How to find a respectful tradesperson

Can we talk about the common belief that all Kiwi tradespeople are rude and misogynistic?

We’ve left out a few other adjectives – despite being landscapers, this is not a mudslinging competition.

Unfortunately, the antiquated culture of laddish builders and macho plumbers that has long been accepted and validated by our forefathers has stuck longer than it should have.

Firstly I’d like to get personal and introduce myself as the female co-owner of Scapegoats landscaping. I like to consider myself a progressive businessperson, a modern feminist of sorts, a campaigner of equal rights for everyone whatever their pronouns, identity, nationality, occupation or status! Unlike many other business owners, I also advocate for the rights of our clients who deserve to feel safe, secure and respected in their own homes. The very homes that are our workplace.

Don’t get me wrong, the old boys’ club of tradies does still exist. I’ve experienced the sexism of male-dominated industries firsthand. However, the general tolerance for these chauvinistic antics is declining faster than you can say “In Springfield they’re eating the dogs!”

We digress, the theme of this article is not about what we’re doing wrong in trades. It’s about what we can do right. Thankfully, I get to choose the first-rate bunch of G.O.A.T.s that makes up the Scapegoats talent pool. Yes, the all-round new-age tradie does exist. The elusive tradie with skill, strength and kindness. How do I know this? Because this is our team, this is Scapegoats and I couldn’t be more proud.

I received this feedback from one of our clients recently. It hit a nerve.

“... The Scapegoats team’s communication and patience has been fantastic and I personally have appreciated how respectful the boys have been to our family. A lot of tradesmen are dismissive of women, you guys have been the complete opposite and along with your workmanship, that has meant a lot to us ...”

Why did it hit a nerve? I’d forgotten how easy it is to work with the right tradespeople, until I remembered how traumatic it can be to work with the wrong tradespeople. Before engaging Scapegoats upon the recommendation of their friend, our client’s wife had experienced the trauma of engaging the wrong tradesperson. I don’t use the term ‘trauma’ lightly, it can literally be a deeply distressing and disturbing experience. It is enough to prevent a homeowner from embarking on any non-essential home improvements or renovations.

I read an article recently about sexist tradesmen charging higher rates to female clients than to their male clients. The author shared some alarming statistics, then advised all women to “invest in DIY manuals to familiarise themselves with building” to prevent being fooled by tradesmen again. While I support the notion of awareness and education. I can’t help but think it would be easier to find an honest tradesperson. I realise this is easier said than done.

How do you find an honest landscaper?

Trust recommendations from friends and family. If you don’t know anyone who has used a great landscaper, use social media to ask around your local community. Lastly, meet the tradesperson and trust your instincts.

Kylie Herrick, co-owner of Scapegoats