Plumber or handyman decently priced in West Sydney (Westmead?) area

Starflex on 07/10/2018 - 10:58

Hello Bargainers,

I am after a decently priced plumber / handyman in Westmead / West Sydney area.

I need to replace two vanities in two toilets, including mixers and flex hoses, and I have been asked 2k just for the labor (without the parts). I understand that plumbers are in demand, but the vanities are free-standing ones (no suspended type), from Bunnings, and it should not be too difficult.

I cannot do it by myself because of family commitments, although it would be much cheaper.

I am happy to pay someone to do a decent job, but I am not happy to be ripped off. Considering the limited plumbing activities, probably a decent handymen would work too.

Any recommendation?

Thanks!
P.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • altomic on 07/10/2018 - 12:05
    +1

    Have you joined your local facebook community page and asked there?

    You will get responses/recommendations there.

    Or airtasker.

  • smuggler on 07/10/2018 - 14:05
    +1

    2k just for the labor

    lol.

    Tradespeople in Australia overestimate their worth.

  • elgrande on 07/10/2018 - 14:28

    I have used airtasker to get a reasonably priced plumbers on more then one occasion. Take a photo of the area and explain the job well.

    Place the add at $400 and see what offers come back. You might find someone that can do it for much less than your original quote.

  • bottletop on 07/10/2018 - 14:44
    +1

    If you're getting a quote for 2k for that job, the plumber already has enough work and doesn't need your business. On the other hand, if you are willing to pay the 2k, he will gladly do the job for you!

    Plumber replaced a vanity, 2 toilets and tapware for shower and bath for $430 (southern Sydney).

    • bottletop on 07/10/2018 - 14:46

      Or the job is too "small" for the plumber so he's hiking up the price.

  • [Deactivated] on 07/10/2018 - 17:05

    At $40 per hour, thats 50 hours work just for a days work at max, is he qualified?

  • Starflex on 07/10/2018 - 20:57

    Guys,

    I am with you all - please be with me as well!! :D

    The reason why I am asking is because I am not born & bred here (and I am not Willy the prince of Bel Air either), and if I had time and my tools I will comfortably do it myself.

    It looks to me an absurd amount of money, and I totally agree that the plumber said "I am not going to do it, unless he pays this much".

    Looks like waaaaay too much but again, I have no clue where to go here. Yes, the plumber that quoted me is licensed, probably with a degree as a neurosurgeon considering the average hour rate.

    Good the idea of Airtasker. I would probably need however a licensed plumber (?) to stay on the safe side, considering that the property (that belongs to my wife parents) is currently tenanted.

    Good also the idea of Facebook community, will give it a go too.

    Thanks guys!

    • altomic on 07/10/2018 - 22:56

      airtasker has licensed plumbers.

      have a quick search on airtasker at the "completed" jobs.

  • [Deactivated] on 08/10/2018 - 09:32

    Seriously, if you can DIY, just DIY. Even if you get someone to come in at what you can tolerate as acceptable (ie the $430 example above), you're still going to have to go out and get some of the parts, ie the vanity you want. Whilst you're there, you may as well get the rest of the items.

    After the tradie leaves, you're still going to have to clean up, and if anything fails, you're going to have the hassle trying to call them back in (if they will even come back).

    For a floorstanding vanity, half the work is disposing of the old vanity (not typically included in quote). So you're actually half way there.

  • Ryanek on 08/10/2018 - 10:40

    Just make sure you choose someone with insurance and not just some bloke off the streets. You don't want to come home to a flooded house.

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