I don’t know if this is an issue everywhere, but ever since we bought the house, I’ve found out how difficult it can be to find someone who will bother to return phone calls or write up estimates for work.
Example: A month ago I broke down and finally decided to make T happy and get some gravel for the driveway. I called a hauling company who was recommended to me by a few other homeowners in the area and spoke to a really nice guy who said he’d get back to me. I waited a week. I called back and left a message that said, basically, that if he didn’t call me back in another week I’d have to move on to someone else. I waited another week. Nothing. Finally, a month later, we’ve got gravel…after calling four different companies.
Example 2: Last fall we thought we needed electrical work done, so I started calling around to local electricians. Every single one of them had an answering machine message that said something like, “I’m sorry, but we’re not taking new clients.” I know that they’re busy, but wouldn’t you think there’d be one, somewhere?
Example 3: Now, we’re looking at replacing our old windows. They’re single pane, drafty and the sashes need to be propped open with sticks. Not good for a two-year-old boy, you know? We had someone come out to do an estimate on Mother’s Day. Still, no estimate. I’ve called someone else who will hopefully work out, but wouldn’t you think it would be simple to just get an estimate?
Apparently not.
I wish I was that busy with my photo card business–I might even be able to raise prices enough to cover my time ;)
Johnny says:
During the housing boom of a few years ago, you couldn’t get tradesmen to return any phone calls. We live in a place that hasn’t been melted down by the sub-prime mess and sometimes you still can’t get callbacks.
At least you got messages about no new clients. They’re being upfront about the inability to provide you a service.
June 2nd, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Nicky says:
We had the same problem trying to get (a) a handyman to do some drywall work in our garage, and (b) an arborist to do some tree-trimming. The only thing that finally worked for us: get recommendations from a realtor. Most realtors have people they work with who they KNOW are reliable, and if you leave a message with the realtor’s name, most guys are so concerned about keeping the realtor’s steady repeat business that they’ll quickly follow up with you. Good luck!
June 2nd, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Jendeis says:
I feel your pain. Why won’t anybody take my money?!
June 3rd, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Julie says:
True…but on the other hand, it’s kind of freaky when you don’t have power to your furnace and your nights are starting to get really cold :) Eventually, I found someone who would give me a recommendation. Apparently, if you get a recommendation, you can get an electrician–it kinda reminds me of the process of getting into college.
June 3rd, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Julie says:
Now, that’s a good idea!
June 3rd, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Julie says:
You’re singing to the choir! Of course, if you have a big enough job, people are more than happy to help…it’s a sad, sad world.
June 3rd, 2008 at 8:11 pm
panamahat says:
Just visiting from NCLM. I hear you! It has taken us six months or possibly more to get the bathroom renovations done we are having this week. And I property manage the building in which DH works - what a nightmare! Desperate rewiring took months of begging, and some staff carparking area took nine months to get the tarmac done. Sheesh. The downside of living in a state (Western Australia) with a mining boom is that all the workers have gone up North to make their fortunes. You can’t even get a decent coffee or waitress or store clerk because all those positions are filled with the otherwise usually unemployable. I kid you not.
June 4th, 2008 at 5:52 am
Sharon LaMothe says:
Hi there from NCLM! Hope you are able to find someone to work for you soon…the way things are you would think that people would WANT to take your money!
Ohhhhh and Potty training sounds like fun! Been there done that!
GOOD LUCK!
Hugs
June 9th, 2008 at 12:33 am