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At wit's end looking for Phoenix-area contractor

15 years ago

I've been looking for a contractor to repair some ceiling damage, in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, and am getting nowhere. Phoenix seems to be worse than other places in terms of contractor flakiness - not returning calls, disappearing, etc. I thought I found one, well recommended, and just discovered he was lying about being licensed. Another was recommended, and we had a brief pleasant conversation where he said he'd stop by the following week, but then hasn't returned 4-5 telephone calls.

Why do we permit all this bad behavior with contractors that we'd never allow in other fields? Why do these guys burn their bridges when they're dependent on word-of-mouth for jobs?

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Comments (4)

sparksals
15 years ago
I can't answer your questions, but I had similar problems in Tucson.

Whatever you do, make sure when you do find someone that they are listed with the Registry of Contractors so you're protected.
Jon1270
15 years ago
Could it be that "some ceiling damage" is just too small a job for it to be worth their time? You may need a handyman rather than a "contractor."
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User
15 years ago
Sounds like the job is too small for even a small contractor----especially if it requires a couple of trips.

Given the price of fuel/overhead, a small job can easily cost the boss money. Try finding a drywall finishing crew or a handyman type service.
ccarroll
Original Author
15 years ago
Sorry, I don't get a chance to come here very often, but YES, you're exactly right.

This seems hopeless. In the last weeks I've asked everyone I know for recommendations, and ended up with several contractors - none of whom panned out. One didn't speak sufficent English, one turned out to be lying about being licensed, one didn't want the job because it was too small, etc.

The job is certainly too small for contractors who want to re-model a whole house. But because there involves a bid chandelier and a possible roof collapse if it's not done well, I'd like a licensed contractor, not a handyman.

I'm so discouraged that I'm considering resorting to Angie's List. I've looked at the local Arizona site Rosie On The House, and Yelp, but they're useless. The local hardware store, which used to be a reliable source, has stopped giving referrals.

I wish there was more of a geographical forum here. For that matter, isn't there a help desk or something? I find this site so difficult - refusing log-ins, no simple search for my own posts, trying in vain to see if it allows private messages.

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