Just remember, if they're late to make a bid for taking your money, think how late they'll be when they have some of it! Good contractors are worth their weight in gold. You'll notice, the few who are both professional and skilled are never lacking for work. Still, I thank God that I DIY. Finding that good contractor can be an expensive struggle.

I work for a commercial general contractor and things of course are different in my market. But let me remind you guys of a few issues as you bash local small contractors...

1. Someone said earlier that contractors like to do new work and not renovation work. This is very true and one reason is manpower. The journyman plumber that is in his 40-50's can do it all, but he does not want to do renovation work. They see it as a PITA and they have put in thier time and are above it now. But on the other hand they can do it with their eyes closed. They would rather be the leader of a crew on a jobsite where they direct the work. That is fine but the young guys don't always know the cheapest/best way to do renovation work. So the owner of the company has a hard time being able to put the right guy on the right type of work that both makes him money and keeps his employees happy. Replacing broken toilets everyday can get to be a drag.

2. Small trade contractors work on relationships to get thier work. They have a comfort level with people they know and work with everyday. To have to go to the other side of town to price a job for someone they know nothing about is a risk for them. Sometimes it just isn't worth it. They have to weigh the size of the job, who they are going to put on the job (see item #1 above), the materials to be used and the profit to be made and thier current work load. Some of these guys can only schedule thier work one week into the future and are always juggling 10 different factors before making a decision. Not a easy job.

I was taking to a friend of mine the other night that has a small bath and kitchen remodeling company. He only visits and bids jobs on Tuesday and Thursdays. If he can't see you then he won't bid it. Bidding work is very time consuming and he also has a company to run. Everyone has a differnt way to do things.

Paul, I think #2 is totally understandable. However, to schedule an estimate then not show is simply unprofessional. It's much better to simply say no thanks.

While I agree with the above statement (being a small contractor), it is still no excuse for no-shows and not calling back customers.

I agree about not calling back. That is a personal responsiblity issue.

These days, if you would have called Pedro and Jose' Inc. they would have been there the day before and already completed the job under budget. I dont know why it is that contractors dont want the work, or if they do, they think they can charge any price.

And anyone who can't discern the difference between an azzhole lawyer and a brain surgeon might be in need of a brain surgeon.;)

wide bod - you simply don't understand the issue -- if you need a highly trained specialist and don't get one then you are in big trouble -- your fortune or even your life is at risk.

now surely you are smart enough to see the similarity???

Call a union plumber, they are the only ones with the proper training to assist you. Ignore this advice at your own peril.

You are the guy who brought up "manicurist" but now want to ignore your inane comment.

You seem to totally miss my point...why b!tch about relatively small gougers such as some plumbers or electricians when other "professionals" such as lawyers do it on a routine basis and are probably 10 times more over-priced than those who provide a service that we really need.

What is not clear about that to you?

The comment about renovations not being sought after may well be true. I have a huge renovation to do on my house. HUGE! Demolition , new foundation, new plumbing,new electrical. Over $100k worth! It took me 4 months and many,many no shows before I could get a contractor to come look at the job.

Sounds like a lot of painters.... Or is it just the fumes?????? :confused:

I am sorry you feel you are being gouged by your lawyer, wide body. It is illegal to do that, and I suggest you call your state's bar -- if you really feel that is true.

What makes you assume that I'm being gouged by my lawyer...I try to stay as far away as possible from people that I do not trust. I do not have a lawyer and haven't used a lawyer in many years. Why do you make such an uninformed and incorrect assumption?

What we were actually talking about was the relative "gouging" of some tradesmen such as plumbers and electricians compared to lawyers. And so far I have not heard a single thing to the contrary.

WOW....around here, plumbers, like doctors, don't make house calls anymore:D

That could be because plumbers probably have a better won/lost record than doctors.SmileWavy

a guy got busted on tv for offering undercover pd whore $1 for a pipe job in sarcasm.

Reminds me of a Porsche tech joke....

Rich heart surgeon stops by to Porsche shop see progress on his 911 engine rebuild. Affter going over the rebuild, the tech says to the surgeon: "Doc, you know, we essentially do the same thing. I repair valves you repair valves. I replace oil lines which are like arteries and veins. The fuel injection system is like lungs and we both work on those. You get the picture, doc. But why do I only make $60,000 per year and you make $600,000.00 per year. Why the big difference?"

The doc pauses for a minute and says to the tech, "Try to do your job while the engine's running.":D

So, you don't have any real knowledge? All your whining is based on what you hear?

Jeez!!

And I thought you were going to tell the tailpipe joke...