Contractor hell? Do I have a 'F#$k with me' sign

[mrreindeer]

Seriously, do I have this sign on my back?



Not going to go into this because it's ongoing but seriously, let's start a thread about contractors who have screwed you or are screwing you over...

What is wrong with contractors? No offense to you guys who are standup contractors but we're currently in hell. Seriously, I've heard nothing but horror stories (because they're oh so much more entertaining) about contractors and it's all come true...

So what's your beef? If you're in my shoes...

And hey, you contractors out there, why do some of them phuck us so?

[cp478]

wish i was closer, i would help you out. i don't think its just contractors. i think people in general are just looking for the bigger better way to screw over somebody else!

[mrreindeer]

Thanks Charlie, yeah, I think during these times especially, folks have gotten more desperate, sure.....I was just hoping this guy would appreciate the work and be a decent human being about it.

[mrreindeer]

Sorry Donnie!

[madurolover]

No problems David. I hope you get everything worked out.

[scottw]

It took my contractor 2 years to finish what he said would be a 16 week project. And he was paid over $150,000. Still having problems with him.

[Stinkdyr]

ouch. contractors and car repair monkies. don't get me started.

[mrreindeer]

Originally Posted by madurolover

No problems David. I hope you get everything worked out.

Thx bud.

Originally Posted by scottw

It took my contractor 2 years to finish what he said would be a 16 week project. And he was paid over $150,000. Still having problems with him.

OMG

Originally Posted by Stinkdyr

ouch. contractors and car repair monkies. don't get me started.

See what I'm talkin' about??

[Cypress]

Originally Posted by mrreindeer

So what's your beef? If you're in my shoes...

And hey, you contractors out there, why do some of them phuck us so?

I have to take some beef with this as it is stereotyping. Because someone has wronged you everyone in the profession must be bad. My dad is a contractor who has been doing it for 45+ years. But its like with any other profession where the consumer has to do research. I am not sure what ur situation is and therefore I can not say what research you have done or what work you have had done or what. Here is what consumers need to look for:

Licenses
Years in business
References
Insurance bonds
What form of payment options are available. (Never pay 100% up front)
Always sign a contract and dont do anything verbal.

[rlupojr]

Too many guys got into it because they could swing a hammer but, just swinging a hammer is not good enough. Unfortunately there was a lot of debt taken on in the past 15 years and as work dries up people do not want to cut there lifestyle back they just want to screw the good people. It does happen in most business' though. YOu just see it more directly.

[mrreindeer]

I hear ya Sam & I did say that most of the stories that you hear are bad because they're more exciting/interesting (which is a sad commentary just like reality shows)...but man, I've heard so many bad ones....

Originally Posted by Cypress

Licenses
Years in business
References
Insurance bonds
What form of payment options are available. (Never pay 100% up front)
Always sign a contract and dont do anything verbal.

Check
40
Came from my best friend
Yes
Did not
Oops.......................................

[cp478]

good luck brother!

[Cigary]

Originally Posted by mrreindeer

I hear ya Sam & I did say that most of the stories that you hear are bad because they're more exciting/interesting (which is a sad commentary just like reality shows)...but man, I've heard so many bad ones....



Check
40
Came from my best friend
Yes
Did not
Oops.......................................

What Cypress said,,,,always check references,,,at leat 3 people and actually ask to see the work done. Do not ever pay upfront except for actual supplies being bought and they are to be brought to the workplace and stored there,,,not with the contractor. You bought it,,,you own it. Always always,,,have a contract specifying everything you want at the price negotiated. Contracters like to play the game of,,,"unexpected expenses just came up",,,,,no no no no. A contract protects both of you in that he says he can do it for a specific price and you say you accept the job at the price quoted. Good luck Dave.

[Tarks]

Oh man that sucks.

[CAJoe]

If you think dealing with contractors to fix your house is bad try selling to them. I sell pipe/fittings and basically anything for storm/sewer/fire/water. It can get bad sometimes and I get so pissed. There are some that are good and easy to deal with. Always have a contract made up with a liquidated damages clause where it says that if they are not done by this date they will be accessed a penalty of so much per day after that. Any contractor that is worth his salt and is confident of his work will sign it and they will make sure they get the job done so they won't lose any money.