No show handyman (house, contractors, fence) - Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary - North Carolina (NC) -The Triangle Area - City-Data Forum

PumasInNC · 10-29-2007, 09:15 PM

I had a no-show this morning. A handyman that I had called to get a quote on some projects around the house never showed up for a 9:00 appt. 2 other folks I had left messages for the other week never returned my call. And another guy who did come by still hasn't gotten back to me with his official quotation. Has this happened to anyone else? Egads. I thought our business would be wanted. Perhaps though our projects are just too small potatoes. We have a few carpentry projects on the "to get done" list, and I'd love to know of a good person to call for these.

rfb · 10-30-2007, 06:19 AM

This seems to be normal, unfortunately. There is enough work available that many handymen don't feel they need to keep appointments, or behave in a responsive manner to get additional work. Frustrating and sad at the same time.

wvhiker · 10-30-2007, 06:48 AM

Before moving here I was the owner of a remodeling company in my old hometown. 70% of my work was because of this very thing and 90% of my work was due to referrals because of this. Too bad my hometown is drying up too or I'd still be doing that type of work. Contractors would give pricing and never show up. It is a shame but there's a lot of work going on here.

OmegaBaby · 10-30-2007, 11:07 AM

This is common. I had some minor work that needed to be done on my house, and I left messages with 15 different contractors before someone returned my call. Two of them had the nerve to return my call a month after the work was already finished, and then seemed surprised that I didn't need their help anymore.

momof3grls · 10-30-2007, 11:10 AM

Yes, we have also had the same experience with fence installers and deck builders.

Gurl · 10-30-2007, 08:54 PM

Same problem recently, with a handyman on a rather large project. Totally lame.

On the positive side, I've never had a problem with The Handyman Network. I've worked with them 3 times, and each time they were prompt, professional, and did a great job.

I'm in the process now of compiling a list of things I need them to do.

jln69 · 10-30-2007, 09:00 PM

What type of projects do you need to have done? Maybe we could recommend someone that we know is reliable.

Dotneck · 10-31-2007, 07:56 AM

I feel your pain.

I had two deck builders come out and measure for my deck project. Neither one ever showed with a quote.

Had another give a quote for a small hot-tub renovation. Quotes were outrageous. Hired the guy I used to use in Ohio....paid the guy another 50% above his quote to do the job...plus paid his travel expenses....he got a five day vacation in NC...worked two days. I still saved $1000 over the local quote!

PumasInNC · 10-31-2007, 07:45 PM

Looks like I'm far from alone in this experience. Wow, Dotneck! The savings was that drastic by hiring someone from OH?? Unbelievable!

Jln69 - Projects include having a fence built for around our front stoop, and having some shelves built in our family room. I have a referral for one other person, but would love a backup. Feel free to PM me. Thanks.

OmegaBaby · 11-01-2007, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dotneck

I feel your pain.

I had two deck builders come out and measure for my deck project. Neither one ever showed with a quote.

Had another give a quote for a small hot-tub renovation. Quotes were outrageous. Hired the guy I used to use in Ohio....paid the guy another 50% above his quote to do the job...plus paid his travel expenses....he got a five day vacation in NC...worked two days. I still saved $1000 over the local quote!

Interestingly, the contractor who finally returned my call and did the job in a timely manner had recently moved here from Ohio!