[jasonkester]

If you'd like to see the fantasy paradise that would exist if we abolished these foolish regulations, come to England some time. Then hire the first guy in the phone book who calls himself a "plumber".

You would not believe the number of unnecessary holes in my house directly caused by a single plumber's mate (defined: guy willing to work for £8/hr) attempting to do his profession before we could physically remove him from the property.

Same goes for "builder", and to an extent even "electrician." It's amazing to watch, coming from America where people are required to be qualified for their jobs.

[krrrh]

I've never lived in London, but I find this story intriguing, esp given the stories of the rigorous exams needed to become a black cab drive in Lomdon.

I'd expect that there are private certifications or organizations that guarantee a certain level of competency. Otherwise some sort of review site for contractors like Angies list should either exist or be a massive opportunity in a market like you describe.

[justincormack]

There are private certifications eg [1] and review sites eg [2].

[1] http://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/find-an-electrician/

[2] http://www.mybuilder.com/

[switch007]

Don't get me started on tradespeople in England. My mum calls out random people to do jobs once in a while (plastering, carpentry/joinery, decoration, general DIY) and with the exception of one plumber, they have been low skilled, lazy and they did not care for doing a proper job.

The worst thing is that even these idiots are in demand and struggle to return calls.

[pjc50]

Odd about electricians, because they're regulated with the whole "Part P" business that prevents you DIYing it.