level and to produce a chamfer to stop the edge breaking up. Thin layers of concrete can debone and break up so use a bonding agent between layers and some rebar studs (with 3cm of cover). The screws you used can also be done by drilling a hole and bashing in the same diameter rebar, this gives a longer anchor length (30 to 40 times the bar diameter works)

  • @Jessie-i6s
    @Jessie-i6s 3 місяці тому

    Your all family must be happy and proud to having you and all your good work when you removes all concrete just with the simple tool. Yes, the concrete is terrible in most of case for home/gardent word like our one.

  • @josephs2581
    @josephs2581 7 місяців тому

    I feel your pain, Keith, it's what motivates me to DIY. I'm sure you knew, but to any others you can get SDS shovel/spade bits and at least in my experience they've worked in clay soil. We only used them similar to how you're using the chisel bit in the soil.
    The Mattock is my preferred tool since it runs on pizza power 🍕😋

  • @kasroa
    @kasroa 7 місяців тому +3

    Turned out great and no doubt looks better than if the tradesperson had ended up doing it. My favourite thing about DIY is that you always know what lies beneath the surface, both literally and metaphorically. If I cut corners I know where and why. If a tradesperson cuts corners (99% will), you usually find out the hard way when it's too late.

  • @jacksrus
    @jacksrus 7 місяців тому

    Looks really good, totally agree with your remarks on trades and will always do it myself if its safe to do so. Even if it takes twice as long, you can be sure its done right and save a lot of money to put towards your next job. Well done to dad and bro🎉

  • @guydempster5459
    @guydempster5459 6 місяців тому

    love watching you doing some backbreaking work with my feet up .. on my tea break from doing some back breaking garden work ..

  • @melmartinez7002
    @melmartinez7002 7 місяців тому

    Great job! I really share your frustration with tradesman - though in my case it's mainly in just getting then to call me back when I'm just trying to hire them. So frustrating how hard it is to find someone who will take my money. And of course, some are less reliable and skilled than others. And your point about how so many tradesman simply will never care about the quality of the work like you will is so true and has a very real impact on what the end result is. Like you, I end up doing almost everything DIY.
    The driveway looks like it came out great. The only thing I might have done different is maybe to add some rebar, especially to the long narrow pour along the drain. That might crack on you if a heavy vehicle goes over it - definitely let it cure for months before you put any extreme load on it.

  • @markhannan4712
    @markhannan4712 7 місяців тому

    You’ve done. Great job better than the so called professional. It’s good you got help from your family it’s good to see especially your Dad well done to him . I had a tradesman lay my patio within 6 months the pointing fell apart and the patio came loose so I will have to lift and relay myself with the cost of all Sotheby’s cement etc to pay out again stressed out

  • @AndreaArzensek
    @AndreaArzensek 7 місяців тому

    It is light years better than it was before! You did the best you could and it turned out just fine!
    Greetings from Croatia 😊

  • @AndrewMcQuillen
    @AndrewMcQuillen 7 місяців тому +8

    Great Job Keith. I came to a similar conclusion a while ago, about trades people. Unless there's a law stopping me like gas fitting, I'll have a go myself.
    And surely it should have been a TRUG of war😂😂

  • @cakepanda
    @cakepanda 7 місяців тому

    Fantastic project Keith. I echo your sentiments - have had some terrible work done by 'professionals' in the past, so I end up doing everything myself too!

  • @mathewgallimore1484
    @mathewgallimore1484 7 місяців тому

    I really feel your pain. I've had my own catalogue of trade person related issues whereby I'm left with very substandard or incomplete work that has cost me more in both time and money. I've vowed to DIY everything possible going forward. You and the Aidenproject have my deepest sympathy and empathy.

  • @adieel10
    @adieel10 6 місяців тому +3

    A good tradesman certainly is like gold dust!
    A tradesmen doesn't have to be brilliant at every job, good would suffice.... Pair good with Integrity, reliability and punctual, you will automatically be elevated to brilliant!

