Finding a decent contractor

[Hugh R]

Called 4 stair and bannister contractors about installing a short bannister, 2 out of 4 said it was too small a job, 1 came by and gave me a quote of $450 and said two weeks and then he got belligerent after a month when I pushed him. 4th guy, Licensed and insured called me back, I sent him pics of what I wanted to match, and after two days, set up an appointment and showed up on time this morning, and did exactly what I asked for. It matches perfectly to the existing. $400, I couldn't be happier.

[GH85Carrera]

Keep his number!

[Jrboulder]

I find it easier and less time-consuming to just do a lot of things myself.

[Sebscst]

Wow I need to move my company to Cali. In florida I would be lucky to get $150 for that job. Looks good though.

[Hugh R]

Simple job, but I don't have a mitre saw, nor the eye to match existing stain and sealer. Its in, its solid and it matches perfectly. Somethings I'm happy to pay for.

[Tobra]

So what you are sayin' is that the fourth time was a charm.

Nice, plush looking carpet.

[ckelly78z]

Trying to find a contractor who is willing to take on small jobs is like finding a unicorn. Most guys are so busy, that they over-estimate the job to x2 or x3.

Most of them will actually turn down work in favor of jobs that pay well, and steady.

Trying to find a contractor who actually shows up sober is a another story altogether.

[Baz]

Glad to see you're being pro-active with safety components.....now that you're getting up there in years, Hugh.... :D

OK just kidding - especially since we are both the same age! Glad it worked out but yeah getting a decent contractor these days...whew.....

[asphaltgambler]

I've used Angie's list with great success. Almost nothing to 'join' - frequently they have group discounts and other specials. My experience is that the people you agree to hire always exceed my expectations.

Finding and hiring home services people from other sources never really worked out well. My $.02

[Hugh R]

Originally Posted by Sebscst

Wow I need to move my company to Cali. In florida I would be lucky to get $150 for that job. Looks good though.

Yeah Baz, I need it because I'm old and decrepit. OTOH, the trophy wife (of 34 years) wants it to better help her to quicker bound up and down the stairs to get me coffee in the mornings. I can't believe that Joe Cocker (yeah, the singer,) and the estate I bought it from, wouldn't have installed it. He did lots of high end "built ins" in the garage, and the closets.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Hugh R

Yeah Baz, I need it because I'm old and decrepit. OTOH, the trophy wife (of 34 years) wants it to better help her to quicker bound up and down the stairs to get me coffee in the mornings.

Ha ha....well played.....you old fart!

[vmb]

Originally Posted by ckelly78z

.........

Trying to find a contractor who actually shows up sober is a another story altogether.

Never had a problem with this until just yesterday! I had an electrician out here to potentially get a job installing a generator transfer switch. When scheduling with the company, I was informed there is a $50 service fee. OK. The guy gets here, reviews the policies, his qualifications, then says that he never charges the fee. I say thanks, but appreciated his time and he did go the extra step and educate me on basic electricity.

As he started to take apart the panel in the garage, I ran inside to get him some cash. I was gonna tip him in place of his service fee. I run back out to the garage, and he's up by his truck in the driveway, pissing right out in the open!!!

He spoke a little funny this whole time. I thought he had a minor stroke in the past, as I know someone who did and talked the same way. But now, I think he was simply 3 sheets to the wind! Nice enough guy, but no way he's getting this job, nor my tip. I had to hose down the driveway right after he left.