Hi, I have a couple active posts regarding my DIY equipment and plumbing install. Meanwhile I had attempted to contact one contractor and have successfully contacted another regarding major liner/deck/steps/underground plumbing repairs. It is going to be a good chunk of change; I'm expecting this and have budgeted for it. The two contractors I chose seem to have the best reviews and purportedly best quality/capability that I can find in the area. I looked into other recommendations as well but decided on these two. The "best" one has not replied to my direct call, email, or Home Advisor call service request. Unbelievable, except sadly it isn't. I'm used to this in other areas of contractor specialty.
My second choice did reply. He came out when stated and seemed competent in his recommendations. His truck was clean/new, he was well presented and polite... everything seemed fine. He sent a concrete subcontractor out within the specified time to get quotes for that portion of the renovations. Everything seemed OK. I received an email bid a little later than I had hoped or was suggested it would be ready (18 days after concrete guy came out), but OK. I quickly replied with a couple questions about some details (it gets complicated with the options and "if you do this, then..." scenarios). 11 days later I had not received a reply. I called specifically that day because it was raining and he said he hadn't got to his emails yet. What??? Come on. OK. So I asked the same questions he should have already read. He said he'd have an answer about the revised subcontractor items over the weekend. That didn't happen. I texted the next time it rained a few days after I should have seen a revised quote, asking if there was any update. He said he was just about to talk to the concrete guy. Now I'm seeing a pattern of "I was just going to do that".
It's been one week since then and no updated contract. The original plan was that I'd like to go forward ASAP and at the time June was open, which works out OK. Much later than that, adding in legitimate time lost to unforeseen problems and weather and it might be too late for the swimming season. I can deal with that but this simple bid process feels like it's been going on too long.
In your experience, does it sound like he just doesn't want to do the work? I don't understand why this has to be difficult. He'll be making good money on this job. He is not cheap. I think I'm reasonable and understand what he's saying both technically and about limitations/expectations. Unless he doesn't feel I'm reasonable for whatever reason. Who knows. I just don't get this. If I contact him a third time "I'm pushy" or whatever, but what can I do? I made it clear that I'm not competing for bids, and I offered very sincerely to pay full hourly rate and mileage for his estimate but he declined.
Venting... but any words of wisdom? Thanks.
My second choice did reply. He came out when stated and seemed competent in his recommendations. His truck was clean/new, he was well presented and polite... everything seemed fine. He sent a concrete subcontractor out within the specified time to get quotes for that portion of the renovations. Everything seemed OK. I received an email bid a little later than I had hoped or was suggested it would be ready (18 days after concrete guy came out), but OK. I quickly replied with a couple questions about some details (it gets complicated with the options and "if you do this, then..." scenarios). 11 days later I had not received a reply. I called specifically that day because it was raining and he said he hadn't got to his emails yet. What??? Come on. OK. So I asked the same questions he should have already read. He said he'd have an answer about the revised subcontractor items over the weekend. That didn't happen. I texted the next time it rained a few days after I should have seen a revised quote, asking if there was any update. He said he was just about to talk to the concrete guy. Now I'm seeing a pattern of "I was just going to do that".
It's been one week since then and no updated contract. The original plan was that I'd like to go forward ASAP and at the time June was open, which works out OK. Much later than that, adding in legitimate time lost to unforeseen problems and weather and it might be too late for the swimming season. I can deal with that but this simple bid process feels like it's been going on too long.
In your experience, does it sound like he just doesn't want to do the work? I don't understand why this has to be difficult. He'll be making good money on this job. He is not cheap. I think I'm reasonable and understand what he's saying both technically and about limitations/expectations. Unless he doesn't feel I'm reasonable for whatever reason. Who knows. I just don't get this. If I contact him a third time "I'm pushy" or whatever, but what can I do? I made it clear that I'm not competing for bids, and I offered very sincerely to pay full hourly rate and mileage for his estimate but he declined.
Venting... but any words of wisdom? Thanks.
