Got the same problem with trades here (Vancouver Canada) as Singapore and (I assume still) Liverpool. Earlier today I was reading minutes of an apartment owner's association meeting where they commented that the limited availability of contractors is a huge problem for planning and budgeting maintenance projects.

Liverpool ? that's the other side of the river - 'Over the water' but I guess they have the same problems with trades as we do :)

@Ward-TryingCodidact there's also a change in demographics

most people get an ID to do design and such

didn't have the need/budget for it