That doesn't just happen in small towns. I live in a big city and try to get anyone to show up on time (I'd settle for the same day or even the same week) to do any home repairs is close to impossible.

Our house was falling apart - leaking sinks, old carpet, splitting cabinets and couldn't find anyone interested in helping out with repairs. So we decided to renovate the WHOLE HOUSE - still no takers. We finally found someone and they did an excellent job but still....

I wish you luck and lots of patience.

I refuse to chase contractors. They get one chance. That is it. I don't tolerate disrespect and that is what it is.

If they call me ahead and apologize or ask to reschedule or say they're going to be late, etc., that is one thing. But otherwise, no way will I call them again.

My DS has started up a window washing/screen building and power washing business. He says everyone praises him for being on time~~being clean cut, and honest if he can not do something. Then he will try and help them find someone that will. Before he started my DH told him, get a hair cut, trim up the facial hair~~dress clean and neat (DS had shirts made with his logo on them). No ripped jeans, keep you truck and your equipment clean~~~when people invite you into their house to do a job and are paying you with their hard earned money~~you need to be humble, clean and honest!!

I guess some folks did not get the memo~~~

I did call the Handy Helpers back. They picked up on the fact I was "not amused". The secretary told me I had cancelled the appointment. That did not amuse me either.

I let her know I did NOT cancel the appoint; they failed to show up. (I'm sure someone mixed up the appointments and canceled the wrong one.)

I suggested that the next time someone cancels an appointment she should double check the name and number, and call them back to re-verify. See? Aren't I helpful?

They said they would be here between 10-11 a.m. tomorrow. I said, "Yeah, right. Surprise me."

No more "Ms. Nice to Work for Lady." And I no longer provide lunch. They can bring a sandwich, and share it with Harry...and Sam.

This post was edited by caroline on Mon, Jul 29, 13 at 17:23

I had a handyman come out 2 weeks ago to give me an estimate on replacing a facia board on one side of my garage. My neighbor also needs a very short board replaced on the facia of her garage. I expected him to give us rough estimates and show up 2 days later to do the job. He said he would email me an estimate. That was 2 weeks ago.

You might contact the Air Force Base to see if they have some contractors that want to earn extra money especially with the cut backs that just occured. Also contact the high school and ask if they have a wood working dept etc---do you have any 4H in your area? Local fire dept guys? Local farm association. We have a couple of farmers here that are great and have built their own homes. Just some ideas.
Marie from ND

This must be the norm these days. If everyone who needs a job, maybe they should lower their expectations of theirselves and learn a trade and do a good job! Maybe be an answer to all of the unemployment..but then it is easier to collect an unemployment check!

I feel your pain. I got a new frig recently and the installer told me that my water valve to the frig had seen better days and that it should be replaced. Can't find anyone to do it. No one returns my call; the one who did said he was "tied up" for several weeks on a big job. I don't get it. I even joined Angie's List (got a discount price) but their listings are the people who don't return my call. Then Angie's list sends me an evaluation form but there is nowhere to appraise someone who doesn't return your call, only people who have done work for you. Gahhhhhd! (When my sub runs out, bye-bye Angie.) I'm a little bit reluctant to call anyone from Craig's List, for example, because I don't really trust anyone who has to advertise for free. Fingers crossed I don't get a leak.

We have the same problem...and if you think it's hard to get a handyman, try finding someone to pull weeds!

About 4 years ago--after calling everyone in the phone book--we contacted Handyman Connection. They sent a carpenter out within a day or two; we had a written estimate a few days later; the work was completed on time and to the highest standards. Granted, it cost more, because they take their share, but the work was worth it. (We later "adopted" the carpenter, and he did a lot of work for us, before he moved away.)

As for the weeds, in desperation I contacted the local homeless shelter. The men who are there are willing and able to work. I had to pick them up and take them home in the evenings, but it was only 5 miles away. They asked for $10 an hour--we told them we would pay them what they were worth. They were paid $20 an hour. They really worked hard and did a great job. When we are ready for more work to be done, I will get them back here.

