We've been getting stuff done around the house and have been dealing with contractors on and off.
While I value the work, and feel lucky that we can afford to get the work done, etc., there are a few things that make me a little nutty about the whole experience.
- They don't call you back within a reasonable amount of time (I'm talking weeks).
- They are late. I'm talking 5 1/2 hours late when it was the first job of the day.
- They don't deliver what they promise, or things are different than what was agreed upon, and you don't find out until after they are done.
- They leave a mess - bottles and boxes lying around.
- They ask to come inside to use my bathroom when I am home alone - which freaks me out. (This was an hour job.)
- They sometimes expect tips when the rate was already negotiated before they showed up.
- One guy yesterday asked if we were providing lunch - on a TWO-HOUR job!
- There is often a surprise cost that pops up in the middle of the job, one that it's hard to say no to.
Any other less-than-stellar experiences you care to share?
Let me just mention the great plumber we had last month. He called back immediately on a leaking hot water heater, came the very next morning, did exactly what he said he would, cleaned his mess up, gave us a an upgrade for free, and extended our warranty. He also made friends with our cats, and watched out so that they didn't run out the door.
We'll definitely refer him to everyone we know!
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