What Would You Do?

[justbugged]

We just got done pouring a patio slab last week. My DH works in the industry. There is no excuse for not showing up when you say you are going to.
I would go with the guy that can show when you need him. What happens when the concrete is sitting there and there isn't a crew to finish it?
I would have no problems with firing the guy. I can understand DH liking the guy, but that doesn't mean you can trust him to get the job done and done right.

 

[bumpershoot]

Dump your first concrete guy. You are paying for him to work not asking for a favor. If he's not timely now he's not going to improve as things progress and your stress is just going to go out the roof while the whole project backs up because he's being a princess. Since he doesn't seem to want to work use the guy who does and who is willing to communicate with the people writing the checks. That's YOU and your husband. The 1950's are long gone.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
And if a contractor give the woman of the house guff, she needs to set him straight. "You won't listen to my directions? Then I guess you are not going to take my money. Please be off my property by ...."

 

[gettinaclue]

If it were me... The first guy would go bye-bye. I don't deal with the people who think I'm an idiot because I'm a woman. They don't get to talk down to me-even if they do it by not talking to me at all. A snub is a snub and you don't get my money by treating me like doggie doo.

And the whole "son't threaten me" thing... Seems to me that he's a confrontational jerk. Move on to someone who will treat you both with respect and common courtesy.

 

[br64]

I'd go with the second guy. The first one sounds like he's more or less just stringing you and DH along and will come when he gets darn good and ready- not good work ethics.
Plus the fact that he wont talk to you and the "don't threaten me" bs just sends a huge red flag up for me.

 

[rosawoodsii]

The first guy said there was no need for a contract? That says he doesn't want to be pinned down. Get rid of him FAST, and get the new guy in. If you have a general contractor overseeing everything, get dates in writing, with penalties for delays.

 

[cmjust0]

No brainer.... Call the other one and schedule it. The first guy clearly doesn't care much about his work, or he wouldn't be acting that way.

Plus...do you really want to build a whole house on top of concrete poured by a guy with whom you'd had words? I wouldn't. Not only is there a chance that he'll intentionally screw something up just to be a jackhole, but even if he doesn't...what are the chances he's gonna go the extra mile to do an especially good job for ya at this point?

Not a chance!

Call the other one.

 

[ranchhand]

Quote:
Your DH told the first contractor YOU were threatening him??????

So there WAS a threat.

First, have a talk with DH. Then, have the 2nd contractor present you with a firm price and date of completion, on a legal contract. After you check several of his references.

 

[Cindiloohoo]

Second guy knows what he is talking about with the concrete curing for a week. My DH has done concrete for 20+ years. Unless there is a huge rush, you ALWAYS give it plenty of time to set up well and strengthen before bringing heavy equipment, tools, lumber, etc. etc. onto it. Funny thing about concrete is the older it is, the stronger it is. Go with guy #2 and ditch the loser who can't make time for his client. That is ridiculous to not be able to set a date and get it done.

 

[herfrds]

ranchhand I told DH that if the first guy is not here at the first of the week I would hire the second guy. that was the "supposed" threat. Hiring someone else.

Well I just got done calling the references on the second guy. All reported they had done more then one job with him. Everything was lined up properly. No problems. Got there when he said he would and done when he said he would be. Ask as many questions as we want he will take the time to answer every one.
One guy said that if he had even messed up a little bit he would not have hired him for all the houses he had built.
No complaints on BBB.

Second guy is coming out on Monday. Said if he had not already made plans this weekend he would be out here tomorrow. Going to look the site over. Now I don't know if he will start that day immediately or the next. He wants to see what he is going to need and if there is anything he will have to do.
DH has agreed enough waiting on this other guy.

Thank you for all the comments.