Did you ever go to a restaurant and the first time it was good and then the next time you went it really sucked. Well that happened to me with the iron work for the back store.
I had a local iron work guy install the curtain rods for the dressing room and the front door and the banister so I would have a uniform look. Then Lisa got the idea that she wanted a nine foot pole installed on the wall to hang a sample of the bras we have on hand.
So of course the guy comes and he fucks it up royally. He butchered the ceiling as you can see. He made an enormous hole slapped some spackle on it. Then he used an unpainted chain and spray painted it while it was hanging. He put a cardboard around it but he got some on the ceiling. So I had to have it redone and painted over.
Another expense and delay.
This really sucks.
6 comments:
It's sad, but you really don't know what you're going to get, even with the same vendor.
I had to get some trees cut down at the restaurant. I normally do what I can, especially grunt work, but these were too big and close to stuff, so I called a guy. He used to work for us. In fact, so did his two brothers and one of his sisters. Still, with all our history, I was holding my breath, because you never know whether he's going to bring his Grade-A game or his F-U game. I called him Friday afternoon, he showed up 20 minutes later, gave me a quote, and said his crew would be there this morning.
Turns out, he decided to bring his Grade-A game (or send, since he wasn't there). Took down about three dozen trees, chopped them up, had a logger take the bigger stuff out, and cleaned up some of my mess from previous cuttings. Six guys working from 7:00 am to 1:00 this morning. All for $1900.
I think part of this pleasant experience is that I mentioned I saw some of his nasty reviews online. He took notice of that, and probably figures that since everybody in town knows me, I could do some serious damage to his reputation (which is shaky at times). Now, he's got a satisfied customer who sees a large percentage of the local population any given week.
He might not have the best, most consistent work ethic, but he does know people.
On the negative side, more in line with your experience, I know about a dozen electricians and I don't like any of them. So, I used a guy who I knew was desperate for business. He worked all day, wiring a shed for me, and only charged me $300. Quality work, fair price, so I called him on my next project. Run a conduit from the box to my register system. He charged me close to $2000.
I guess they test the waters on the first, little job, size you up, then soak you on the second.
I know it's a pisser right now, but it'll get completed and your back store will be a huge success.
Happens to me all the time. Or with a dish I like. For example, went to local restaurant and had some black bean soup. Damn it was good. Then I went back yesterday and it was just "all right". In fact, it made me a little ill afterwards.
Later, I found out the cook had a dispute with her girlfriend and a dog is missing.
Finding tradesmen who are good and reliable was something my old man taught me. He would build relationships w/ mechanics, plumbers, carpenters, etc. He took care of them. Cooked meals for them, gave them cartons of cigs or bottles of booze @ Christmas. I do the same.
When I came back from San Diego this Spring I was shocked to learn my mechanic retired. He had real bad feet and just couldn't so it anymore. He was my guy for 25 years. So, I had a sit down w/ the new owner and told him just what kind of guy he was replacing. So far, the new guy has stepped up and been honest. I referred my son to him this week and he really took care of him. My bride ran into Mike, the retired mechanic, a month or so ago. She told Mike what I said to the new guy and Mike got tearful. It'a all about relationships.
Not that legitimate contractors don't fuck up, but that high bid you got might look like a bargain before this debacle is over.
I have a few contractors I know are affordable and really good. The problem with them is they are booked all the time and you better be prepared to wait.
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