If anything, working on a house has taught me a lot about people.
And here is my lesson: People are so difficult to work with!
It just further shows the power of advice I was given from a very successful gentlemen who I interviewed 10 years ago. His word of life advice? I was expecting something so great, but it was so simple: "Call someone back when you say you are going to."
That was it! Oh, how that has been a challenge for me! And a point of contention with me and people ever since! It shows who has integrity and who does not!
So in that light, my experience with picking a contractor has been anything but smooth. I have been keeping a detailed account of who I talk to and when I talk to them.
Some experiences:
Secretary: "So-and-so will call you tomorrow." No call.
Or...
"I will give you a bid tomorrow after I swing by the store to take a look at door prices." No bid.
Until two weeks later...and via a very misspelled text!
But I did have one contractor who I liked...well, until recently. Up until the experience the last week,
I really respected the contractor who gave me a bid today. He came out to the house three different times to make sure he was making an accurate bid. And once the boss came by with the foreman, he said he would get a bid to me soon. Well, a week went by with no response. So I contacted the foreman. Still no response.
So the next day (yesterday) I contacted the boss, and he said he would get a bid to me by today. I'm thankful that he DID finally honor that comment, but I was blown away by his bid! He came in at $10,640, and that is with re-using the old doors! No thanks.
What's almost comical is that it came down to two contractors. This one and the one that gave me a respectful bid over a week ago of $2250. He even gave me references who spoke very frankly with me about him. He gives a great price. He is a hard worker who comes to the job site every day. And he is a bit of a bull and go-getter, so make sure he doesn't do finish work! ha!
I appreciate the honesty! Well, the reason why I hadn't said yes to him yet was because the previous contractor had shown such an interest in doing the work! He kept me posted on his thoughts, scheduled three different bid appointments...and then disappeared!
And in this disappearance, the guy that seemed good but didn't have the "I REALLY want this job" mentality called me up and asked me if he could have the privilege of working on my home! It was almost as if the two contractors did a reverse! The so-so interested one was now really interested, and the really interested one was so-so!
It was an easy decision for me. With an almost $8000 price difference for what is going to be the same work, I went with the $2250 bid. I'm actually eager to see his work. I really think he is highly qualified for the job, and I think he will do a great job. This type of work (rip apart and fix) seems right up his alley.
Although I am a bit nervous about the bottom 2 x 4 in the wall to the left of the fridge. I really think some major work is going to have to be done on that wall. I think the termites have done a number in there.
But I'm eager to call him tomorrow and let him know he has the job! Thanks for coming in at a great price, and thanks for the renewed interest in the work! I'm interested in your skills!
Seriously, though...how hard is it to call me back when I'm trying to give you money? I just don't get it.
But let's get this project started!!! I want floors!!!
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