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Please read all residents (Advise needed)

Posted: Wed Jun 5, 2019 9:38pm
10 replies1429 views9 members subscribed
Paul888

Posts: 10

2 helpful points

Location: Villamartin

Joined: 25 May 2019

Hi there 

I'm visiting torrevieja in July 17th 2019 

With my wife and 3 girls, me and my wife have been together for 20 years, in this time have dreamed of moving to Spain. 

I'm a tradesman that only does the work I have experience in, with a large portfolio of work completed running my own business. 

Please can you tell me is there an opportunity for a trademen with my skills, 

Roofing all aspects . General building.  

Patios . Paving . Brickwork . Artificial grass.  Carpentry . Painting 

This is the work I'm qualified and  highly skilled I'm a member of checkatrade for 10 years. 

I CANT DO 

Plumbing . Electrics . Plastering 

If you have any information I'd really appreciate it, and I'm out in July should any body need me to quote. As if I can show you my skills and get work before we made the move that is how I'd like to build my reputation in Spain. 

Please check out my pictures 

Kind regards 

Paul 

271935

Posted: Thu Jun 6, 2019 12:38am

271935

Very helpful member

Posts: 836

679 helpful points

Location: Villamartin

Joined: 30 Apr 2016

Posted: Thu Jun 6, 2019 12:38am

Paul. Market is saturated  with jobbers, builders,  handyman etc

Regardless of your abilities and skill there are still loads of people who offer the same services.

Unlikely you would have consistent work to fund your lifestyle and children's education.

Coming to Spain, you either need enough money you don't need to work...Or fluent Spanish and a unique selling point, unfortunately being a tradesman who doesn't speak Spanish misses on both points.

Then you've got to account for residency, healthcare insurance and  autonomo .

Loulou21

Posted: Fri Jun 7, 2019 9:13am

Loulou21

Helpful member

Posts: 233

111 helpful points

Location: Santa Pola

Joined: 9 Jan 2017

Posted: Fri Jun 7, 2019 9:13am

Hi Paul

My husband and I and our 2 children came to Spain 14 years ago and we have survived!!

My husband started his own business and both children went to Spanish schools, now bilingual and absolutely love Spain.

It is how much effort you put into your new life here in Spain that makes it work. 

I would have thought in your trade you would find loads of work.

Do as much research as you can before you move so you know what to expect about living and working in Spain.

If I can be of any help please pm me.

Good luck

Lou

Paul888

Posted: Fri Jun 7, 2019 9:56am

Paul888

Original Poster

Posts: 10

2 helpful points

Location: Villamartin

Joined: 25 May 2019

Posted: Fri Jun 7, 2019 9:56am

Hi Lou 

Thank you for this positive response, I've had quite a lot of negative comments. 

I think I'd like to advertise my skills to see the reponce, 

Cant wait until July for our 2 week hols where I'm going to research further, 

Advertising etc 

Regards Paul 

SMG

Posted: Sun Jun 9, 2019 9:55am

SMG

Helpful member

Posts: 139

91 helpful points

Location: Torrevieja

Joined: 5 May 2018

Posted: Sun Jun 9, 2019 9:55am

I can't advise whether you would get enough work but I do know that the cost of being self employed is very expensive, whether you have work or not.

Please inform yourself before you start of all the costs. You may find it could be too risky to try. I met someone last week who had more skills than you had and had been in Spain for years but really struggled with the costs and having enough work.

His wife travels back to the UK every couple of weeks to do care work too enable them to be able to stay in Spain as they love the country.

Whatever you decide take your time in finding out what's involved.

Good luck

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Paul888

Posted: Sun Jun 9, 2019 2:00pm

Paul888

Original Poster

Posts: 10

2 helpful points

Location: Villamartin

Joined: 25 May 2019

Posted: Sun Jun 9, 2019 2:00pm

Thank you very much very helping 

Golandrina

Posted: Sun Jun 9, 2019 5:11pm

Golandrina

Super helpful member

Posts: 1631

1209 helpful points

Location: Almoradí

Joined: 24 Mar 2018

Posted: Sun Jun 9, 2019 5:11pm

It may help with some of the queries that you will have if you have a look at the Citizens Advice Bureau Spain site.

20kiki

Posted: Wed Jun 12, 2019 1:38pm

20kiki

Helpful member

Posts: 581

337 helpful points

Location: Torrevieja

Joined: 5 Apr 2017

Posted: Wed Jun 12, 2019 1:38pm

Hi Paul - as you may be aware - Ladies are living longer than Men these days and I know there are many women in my area who need a man with a drill/paintbrush,etc  as a Widow I found it incredibly difficult to find Tradesmen who understood what I needed done and would turn up when they said they would!  I have a holiday home in Toretta Florida (beside the Haberneras) and used to have a great guy I could call upon for small/large project work (he was an ex BBC Handyman) and a great find - unfortunately due to personal circumstances he's now sold up and returned to the UK but as an English speaker I think you'll do well in Spain - especially if your rates are competitive

Try advertising in the free English newspapers over there - Costa Blanca news, Leader (can't remember the others) but word of mouth is worth a fortune to a tradesman - you just need that 1st couple of jobs!

p.s. Aki DIY stores will soon all be Leroy Merlin

Good Luck

Linda

Jan06

Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2019 1:56pm

Jan06

Helpful member

Posts: 172

152 helpful points

Joined: 4 Mar 2018

Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2019 1:56pm

I am sure you will do well if you can get recommendations ,as there are lots of cowboys here, and people want to employ people they can trust. There are also lots of foreigners here who don’t speak Spanish (not just Brits). I hope this is something that you will be able to succeed with as Spain is a Great place to live.

Elliemayc

Posted: Wed Jun 19, 2019 11:19am

Elliemayc

Helpful member

Posts: 212

112 helpful points

Joined: 4 Mar 2018

Posted: Wed Jun 19, 2019 11:19am

love the building Paul - is it all wood? How much would something this size cost with sliding doors across the front?

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