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What Your Contractor Really Wants To Tell You »

Posted by: lenseview 4 months, 3 weeks ago

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Your home contractor's POV, in his own words: "10 Things Homeowners Should Remember When They Hire Someone to Work In Their Home." Piece is gently amusing, personal & real, written by a working contractor who (yea, it's true) is also a good writer.

Read Full Story at burbia.com

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Comments So Far: 11

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Klarissa4 months, 3 weeks ago

Great article
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Francisca4 months, 3 weeks ago

Sometimes contractors can write pretty much well and it's not sure that writters also are "home handymen" LOL
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  Shadowolf4 months, 3 weeks ago
  
  ...a couple of comments from BOTH sides of the fence...
  Let's face it; most people are like Tim Allen's TV character...they have tools, but don't really know how to use them; as a result contractors frequently gotta fix not only the original problem,but the repair attempt as well,
  Rather than try to get the repairman to squeeze in extra work,just ask him to schedule a time for the new stuff...
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dcsterlin4 months, 3 weeks ago

What a wonderful story!
Thank you sharing that with us! Some
things just need to be discussed.
I agree...
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mart2444 months, 3 weeks ago

Yeah, they're really good at writting, be careful
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Charlson4 months, 3 weeks ago

Thanks for the link. Sound advise to homeownwers when contracting home improvements.
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joeblowe4 months, 3 weeks ago

One that was left out: Don't ask for work that was NOT in the original agreement to be done for free.
And some for the other direction:
Don't put out B.S. lowball quotes just to get the job, then tack on a bunch of garbage to up the bill.
Don't show up short of necessary help and expect sympathy - or assistance from the homeowner.
Don't show up without the required tools.
Don't disappear without explanation for days at a time.
Don't quote on work if you really aren't qualified to DO it.
If you screw something up - admit it, fix it - but don't charge ME for it.
Don't ask for more than a fair retainer up front - if you do, I'm going to assume you are broke and can't afford to buy needed materials or tools.
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  joeblowe4 months, 3 weeks ago
  
  I have ears too. Try to keep your opinions to yourself.
  DO NOT come to the job site carrying a damn cell phone. And if you MUST take a call during "working hours" - I don't expect to be charged for it. A minute or two - OK - A 45 minute argument with your girlfriend - do it on your own time.
  Clean up the mess, and don't leave hazardous material lying around for days as you work. There may be kids or pets that can be injured.
  FINISH the job. 99% isn't really good enough. I don't want to have to follow up after you to "fix" a couple of minor things that you didn't consider important.
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TexasDreamer4 months, 3 weeks ago

Great article...and he's right. BUT, I worked for a contractor for 4 years and I know personally that EVERY contractor in this country will scam the hell out of you. If they're good, they'll get the work done and make it look good...but they're gonna charge you wwaayyy more than they should
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Shadowolf4 months, 3 weeks ago

SPAM ALERT!!!
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adam3844 months, 3 weeks ago

Most of contractor are good at writting, be careful
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