Builders Banter Podcast

A huge thanks to the lads for joining us on the podcast! 🎙️ We had a blast with the "Best Driver in the West" challenge and hope everyone enjoyed the laughs. 🚗💨 Plus, we’re locked and loaded with our drills for the ultimate drill-off showdown! 🛠️🔥 Don’t miss this epic episode! #PodcastFun #BestDriverChallenge #DrillOff #TradesmanLife #BuilderBanter #RealTalk #WorkHardPlayHard #SkilledTrades

In this video, we take a trip down memory lane, talking about starting school and the technology we had back then compared to what kids have now. 🎒📱 We explore the huge differences between kids today and when we were growing up—how they’re less motivated and not as good at communicating. We also dive into the movies we were watching back in the day, share stories about work, and reflect on what...

Welcome back to Builder’s Banter! 🔧 Joined by 3 great friends, we’re sharing past trade stories, their journeys so far, and taking some wrong turns along the way. Plus, a bit of a rant about cyclists on the road and some wild mishaps involving them! 🚴‍♂️💥 #BuildersBanter #TradesmanStories #RoadRants #CyclistDrama #RealTalk #TradeJourney #LessonsLearned #BuilderLife

In this video, we reflect on how long we’ve been in the business, our loyal client base, and those who’ve been with us from the start. We share stories of a few clients we’ve sadly lost, mishaps on the job, and the occasional difficult customer—like the time we decided to take a boiler off the wall! 🛠️🔥 #TradesStories #ClientLoyalty #WorkChallenges #RealTalk #SkilledTrades #BoilerInstallation #Bu...

In this video, we share the journey of starting work at 16, installing boilers by 17, and running the business solo in a van at 18. We also dive into experiences with apprentices—both good and bad. You can often tell which apprentices have potential and truly value you as a mentor. We discuss why many companies avoid taking on apprentices, fearing they’ll leave once qualified, and the challenges t...

In this video, we discuss experiences with bad drivers, road accidents, and the issue of insurance scams—like false whiplash claims from minor incidents. We talk about the impact of dishonesty for financial gain and how it affects others. Plus, we share our journey of starting in the trades and how we got to where we are today. 🚗💼   #RoadSafety #InsuranceScams #TradeJourney #HonestyMatters #Acci...

In Episode 5 of Builder Banter, we dive into the highs and lows of life in the trades! From starting work at 16, installing boilers by 17, and running the show solo in a van at 18, to building a loyal client base and dealing with all kinds of challenges on the job. We share real stories about apprentices—how to spot the good ones, the challenges of training them, and why investing in them can be w...

In this episode, we wrap up Episode 4 of the podcast and share some of the funniest nicknames we've given to employees and the stories behind them. For example, one nickname is "E.T." because he always wants to go home! Tune in for some laughs and behind-the-scenes fun!

In this episode, we discuss getting off the tools and transitioning into different roles within our businesses. We’re all at different stages—some are off the tools for 4 days a week, while others are still on them almost every day. We also talk about the struggle of never fully switching off, whether it’s working during holidays, answering emails and calls, or doing paperwork while spending time...

In this video, we talk about the frustrations of getting paid and the delays customers can cause. I share a story about a current client who's been stringing me along for payment after asking me to fix all her lights as an add-on, despite buying everything on Amazon that wasn’t compatible. After days of extra work, she was angry about being charged for it. Tune in for more stories on the challenge...

In this episode, we’re sharing some of our wildest stories about rogue and funny customers we’ve dealt with. From stalkers to clients who don’t pay, we’ve seen it all! Hear about one customer who tried to communicate telepathically, another who danced around me doing “brain checks” and even told me something was wrong with my brain for not having telepathic powers. Tune in for these bizarre and hi...

In this video, we’re sharing some of the best pranks and banter we’ve played on our staff—and had played on us! From sending someone to find a left-handed hammer to asking for a skirting board ladder, banter on-site is just part of the job as a builder. Tune in for some laughs and behind-the-scenes fun!

