The plumber I now have has been absolutely great.

I can email/call/text him about something and he responds usuallly within 24-48 hours and does excellent work.

I’ve had him replace every shut off valve in this old house: main water line, a couple in the basement and every vanity sink and toilet. Just got to the point that I didn’t trust any of the old stuff (circa 1951) any longer.

He’s about to run my gas line for the new kitchen, range is all the way on the other side of the gas manifold in the basement so he’ll run CSST for me. About to ditch this stupid old electric stove once and for all!

What is going on right now is that the people who will show up and do the job are so insanely busy that they are giving crazy bids so they only win the job of the highest profit margin. The problem is so many people are just happy to get someone that people are accepting crazy bids so they just keep testing the limits which is sending costs skyrocketing.

Just a minor example of my lawn care they upped every treatment $25 because of a fuel charge. There are 12 people in our neighborhood that use the same service so they are making out like bandits. Gas isn’t that much more expensive. Everyone is just taking advantage.

This is the exact reason I get queasy anytime I need to do a job that is outside of my comfort zone. Ridiculous quotes, keeping appointments and just general "Don't give a shit" attitude of many service people.

I now have a tree guy I trust, used 2x both times reasonable and on schedule.

And a plumber, thought I had a major sewer repair, he scoped it and let me know it wasn't major. Did the job that day for much less than I thought the job would cost.

In moving around I have seen the most astonding project quotes in NY and here in PA.
I expect some spread on job quotes, but in the last year or so I've seen mind boggling numbers.

Like for instance- on one project the low quote was around 4.5k and the high... was 18.5k.

What I have observed is that more than ever before some contractors give you their "retirement fund" quotes- essentially give a 2x-3x or 5x quote because they are busy and don't really want to do it.

If you are (insert your word here) enough to go for the nosebleed quote it's no skin off his/her nose and they will gladly do the job.

quote:

Originally posted by PASig:
The Masonary contractor I mentioned in the OP that gave me the higher estimate did go out and hire a girl that all she does is answer the phone, schedules him, writes up the quotes and answers emails, texts people; all that kind of stuff and it took a huge amount of pressure off of him. He’s just a small shop with a couple workers I think but I do give him credit for realizing that he can’t do that part any more.

So, he did the right thing, yet still lost a potential job to another guy who provides shitty service/communication.

And you're here wondering why other shop owners don't do the right thing... lol

I have a 24 x 32 window I need to close up as part of an addition. It’s in a block wall with drywall on the inside and stucco on the outside. First quote was $17,000, second was $15,000.

Last month I had 2 6" spruce trees cut down at ground level & hauled off, he wanted $350 & I gave him $400. I had a burst outside faucet, water line shut off & pressure regulator replaced, 4 inside faucets & drains replaced. He wanted $300 labor & I gave him $400 for the labor. I purchased the materials myself. It is my luck to do tax returns for a HVAC, pumbing, electrical, a concrete, a masonry, a landscaping & a flooring contrcator. Last year my 3.5 Ton air & gas heating unit was replaced for $4500.

My CPA told me there was a lot of money in certain businesses. He mentioned ice cream and donuts. I guess being in the tax business you find out a lot of stuff and form some good relationships.