British attitudes into hiring tradespeople have recently been researched by new job management software specialists ToolTime and research company Opinium.

The study found that the demand for tradespeople is likely to increase in 2024, as many people plan home improvements – with younger generations being the most likely age group to call on the help of the trades.

The demand for trades is growing

ToolTime asked Opinium to find out about a growing tendency to call on professional help for home services, with 18-34 year olds making more than twice as many call-outs as those aged 55+ in 2023.

But it is not just the younger generation relying on UK trades. More than half of UK adults (51%) that have used tradespeople before are expecting to need their services again in 2024, and 37% are planning home improvements for the new year – signalling a busy time ahead.

Key findings from the survey include:

• 51% of UK adults who have used tradespeople before will need to do so again in 2024, while 37% have planned home improvements next year.

• The average number of callouts in the last year was three. This fell to just two on average among those aged 55+, and peaked at over five in the 18-34-year-old bracket.

• More people who call out tradespeople value reliability over trustworthiness (75% v 73%), followed by professionalism (65%), experience (60%), and good reviews or recommendations (56%).

• The most frustrating thing about hiring tradespeople is when they do a poor job (64%), followed by bad timekeeping (56%), costs going up (45%), and a lack of respect for the home they are working in (44%).

• 41% stated that a lack of transparency in quotes and invoices frustrated them. 83% of those who hire tradespeople check the costs of resources when they have a quote, while 47% always check costs.

As always, our shelves are fully stocked with low trade prices on all the materials you’ll need for projects in 2024. No matter what your trade is, we’re here to help.