Outrageous Contractor Stories

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Guy whose wife is constantly talking him up on a local listserv. They go on and on about being family owned, honest, etc.

After a bad ice/snowstorm a couple of years ago when DH had just had surgery, I got desperate about getting extra snow off the roof. He and his buddy charged me $250 for whaat was literally 15 minutes' work. I always felt like a chump but it was a hard time and i didn't argue with them. I figure they made thousands that day, taking advantage of people in our neighborhood. Every time I see his wife post on the listserv I feel irritated.

I paid probably that much for a group of people to knock the snow off my roof in snowmaggeddon. Worth it. You are not just paying for the time. You are paying for the risk they are taking and discomfort too. I have no desire to climb on a roof, never mind in 3 ft of snow, and try to remove it. I'd be dead.

[Anonymous]

I don't hire manual labor people who charge more per an hour then me and I have multiple degrees w/ almost $100 hour rate.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

LOL. Here we have the winner - Snob of the Thread.

[Anonymous]

Those blue collar people are scammers , checkbook.com exposes them all the time. A good example was the basement repair with all but one bid was over 12k some up to 20 k, only one company performed the work correctly and for the price of 3800.

[Anonymous]

Question for builders or contractors:

Does the zip code affect the cost? When we lived in Rockville we were deinitely getting better rates on every service call and now they are so high based on our new zip code.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Guy whose wife is constantly talking him up on a local listserv. They go on and on about being family owned, honest, etc.

After a bad ice/snowstorm a couple of years ago when DH had just had surgery, I got desperate about getting extra snow off the roof. He and his buddy charged me $250 for whaat was literally 15 minutes' work. I always felt like a chump but it was a hard time and i didn't argue with them. I figure they made thousands that day, taking advantage of people in our neighborhood. Every time I see his wife post on the listserv I feel irritated.

You weren't overcharged for this work. Do you realize how dangerous it is? Why didn't you get up on the roof yourself if $250 was too much for you?

$250 is not a fair wage for 15 minutes of work moron.

Douche

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Guy whose wife is constantly talking him up on a local listserv. They go on and on about being family owned, honest, etc.

After a bad ice/snowstorm a couple of years ago when DH had just had surgery, I got desperate about getting extra snow off the roof. He and his buddy charged me $250 for whaat was literally 15 minutes' work. I always felt like a chump but it was a hard time and i didn't argue with them. I figure they made thousands that day, taking advantage of people in our neighborhood. Every time I see his wife post on the listserv I feel irritated.

You weren't overcharged for this work. Do you realize how dangerous it is? Why didn't you get up on the roof yourself if $250 was too much for you?

$250 is not a fair wage for 15 minutes of work moron.

No one forces you to accept a bid. If you don't like the quoted rate get someone else to do the work. The name calling is trashy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Guy whose wife is constantly talking him up on a local listserv. They go on and on about being family owned, honest, etc.

After a bad ice/snowstorm a couple of years ago when DH had just had surgery, I got desperate about getting extra snow off the roof. He and his buddy charged me $250 for whaat was literally 15 minutes' work. I always felt like a chump but it was a hard time and i didn't argue with them. I figure they made thousands that day, taking advantage of people in our neighborhood. Every time I see his wife post on the listserv I feel irritated.

Builder here - different locale...same coin - different side. I have had folks ask me to come shovel their roofs because they have leaks - send licensed roofing crews - not laborers so if they fall the homeowner will not be losing his house. Ensure we protect foundation plantings and dig them out afterward. Charged good money but look at my business risk - folks fall off roofs all the times - and it is years of litigation - well you have to hedge that risk and its called price. Sure you could do it yourself - just like a friend of mine did in NJ last year - only problem is that he is now dead - he fell. Everyone wants you to stop the leaks - you would be surprised how tight they get when you have to chase the money. I just sent two my guys to put a 20x20 tarp on a roof, got the call the day before 18 inches of snow, got it done. I have a bill for 558.00 for the client, called her about it and I cannot get a phone call back about my bill. Should have charged her double for that risk.

And by the way - fifteen minutes of work - how did he get to your house ? Who pays for that ? And do you think you were the only freaked out housewife - no - so how does he know which housewife to service ? When demand exceeds price, price increases. You had a two guys come to your house, climb up on a roof after a bad ice storm, and your pissed he charged you 250.00 dollars. How much does your purse cost - or your nice boots ? But you want some poor bastard to risk his life climbing up on a icy roof to fix your house. Sounds like you should have said thanks.

PP here. The "freaked out housewife" thing wasn't necessary but thanks.

They didn't have to climb up on the roof -- it was a one story section of roof. They leaned a ladder against the house and pulled the snow off.

And as a result, I will never call him again.

PP Builder Poster Here - sounds like I stand corrected; food for thought for your next encounter with a knucklehead contractor - you can't cash his invoice - he can cash your check - never forget that when a contractor gives you a bill - you have all the power. As a builder with a regular crew I pay my guys often and well. Food for thought - I had a new sub tell my client a price for some work - that's a no no. He proceeded to do the work and put that amount on my bill. I'm not paying it. He works for me, not my client. I was very clear; he needed to back out my management fees; he didn't want to - well I am not a free sales guy. I find my guys work, they show up when I need them, and life is good. This guy was highly recommended by another sub, and is playing games. I do not work in your area; I do very high end work, live and die by reputation, including with the supply houses and subs. This guy is not going to get paid, and I am all good with that. Lesson - there is no power in the invoice - only the check. And if viscerally you think it doesn't pass the "smell" test, do not pay, or do not pay in full. And if they threaten a lien, laugh and tell them you will bond it...Best of luck...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Question for builders or contractors:

Does the zip code affect the cost? When we lived in Rockville we were deinitely getting better rates on every service call and now they are so high based on our new zip code.

Builder here; it depends - shortest answer: when I am trying to work in your finished home to make a 150.00 and I am working over/stepping on a 50,000.00 antique carpet my risks are higher. When I work with expensive materials, fixtures, yes I do charge more. If you home is fastidious I will assume I need to spend more time ensuring I do not get anything damaged (yes, those modern 12k couches give me pause).

For me the only delta on pricing not relative to work/workload is the PITA principle. If you are a pain in the ass, or give off that vibe, I will bid it not to get it. Want good prices ? Hire good folks and come across as reasonable.