  • @gregarrell6132
    @gregarrell6132 7 місяців тому

    Well done under the circumstances. Being an old ex tradie (carpenter/builder) I have done many jobs like that single handed due to financial limitations. The difference when I have engaged a good reliable concert e.g. was so nice. Now I am medically retired, my wife will nor let me take on the big jobs around home, just the more or less manageable ones. It is still hard to pay someone else for what I used to be able to do. Good on your brother and Dad for being able to help. 2 of my sons have helped me a lot but they have their own families and lives deal with. I love your UA-cam channel, keep it up.

  • @PhillWyattProjects
    @PhillWyattProjects 7 місяців тому

    That looks like a big job to undertake so I appreciate your determination and hard work. It looks good and solid. I always avoid using tradesmen for similar reasons unfortunately.

  • @garyparker5516
    @garyparker5516 7 місяців тому

    Sorry to hear you had a bad experience with tradesmen. Your work looks fabulous and your family have really helped out. Great to see and awesome video

  • @cobberpete1
    @cobberpete1 7 місяців тому

    So how was your back(s), after all that hard work? I'm with you Keith, I do as much as possible myself. Part of it is because they charge an arm and a leg. No problem with a rough texture finish. It helps with grip. Think about Winter when you have snow and ice.

  • @davidmorrow1872
    @davidmorrow1872 7 місяців тому

    Looks like a good job to me! Totally agree with trades people had a plasterer in recently and didn't expect to have to do so much patching after. Only use people you have worked with before and know the quality!

  • @isabellefallon8238
    @isabellefallon8238 6 місяців тому

    Jeepers Keith, it looks a million percent better, and it has to be more durable than the shoddy job before! It is so frustrating when you are trying to do up or keep up your home, and you are let down. We are lucky, in that a neighbour and friend is a brilliant and conscientious plumber, so he did a really neat and well thought-out job of installing a whole new heating system for us. A previous plumber had talked about needing to rip out walls and install a huge unit in our main hallway - it wasn't necessary, just the least considered way of doing it. We found a great electrician as well, through word of mouth - again, we were told floors would need to be ripped up, trenches dug, etc - nope, the work could be done safely and neatly without ruining our house. Every other experience though....put it this way, our DIY skills are forever expanding!

  • @melchiorpieterbeukes9179
    @melchiorpieterbeukes9179 7 місяців тому

    My motto as well. Fed up with paying for things that need to be re-done any way. Well done, it looks amazing.

  • @njuham
    @njuham 7 місяців тому +18

    To my critical over-judging eyes that driveway looks really good, it has the 60's California bungalow driveway look about it.

  • @benprice3719
    @benprice3719 7 місяців тому

    Good work! For future jobs, you can use your cement mixer to clean gravel a bit quicker. Just pour in water, mix, then pour out the dirty water. Repeat until it's clean enough.

  • @V8PropaneBurner
    @V8PropaneBurner 7 місяців тому

    I'm sad to say I too have had terrible experiences with 'builders' and other tradesman, and feel just the same as you. UA-cam channels such as yourself and Robin have been a huge help in learning how to when my own knowledge has reached its limits. Keep up the good work.

  • @norakasa
    @norakasa 7 місяців тому

    I recently see a pro crew do a drive on a build near us and they did the same brushed finish as you di with a trowel edge. They just he'd wide brush with very long handle that looked made for purpose. So I think you were bob on with your method there! Looks neat enough for a drive way!

  • @core-element
    @core-element 7 місяців тому

    I DIY everything. I like brushed finish, I think it is best not to let the end of the bristles cut into the finish. I drag the brush sort of backwards and upside down so the bristle sides pull along the surface and leave smoother lines, much like laying off paint with the side if the paint brush. Oh and the strong thick plastic bristle type of broom works best.

  • @oliverking9951
    @oliverking9951 7 місяців тому

    Great job! The most self-critical people are skilled/experienced DIYers. You'll know this already, but no one else will see/notice all those tiny imperfections your eyes are immediately drawn to 🙂
    Totally agree with the sentiment that no one else is going to care as much about the standard as you are. It's such a shot in the dark when you employ an 'unproven' tradesperson, and you just have to keep your fingers crossed that they're one of the good ones!!

