Why Trades deserve a Break (and a Brew!)

Trades having a break

Let's talk about tradespeople. The plumbers, electricians, carpenters, bricklayers, and countless others who build and maintain the world around us. We see the finished product – a smoothly running pipe, a perfectly wired home, a sturdy wall – but rarely do we witness the sheer physical and mental exertion that goes into it.

I've been there. I've lugged heavy materials, spent hours in awkward positions, and pushed my body to its limits. Let's be honest, a typical day on a construction site or in a customer's home is essentially a six-to-eight-hour gym workout. Imagine:

• Early Starts: Before the sun even peeks over the horizon, they're on the road, battling traffic, and preparing for a grueling day.

• Heavy Lifting: Bags of cement, lengths of pipe, timber beams – these aren't light. It's constant, repetitive strain.

• Constant Movement: Bending, reaching, climbing, crawling. There's no sitting at a desk for these guys.

• The Mental Load: It's not just physical. There's material ordering, team coordination, and constant problem-solving. Unexpected issues arise, and they need to think on their feet, often under pressure.

  
  

And then, there's the weather. Scorching sun, freezing rain, biting winds – they work through it all.

So, when you see a tradesperson taking a break, remember this: they're not slacking off. They're refueling. They're giving their bodies a moment to recover. They're preventing injury.

It baffles me when clients complain about tradespeople taking a short break. These individuals are often delivering exceptional work under challenging conditions.

Here's a simple truth: happy tradespeople do better work.

A little kindness goes a long way. Offering a cold drink on a hot day, a warm cup of tea on a cold one, and a simple "how's it going?" can make a world of difference. It shows you appreciate their effort, and that appreciation translates into a better working relationship and, ultimately, a better result.

Tips for Clients:

• Offer drinks: A simple gesture like a cold drink or a hot beverage can make a big difference, especially during extreme weather.

• Check in: A quick "how's it going?" shows you care and are invested in the process.

• Respect their breaks: Understand that breaks are necessary for physical and mental well-being.

• Communicate clearly: Clear communication minimizes misunderstandings and ensures a smooth workflow.

  
  

Let's give our tradespeople the respect they deserve. They're the backbone of our communities, and a little appreciation goes a long way.

If you are thinking of starting a refurbishment and would like some advice you can book a complimentary New Enquiry Call

Kind regards,

Dan Hulbert

Builder | Consultant | Developer