[legion]

My main complaints:

1) Contractors that don't return phone calls.

Around here, I seem to have to make a dozen phone calls, leave a dozen messages, and I get one returned phone call. This when I'm just looking for a contractor.

2) Contractors that don't keep me informed.

They say they will be there at noon, and never show, and don't answer the phone/return phone calls (see #1). I have had contractors scheduled, an estimate done, money set aside, and had the contractor simply dissapear. They never showed up on the first day for the job.

I realize that contractors miss things. I want to be told when they realize it, not when they present the bill. I want a chance to veto the extra expense or suggest and alternative.

I want to be told when the job is running late--when they realize it. I have a life too and may need to reschedule some things to allow for the extra work. I don't like being told at the end of the supposed completion day that it will take two more weeks.

3) When in doubt, consult with the homeowner.

I want a concrete patio behind the house. I was able to get one contractor out there to do the estimate. Two weeks later I got an estimate in the mail with little more than a dollar amount. I don't know what size patio he was planning on pouring. I wanted to discuss stamped concrete and coloring, running a walkway to the side of the house, and putting in a trench with grates for my sump-pump hose. Apparently the contractor just showed up when I wasn't home, dreamed up what I wanted, and put a dollar amount on it. I called, left messages, and never got a call back.

4) Treat people like you appreciate their business, not like they are lucky to have contracted you.

(See above.)