  • @PabloBD
    @PabloBD 7 місяців тому +4

    Looks fantastic! I hate trades people too! they never pay attention to big or small details

  • @thepintman6166
    @thepintman6166 7 місяців тому

    Great job pal and as a tradesman myself I know the pain a lot of them can be and like yourself I try do as much as I can myself

  • @ramroad2008
    @ramroad2008 7 місяців тому

    An edging tool is just for creating a pretty edge. What you need to keep the edges from breaking is “form oil”. If you don’t want to pay for it, save oil engine oil from changes, or vegetable oil from cooking. Brush it on your forms and they come off like butter.

  • @JoeGP
    @JoeGP 7 місяців тому +2

    a slab like that really should be at least 4 inches thick and even reinforced with rebar, at least that's how the guys I usually watch do it (Odell Complete Concrete), but let's hope it lasts.

  • @rpaasse6453
    @rpaasse6453 7 місяців тому

    Well done. You are always your own best tradesman. Thats my motto after having to do it all over again after the socalled tradesman was done. Not connecting pipes, screwes driven in air, windows build in and leaking, drive way ( yes me to ) after the rain i needed a canoe to get to the other side. In the end you know who is good, in my case 2 out of 10. So, i'll keep my money and do it myself.

  • @_Damian_.
    @_Damian_. 7 місяців тому

    It's always a labour of love when you DIY and you're bang on that tradesman are likely to not care and just want to get in get paid and get out.
    I've learned so much over the last few years and now take on jobs I wouldn't have dreamt of at one stage, and it's down to watching channels like this giving me the confidence to have a go. It might take me 4x as long to complete but I get there eventually and the results are often not bad at all tbh!

  • @bradw256
    @bradw256 7 місяців тому +3

    Looks great! Yeah, it sux when the "professionals" do a lousy job for no other reason than they were cutting corners. Job well done . . .

  • @kneedownbrown
    @kneedownbrown 7 місяців тому

    Good enough is perfect! I sense your frustration with being let down. However your channel has always been about getting the best out of the materials you have to hand. Well, you got the best result with the manpower and expertise you had to hand. You got it done and that deserves some respect.

  • @WoodCreations8681
    @WoodCreations8681 7 місяців тому

    Job well Done! Keep the videos coming. I have noticed here in the States, in general, the tradesmen don't care as much as the homeowner. They make the project look good to get paid, but long term, it's shotty work. That's why I have tackled all of my own projects.

  • @NH00531
    @NH00531 7 місяців тому

    New subscriber here after searching for slab laying videos and then staying for this one too. Like minded it seems when re-using/recycling as much as possible when doing a project. I’ve found a good electrician but try and do most other things myself. I agree that sometimes good enough is perfectly fine too.👍

  • @goodcat6017
    @goodcat6017 7 місяців тому

    Don’t worry about it mate it will all wear in nicely in a year or two done an excellent job there and it’s good to get hands on the tools your teaching yourself and others so keep going thanks for the video

  • @garythespark6295
    @garythespark6295 7 місяців тому

    End result looked great to me. As always you have done a thorough job to the best of your ability. Sure it’ll be solid for years to come.

  • @alastairstewart5527
    @alastairstewart5527 7 місяців тому

    Nice job. In the past I have cleaned up dirty gravel in a cement mixer, just chuck it into a clean mixer with some water and detergent and leave it running for 10 minutes.

  • @GabrielIonescuisro
    @GabrielIonescuisro 7 місяців тому

    Really love this kind of "around the house" work, you come with some good and doable ideas for the average diy-er. Cheers! 👌

  • @fuzzix
    @fuzzix 7 місяців тому

    Job looks great to me - well done to you and the team!
    Great timing on the trug bucket link - just broke the handles off one last week! Neighbours are growing veggies in it now.

  • @williamn01
    @williamn01 7 місяців тому

    Looks great mate , im the same i got a driveway done 15k and it was a bit of a disaster, ended up having to fix loads of it and a retaining wall myself , im hetting windows and doors in at the end of the month , fingers crossed everything runs smoothly with that .

  • @W2APS
    @W2APS 7 місяців тому

    Best tool for breaking up the ground is a chisel end digging bar. Heavy length of steel about 2m long. I've used it on my clay and flint ground to excavated all sorts of holes. Highly recommended.

