WARNING: Rant ahead
So, because of my recent heart blockage, I had to stop mid project of creating my concrete slabs for under the deck landscaping. I did 4 of the 9.
Also, we needed the side of the house to be power washed (and some vinyl siding replacement).
So I needed to hire somebody to finish. My wife's good friend said she uses this guy to wash her house. Maybe he can do the other work. So, let's give him a shot at a quote. Well, it took some negotiating time to get him out to look at the jobs. He could do the wash. He said he could do the concrete. He has a friend that could do the vinyl siding. All the work is relatively straight forward. The concrete being the hardest. I could not do the siding because of the very high ladder height. Same with power wash.
I gave him a $500 quote for all the work. He came back with $550. We agreed. So he missed the first two dates we agreed upon. Finally got him out this past Saturday. Sans his helper to do the siding. And the ladder he was to bring. He hit me up to go rent the 30' ladder.
No. Let's just work the concrete.
I knew the day was going to be hot. 100+. I was to be out with him to teach and guide him. You would think, the earlier the better to beat the heat. He finally shows up at 11 AM. We dig in, got the ground ready and poured 3 of the 5 forms. Unexpectantly the sky's open up with a steady summer rain. I cover up the work and we are done. Only 4 hours of work.
I pay him half the amount. Expecting him to finish later.
He cannot make it until Wednesday. Again sans help. And he wants me to still rent the ladder... So he can do the work by himself? Because have to be at work during the week. Uh no. He's never done siding. The ladder height is to high and on extreme hilly ground. This is a two man job.
I tell him to just come out and finish the concrete job... What I've already paid him for.
He then proceeds to tell me, how it's a long drive and inconvenient for the remaining work. He attempts to get the rest of the money and says somehow he can accomplish this all by himself.
My patience was pushed to the edge. Had enough of dicking around with The back and forth.
I just texted him a little while ago. Thank you for the work you did. Consider your part of the work complete. No longer require your services.
He responded with... OK.
My spidey senses detected the BS. I should have been more prudent in figuring out what could and could not be done. Now I hAve to hire a house washer and find someone to do some very simple, but very high siding work.