Home DIY

Or big jobs, not the kinds of stuff we are doing. A live in renovation, with a toddler (FML) where we can only realistically work on one or two rooms at a time.

I suspect that's right - or at least they work for project managers hired by those with lots of money. If you had the option to avoid dealing directly with uninformed, emotional and volatile homeowners I suspect you would.

I'm guessing the good, conscientious trades work for people with a lot of money

Like the commercial vs domestic situation. Throwing more money at the problem often cheers everyone up.

It's difficult when your income comes from what's left of someone else's income after they've paid tax. Then you have to pay tax.

Not excusing poor quality tradesmen but improving as a tradesman can lead to better relationships with clients who value you and can afford to pay a higher wage.

If you can throw a lot of money at a job and are able to afford to get work done twice you see that happening when it didn't go right first time.