Gosh, that sucks! :( Sounds like you couldn't have a better deal for the handyman, and would treat them really well! Have you tried putting an ad in the paper and doing interviews? It's probably a long shot.

I better go send a thank you note to my contractor. He did a closet built-in for us, and it's great. He does the big and small jobs. He even did a quick emergency repair on our fence for us free of charge while we were out of town, and the dogs had gotten out while the pet-sitter was gone for the day.

Phoggie, clearly you are fortunate enough to not ever have had to be unemployed. Not everyone who is collecting unemployment is happy to be doing so instead of working. Far from it. Speak not of which you know not.

I've been trying for months to get someone, anyone to come to clean my gutters.I see ads in the local papers, and I phone them. They all want to do an estimate first.; they say they'll send someone but nobody ever shows. I must get this work done before the next hurricane hits.Over the years, I've been fortunate and have a plumber, electrician and handyman who come when called.

This post was edited by jannie on Tue, Jul 30, 13 at 8:21

I guess I am lucky living in a small town.....we needed some work done and hired a company who has been in business for 30+ years.
His price was not at all low but his work and his workers are impeccable. Here on time and did an excellent job.
More work to be done next week.
Not cheap but licensed, bonded and on time.

i think what has happen are contractors have gone on to all the major areas (like sandy, ok ect) and have left locals high and dry...know one friend's bil did just that...the money was just too good not to...

we have a sweetheart of a guy, who came here on a sat/ sunday, and did the taping mudding of our bathroom...i ended up giving a bonus it was like glass when he was done...but he's so hard to get...

You all are reminding me how truly blessed I am. I know a man who lives not far from me, out here in the back of beyond, who can do just about anything along the lines of construction. He put a roof over my deck and made me a lovely screened-in porch, he put a new roof on my house, last year he completely rehabbed the house's exterior, built me a new gate for the fence, and cut down two large trees.

I use an excellent heating/air conditioning specialist who certainly has gone the extra mile to keep my old heat pump going--local family operation.

I found a plumber who--get this--works evenings and weekends, for the convenience of people who have jobs.

It took me several years of screaming, cursing, pacing, throwing things, etc. and finally I found all these guys through word of mouth. Two of them do no advertising. I am ever so thankful that I know reliable, trustworthy people to call because I surely do remember what it was like before!

Caroline, Isn't KT a wonderful place to let off steam in a relatively anonymous manner? I do feel sorry that you had/have to endure all those problems.

I do remember once having a horrible time with carpet installation and when I called the carpet place and announced how unhappy I was the man on the other end replied by singing "The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow"! I couldn't help but chuckle at that, and he did resolve my problem. I loved his attitude and he surely helped mine.

I am truly blessed with having a live in do it himself kind of guy. There is very little that he wouldn't take on himself. But that too can be a trying situation. I am often put on the 'back burner' while he is out taking care of the neighbors needs. The very few times that we have had to call in help has always wound up being less that satisfying.

Even getting a phone call back from a service where you have been forced to leave your # for a promise of a return call. Yesterday we waited all day for a call back "within the hour" from a place where we needed to order a part to repair the electric range. It never came. Looking elsewhere today.

Referrals are such a strong part of business. This guy lost any referrals you might have given him, too!!

A good friend of ours is a heck of a renovator, builder, wood-worker, etc. He gets regular referrals and repeat business from the work that he's done. He's working on projects now, and is going to be busy all through the winter, with no advertising.

I empathize with you. I had a window covering company come out to get measurements so that they could give me a bid for several projects. They said they would email the bid...still waiting after almost a week. If I don't see something by tomorrow, I'll call them to see if the email was "lost" which is my euphemism for "last chance to send it." Then, if there's no bid, I'll move on to the next company.