Contractors: A Horror Story that just continues...

Do I have a contractor story for you? In the beginning it all sounded perfect - I had an old, rickety deck (500 sq. ft.) that required a complete re-do. After scouring the Internet, reading numerous reviews on Service Magic and Angie's List, the "highest" rated contractor won the day. The bid was not the lowest, but reputation, I believed, would pay for itself. Within a week of signing the contract, the old deck was hauled away and every thing was coming up roses. That was in February.

It's April 28th, and the deck still isn't complete. Did I mention the only way to enter the house is through an entrance that was serviced by the deck? After the initial joy of seeing the old deck removed, and a week went by without any action, slight panic set in. But it was raining on and off, so perhaps they were just waiting for better weather. I heard nothing from the company. DId they file for Chapter 11? Then a lumber shipment arrived. And then a crew arrived. Ahhh, we're back on track.

The frame was in place. And then the crew disappeared. Remember, the entrance to the house was only accessible by the deck. Rain again. Ok, I thought, they're waiting for better weather. And then a nice day came...and another...and another. All the mean time, getting into the house required a slick climbing maneuver up the frame - like a jungle gym. I called the company. Oddly, I expected them to call me. I was naive. There was a mistake in the order and it had to be sent back and re-ordered. Or at least that was one of the two versions I got from various employees.

Eventually the deck materials arrived. Slowly but surely the deck was being built. But then we discovered they mis-measured. "Need more material," I was told. So more wood was ordered and work was stopped. I thought to myself, why is this my problem and shouldn't I be getting some kind of compensation for my pain. Eventually the materials arrived - literally a bundle I could have picked up at Home Depot. Alas, if only I knew.

Work began again. With a few more phone calls - ones I made to the company - I was told we were in the home stretch. Workers showed up on Saturday AND Sunday! Yes! It's going to be done. By Sunday night, everything had been completed except three steps on a flight of stairs, the railing tops on those stairs, and minor gutter adjustments, etc. Easy squeezy! I was also waiting for the electrician to come and do some work - an electrician I was told the company would supply. But the deck needed to get done before he could work so I can understand the delay.

Monday came. No one arrived. Ok, they worked Saturday and Sunday - a day of rest is in order. Tuesday morning is here. A new employee has come to my house. "I'm here to make sure everything is ok and you're satisfied as the work has been completed." Sorry sir, did you see the pile of lumber to be removed on the front lawn? Did you see the steps that needed to be completed? He acknowledges these minor areas. And the electrician. "What electrician?" Ught oh. The one your company said they were getting for me. OK. He says he'll make a call and someone will come this afternoon. It's 4:00. I know how they operate. No one is coming today.

A work crew was supposed to come today and finish as well. It's 4:00. I know how they operate. No one is coming today. And no phone call either. Well, tomorrow, first thing, I'll make the phone call. And I can't promise it's going to be pretty. I'm sure they'll say they have to order more supplies. Maybe I should just go over the Lowes for them.

I live with the conciliation of those reviews. Mine won't be to pretty. Also with the fact that I am a Realtor. There's some power there. If a client needs a deck - let's stay away from this company. As I was told today, communication has been poor on this job. "Joe sometimes doesn't call us to say he needs more material." Well, it's time to get rid of Joe. That's what they've learned. For me, the lessons has been more nuanced. I'm sure a contractor will let me down in the future. But I will be better prepared! Questions, question, and expectations will be delivered before my first check. And an honest evaluation will be delivered with my last.