More specifically unreliable subcontractors.

I've got a plumber who was supposed to meet me at the house last Wednesday at 1400 to finish running the water to the new shop (job is half done). No show, no call. Other than being unprofessional, it wasn't a huge deal as there really was no big hurry to get the job done other than the fact that I have a huge five foot deep ditch running from the house that needs to get filled back in before it all freezes. I call him first thing Monday morning and he tells me he can't get out until Wednesday as a few other jobs "came up". Really? They "came up" after you had started (and didn't finish) my job and you put me on the back burner, why? Now, we've got below zero temps coming at the end of the week and I'm left hoping the jerk actually shows Wednesday and doesn't put it off again.

Then, the concrete guy was supposed to show up this morning to do the final leveling and put in the rebar for my floor so they could pour tomorrow. I get a call this morning saying that since it is snowing, they are having a hard time with the other job they are on and won't be able to get to me today. Mind you, the job they are on is an outdoor job and mine is indoors. So...why not put off the other job until it stops snowing, do mine today indoors out of the weather, and pour tomorrow as planned? No, that wouldn't make any sense.



I just want this damn thing done and I'm tired of trying to plan around unreliable people.

It’s the same everywhere.

I spoke with a lady yesterday who had contracted for hardwood refinishing 3 months ago. 5 weeks ago the dude gave her the go ahead to prep for start in a few days, she ripped out the counters, cabinets, etc. in her kitchen.

Floor guy shows up two weeks later after many calls, works for an hour and leaves. A week+ later he shows up again on a Saturday after she keeps calling. Sands floor for 2 hours, declares himself out of sandpaper and leaves again, no return calls or work since....

And my wife wonders why I refuse to ever embark on building a new home....

My wife (who's ex was a contractor) has learned a few tricks.

Next time you do a contract provide a finish late deduction into the contract. About 5 to 10 percent per week (non-prorated) - weather related delays should not be held against them and so indicated into the contract.

If they balk at the stipulation, you know their ethic.

Every time my wife's ex balked at the stipulation, he lost the job. It was well known around the small town he couldn't finish on time.

Yes very frustrating

There is lots of work out there and not a lot of extra skilled help

Some contractors will over book so they don't have any down time

Your plumber heard the words no big hurry and took it to heart

The concrete guy at least made the call to tell you the situation

The only way to guarantee any loyality or performance is to get some type of performance written in to the contract, references are also important along with not necessarily taking the low bid

Good Luck with your project, hopefully this gives some others who read this post, some ideas for their own project

quote:

Originally posted by RC:
The only way to guarantee any loyality or performance is to get some type of performance written in to the contract...

Performance based contract/stipulation, that's what it's called.

And I work with these all week long.

quote:

Originally posted by sigmonkey:
Please refrain from putting profanity in your thread titles

That’s funny!