We live in a suburb of a major city. We need some work done on our roof. We've called half-a-dozen contractors recommended by friends and colleagues. Either they don't return our calls or they make appointments and never show up. We keep hearing "next week...next week..." and then nothing ever happens. We're not looking to "cheap it out." We'll pay the going rate--we just need someone to come. These companies take big expensive ads in the Yellow Pages saying they handle jobs just like ours--so why aren't they interested? Is there some special "code" or "language" you use with contractors to get them to show up?
2007-06-29 04:59:19 · 8 answers · asked by mad editor 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
call your local home builders association and make sure they know that's where you got their name. that way they know feedback will get back to people (builders, ect.) whose business they rely on. sometimes, unfortunately, nothing works.
I am in the building industry and called some heating and air people that i work with on a daily basis to do work on MY house. Even they didn't show. Now I'm sure they wonder why they don't get referrals from me anymore.
2007-06-29 05:04:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Call your local tv station and see if they have a list of reputable contractors for your area. Here around Indy they have a list called Angie's List.
Another way to get them out there is to bug the crap out of them. Squeaky wheel gets the grease as they say.
The reason why this happens is due to the fact that most contractors take more jobs than they can handle and they run from job to job to job to job. They'll do a little work at one place, then a little work at another, then a little more at another. They don't do a job, finish it then move to the next job.
Also normally they all get swamped at once. If your roof got damaged by a storm, most likely a whole bunch of other people got theirs damaged by the same storm.
2007-06-29 05:09:00 · answer #2 · answered by devilishblueyes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When it's a busy time of year it happens. And also if you sound like an idiot when you leave a message your most likely not getting called back, and I'm not saying you did but it's the truth. I know a lot of contractors and sometimes they even save the most stupid, worst sounding messages and play them when a bunch of us are around. We all have a pretty good laugh! Keep trying and someone will call you back eventually, just don't call and do the "This is my 2nd, 3rd, etc. message", then you can forget it.
2007-06-29 05:29:54 · answer #3 · answered by catchic 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure where you live, but if its near Boston, then I work for a contractor who always shows up for appointments. Write me back at prvst_grld@yahoo.com if interested.
2007-06-29 05:45:37 · answer #4 · answered by R C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Service magic.com
I have been very pleased with this web site they will get you connected with pre screened contractors and they will follow up to make sure you are satisfied plus this service is free.
2007-06-29 12:28:07 · answer #5 · answered by john v 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the secret language is called being a b**ch. Try it - it will work. Tell them you'll compromise their reputation if they don't show up.
2007-06-29 05:02:08 · answer #6 · answered by MILF 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Try this website. Good luck!
2007-06-29 05:11:27 · answer #7 · answered by gale 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the secret is no $$$$$$ til the job is done!!!!!!!!
2007-06-29 05:06:38 · answer #8 · answered by ticketoride04 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