  • @djmdog8754
    @djmdog8754 7 місяців тому

    Good on you for having a go. Looks like a pretty decent job

  • @bluecurlygirl
    @bluecurlygirl 7 місяців тому

    Great job. Fair play to you for undertaking it yourself and well done to your brother and Dad for jumping on board to lend a hand. I've learned so much from this video as I usually do in your videos. Great also to see Mickey making good use of the catio. It's looking great too. We haven't even started ours yet. Trying to save up for the materials but every time we get close something happens like the washing machine or the fridge packing in.

  • @_J.F_
    @_J.F_ 7 місяців тому

    I did a very similar drain job on my drive about 7 years ago except I wasn't aware of those sump units so didn't put one in. I do try to avoid getting too much mud and debris down the drain and (touch wood) the system still continues to remove water as quickly as it appears from above but if I was to ever do a similar job I will definitely put one of those sumps in.

  • @gilesfone
    @gilesfone 7 місяців тому

    Concrete is such hard work, hats off. And that’s another excellent video as well. There’s a funny balance of good enough, honest, real, choice of content, likeable, trustworthy that prompts me to comment and you do it every time. Since the compressor shed carbuncle. May the force be with you.

  • @JohnColgan.
    @JohnColgan. 7 місяців тому

    Great work as usual. You have a great understanding of processes required for just about any project, what you don't already know you learn. So you've no need to pay to be disappointed by tradespeople. I'm sure you get a better feeling of success completing a job than writing off more cash to a poor trades let down!

  • @ricardo_mo
    @ricardo_mo 7 місяців тому

    Everything ended up being amazing! Very good job, Sir!

  • @chrisp.76
    @chrisp.76 7 місяців тому

    Looks great! Hope it is successful with the drainage.

  • @MCsCreations
    @MCsCreations 7 місяців тому

    Awesome work, Keith! You guys did a heck of a job there! 😃
    And it looks pretty good!
    Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

  • @woodworkingandepoxy643
    @woodworkingandepoxy643 7 місяців тому

    I have no use for learning about concrete, but I still clicked as soon as I saw it pop up. Excellent video as always Keith. Even though this is more of a diy than your woodworking videos you still did an excellent job

  • @PatrickLemay
    @PatrickLemay 7 місяців тому

    Always admire your go do it attitude in front of hard work

  • @adamh8655
    @adamh8655 7 місяців тому

    I am loving the consistency with which you have been posting new videos recently. I just wish they were longer!

  • @mingueyox
    @mingueyox 7 місяців тому

    I feel you for the "professionals" situation...
    I moved from mainland Europe to West of Ireland a couple of years ago and the professionals situation here is out of this world to me.
    As I am not fortunate enough to know the good ones other than watching their channels, I came to the same conclusion... I am happy to "DIY" everything myself from now on...
    Thank you for your videos and your channel 👍👍👍

  • @rodgerq
    @rodgerq 7 місяців тому

    Good tradespeople are like gold dust, you are right. Ill only ever use one with recommendations and where theres no option to diy. Big improvement on the drive entrance, definitely looks like itll solve the puddling as well.

  • @PurpleTT99
    @PurpleTT99 7 місяців тому

    Cracking job, looks 100x better. I decided years ago to only use tradespeople when absolutely essential for the reason you stated, I care more so do the job more carefully. Stands to reason really.

  • @brendano7282
    @brendano7282 7 місяців тому

    Hi Kieth, you certainly know how to enjoy yourself😁
    Cheers, and keep the videos coming.

  • @BE27E
    @BE27E 7 місяців тому

    Looks awesome mate !!! Don’t doubt yourself looks better than some of the so called professionals work , that old concrete looks like it had too much sand in it can see it from the colour and obviously how easy it was to break up

  • @barrymelody4477
    @barrymelody4477 7 місяців тому

    You are too hard on yourself, i hvae been inspired to tackle some jobs around my house becase of your channel, as you have said on more than one occasion your are not a professional but you gave it a go. Take solce in knowing you have providesd inspiration for lots of people to give it a go, and we always learn from our mistakes. Keep the video coming. I hvae tackled a number of small projects becasue of you an dother UA-camrs,, you're doing a great job👍.

  • @blaugrana-jw3dd
    @blaugrana-jw3dd 7 місяців тому +1

    In french we say "On est jamais mieux servi que par soi-même" idk how to translate that properly. But it basically means "you'll never be better "served" (get things done) by anyone than yourself" if that makes sense. Greetings from Switzerland!