Financial climate affects tradespeople’s expenditure

Tradespeople are spending over £1,000 on tools each year, on average, but the cost of living crisis is dramatically changing their buying habits, according to new research.

The study conducted by ElectricalDirect asked tradespeople about their outgoings on tools, maintenance and repairs, and found that the average total is £1,110 a year.

However, this figure should be even higher, as almost a fifth of workers (19%) say they need to purchase new tools but can’t afford to do so because of the current financial climate.

The amount spent on such costs varies significantly by trade. Caretakers and maintenance workers spend the most (£1,753 per year), followed by electricians (£1,546) and plasterers (£1,502).

The trades that spend the most and least on tools each year, on average, are:

No.	Trade	Average annual spend on tools
1	Caretaker/maintenance	£1,753
2	Electrician	£1,546
3	Plasterer	£1,502
4	Builder	£1,318
5	Joiner	£1,247
6	Roofer	£1,212
7	Building Surveyor	£1,022
8	Bricklayer	£964
9	Landscaper	£948
10	Carpenter	£804
11	Plumber	£769
12	Painter Decorator	£755
13	Locksmith	£608
14	Window Fabricator	£514
15	Scaffolder	£367

Almost a quarter of these costs (22%) are spent on maintenance and repairs (£246), but the research suggests that an increasing number of tradespeople are tackling these jobs themselves to reduce outgoings.

Compared to before, the cost of living crisis, around one in six (16%) are now more likely to repair their own tools, rather than paying to get them fixed. Scaffolders are most likely to fix their own kit, with a third (33%) doing it themselves.

Furthermore, more than a quarter of tradespeople (27%) now keep their tools for longer to avoid paying for new ones, and one in seven (13%) even continue using damaged tools because they can’t afford replacements.

Other cost cutting measures include reducing usage of power tools to lower fuel costs (30%) and buying second hand equipment instead of new (42%).

Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at ElectricalDirect, says, “The cost of living crisis has affected tradespeople in many ways, and workers have had to adjust long standing habits in order to reduce bills.

“However, it’s important that people don’t take any potentially dangerous risks, and using damaged or partially repaired tools can lead to major problems. There are many far safer ways to cut day to day outgoings, and that’s why we’ve partnered with experts to share practical advice.”