In this episode, we’re diving into the challenges of interviewing and hiring in the trades industry. We share our approach to interviewing prospective employees, including asking key questions like whether they’re willing to help out beyond their trade when needed—perfect for identifying those who might not last. We also share stories from past experiences with employees who didn’t work out, inclu...

  In this episode, we discuss the challenges of apprenticeships in the trades, particularly when they don’t work out despite employers still having to pay. We share our stance on refusing to fund unskilled or unmotivated workers and highlight how the lack of proper incentives from the government is failing both apprentices and businesses. Without significant change, the future of the construction...

In this episode, we dive into the growing demand for skilled tradespeople and the ongoing shortage of labor in the industry. We discuss how the big push for apprenticeships a few years ago has significantly declined and share our own (mostly challenging) experiences working with apprentices. With fewer people entering the trades and more aspiring to become influencers, we explore the impact this s...

Welcome to Episode 4 of the Builders Banter Podcast! Based in Herefordshire, we specialize in plumbing, gas services, and bathroom and kitchen installations. We’re going strong in this episode, joined by Phil from TKO Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Construction, Jessie from All Solar Works, and Ash from AF Bathroom and Heating. Don’t miss out on the laughs, stories, and industry insights—and be sure to...

Welcome to Episode 4 of the Builders Banter Podcast by SM Home Improvements & Maintenance! Based in Herefordshire, our team specialises in plumbing, gas services, and bathroom and kitchen installations—and we’re thrilled to have you join us as we continue to grow strong in the industry. In this episode, we’re joined by some incredible guests: Phil from TKO Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Construction...

Builders Banter Episode 3 sponsored by SM Home Improvements & Maintenance. Florin joins the efrom ACF Plumbing and Heating joins the episode introducing his new podcast, Beyond Tools, which offers tips for homeowners and tradespeople. He discusses the importance of customer service in the trades, touching on common frustrations like supplier delays and unreliable contractors. The podcast aims...

In Episode 2, the group takes part in another competition and hints at what's coming next, all while showcasing their camaraderie and humour. Highlights include the promise of cowboy hats for the champions, the ongoing creation of a golden trophy, Stewart leading the scoreboard with 169, and a battery charge countdown. Gaz moves to second place, and the episode wraps up with a fun podcast vibe and...

In this episode, we pay a playful tribute to Chuck Norris with helium-enhanced gags, featuring high-pitched voices and inventive twists on classic jokes. Highlights include participants reading jokes while inhaling helium, creating a fun and spontaneous atmosphere. We celebrate Chuck Norris’s legendary status with humorous anecdotes and conclude with a sense of camaraderie and laughter. Key insigh...

In this episode, we dive into plumbing mishaps, awkward client encounters, and unexpected job site situations, including a memorable toilet incident. Highlights include a plumber's toilet fiasco, the effects of a bad meal on the job, creative problem-solving with limited resources, and surprising discoveries in clients’ homes. We also touch on miscommunications leading to project issues and refere...

In this episode, a construction mishap with heavy concrete rings leads to a mix of comedy and danger, exposing the unpredictability of the job and challenging client relationships. Highlights include a safety failure resulting in injury, a hospital visit, and a difficult client upset about hospital costs. Additional chaos includes food poisoning causing work absences and client complaints. The sto...

In this episode, construction site stories highlight both the humor and challenges of the job, showcasing the camaraderie and resilience among workers. Highlights include injuries downplayed as "just a scratch," Alan’s shocking electrical mishaps, a finger injury from lead flashing, Tina’s comedic fall through planks, and unexpected hospital visits. Key insights reveal how construction culture oft...

Welcome to Builders Banter, the podcast where we swap stories from the job site. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a DIY enthusiast, grab your tools and tune in for lively discussions, insightful interviews, and plenty of banter. Let’s build something great together on Builders Banter! Want to find out how we can help you? Click on the link below to find out more: https://smhomes.uk/

Welcome to Builders Banter, the podcast where we swap stories from the job site. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a DIY enthusiast, grab your tools and tune in for lively discussions, insightful interviews, and plenty of banter. Let’s build something great together on Builders Banter! Want to find out how we can help you? Click on the link below to find out more: https://smhomes.uk/