Tradesmen scarce as winter nears

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The problem is nationwide but waits are longer in Auckland and Christchurch.

If your roof is leaking, your furnace is broken or you need a new gas fire installed, you may have to wait for a tradesperson as the industry struggles to meet a surge of pre-winter demand.

Industry insiders say it is a nationwide problem, but waits are longer in Auckland and Christchurch where tradespeople are already hot property as they work to meet the demand for new housing.

Households delaying work and the recession slowing the training of apprentices meant there was pent-up demand for services, said New Zealand Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers deputy chairman Dave Strong.

"There is definitely a shortage of the trades in general," he said. "People are wanting to get work done that they probably held off for the last few years, so demand is quite high.

"Because of the economic downturn in the last few years the training of apprentices didn't happen as much and this is the backlash."

Mr Strong, who owns MPG Plumbing and Gas Services in Morrinsville, said people were primarily getting their heating sorted for winter, but there was also a rise in people wanting alterations and new appliances installed.

"Nationwide it's happening, but Auckland is struggling because of the building boom and Christchurch is starting to build up to Auckland levels because of the work being done down there."

Some people would have to wait up to a month if the work was not urgent, he said.

"If someone has no water or power, they are likely to be made a priority over a minor alteration so it pays to book your services well in advance."

Tony Mattson of Mattson Plumbers said demand always increased at this time of year, and his clients could expect delays of up to 10 days.

"The weather played a big part," he said. "There is a lot of heavy rain around this time of year and for my business that does a combination of gas fitting and heating, a lot of our resources are used for roof leaks and roof refits."

"We get a double hit half our guys are out running around fixing roof leaks and the other half are out fixing things like heating systems and furnaces."

5 ways to beat the winter rush

1 Book a service for your heating system in advance.
2 Clean your gutters and chimney.
3 Check your roof for leaks.
4 If you're buying a new heating system, choose a store that offers installation, it might help you skip the queue.
5 Phone around. If your regular tradie is booked out, try someone new.