Are our expectaions too high - Contractors
Jul 20th 2018, 3:01 pm
#16
Assimilated Pauper
Joined: Mar 2005
Location: Ontario
Posts: 40,018
Re: Are our expectaions too high - Contractors
The mellinial generation seems not too interested in work. Its not a priority for them. I am sure there are some exceptions but working with mostly millenials at work its difficult at times. They tend to be late, call in sick, leave early, refuse to do their job and feel they dont have to listen to superiors.
Jul 20th 2018, 3:10 pm
#17
Born again atheist
Joined: Jul 2005
Location: Europe (to be specified).
Posts: 30,259
Jul 20th 2018, 4:08 pm
#19
Slob
Joined: Sep 2009
Location: Ottineau
Posts: 6,342
Re: Are our expectaions too high - Contractors
I largely agree except it is common for an advanced payment at the beginning for materials especially on large jobs. I work with contractors all the time and the one thing you learn is that they will cut corners if they think they can. The best advise I can give is ensure you always have a written statement of specifications that the contractors has signed off on. This doesn't need to be complicated but should also include:
What you want doing, how you want it doing and what materials should be used.
What you want doing, how you want it doing and what materials should be used.
In my job, I'm essentially a contractor. With existing and trusted clients, I can quote a price over the phone ($60k last time I did it) and there is no contract or downpayment. They know we'll deliver and I know we'll get paid.
Certain other clients (bankers) are a different matter. We work out how much the job will cost to do, double it and front-load the payment schedule so that we at least cover our cost before we hand over any results. Bankers are a nightmare!
Jul 20th 2018, 10:47 pm
#20
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2006
Location: Red Deer, Alberta
Posts: 10,612
Re: Are our expectaions too high - Contractors
I'm quite happy to pay for materials up front, but other than that we have always staggered payments. It's when the materials don't materialise we havve a problem lol
Jul 21st 2018, 1:14 am
#21
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2006
Location: Red Deer, Alberta
Posts: 10,612
Re: Are our expectaions too high - Contractors
After my little rant, I contacted a local appliance store at 5:40pm, they close at 6pm, never used them before, we live out of town, only 20 mins to downtown but still out of town.
I asked do you repair Kenmore fridge freezers and what is your call out fee, expecting to arrange something for the next day. 6:15pm, guy turns up, diagnoses problem, sorts a temporary fix. Following day he calls to let me know how much the part will be and that it will be here tomorrow ( as in today).
I called to confirm that I was happy with that and will be home around 3pm Friday, for the rest of the day.
He called at 3:10pm to check I was home, turned up 20 mins later, replaced the part, took my money and off he went.
Stress free, simple, great service, how refreshing!
I asked do you repair Kenmore fridge freezers and what is your call out fee, expecting to arrange something for the next day. 6:15pm, guy turns up, diagnoses problem, sorts a temporary fix. Following day he calls to let me know how much the part will be and that it will be here tomorrow ( as in today).
I called to confirm that I was happy with that and will be home around 3pm Friday, for the rest of the day.
He called at 3:10pm to check I was home, turned up 20 mins later, replaced the part, took my money and off he went.
Stress free, simple, great service, how refreshing!
