Disrespectful contractors --- am I expecting too much?

We are planning a sorta big renovation on our house and I'm seriously AMAZED at the behavior/manners of some of the contractors coming into our home.

Contractor #1 shows up and tours the house for an estimate. He's going to call Builders A, B, and C for their estimates plus Architect X and he'll put together a quote. Seems fine.

Builder A lives around the corner. Calls me three days later, says he'll be over in 30 minutes. We call him 45 minutes later asking where he is, says, "I stopped for a haircut. Be right there." A haircut?? He shows up, tours, says he'll be in touch with us and Contractor #1.

Architect X makes an appointment to see my house.
My doorbell rings one afternoon -- I work from home when my sons nap so I'm pretty anal about scheduling my appointments around their naps. -- It's Builder A's nephew -- wants to tour the house because Architect X says they'll be getting a job on my house. REALLY? I tell him that's not ture, but we are gathering quotes from several people.
I ask him if he can come back later, he says, No, I just need to take a quick look to give you an estimate. My kids are already awake by now, so might as well let him take a look, right? He says he'll call in a day or two with their estimate.

Architect X shows up later that day -- I ask him why he told Builder A he has the job -- especially because Architect X doesn't even have the job yet This guy says, I don't know what you're talking about. Rrrrright. He also says he'll call in a day or two with an estimate.

I call Contractor #1 to get the scoop last week -- no response. I called him this week -- no response.

Tues of this week, a contractor van drives up ONTO MY FRONT LAWN.

Dog goes crazy, kids wake up, I'm on a conference call but answer my door -- it's two guys from Builder A's company -- I ask if we have an appointment and they say, "No, but we left a message on your DH's cell about an hour ago. We just need to look at your basement again." I ask him (with every effort to be polite) if he can come back later and they say No, it'll be quick, we promise. Then, here's what really angers me -- he says, "Don't worry, Mrs H, we can get in your basement when you're not home if you prefer -- we know how to break in through the deck." WHAT??

We got their quote, it was $10k more than our other estimate -- so we are DEFINITELY not going with that team --- but ooooophhhh-- am I taking crazy pills for expecting people to be better?? If this is how they act BEFORE they have the job -- can you imagine how they'll be when we're in contract with them??? UGHHH.

Thanks for reading -- didn't realize it would be so long....

ETA -- Only two of these people have even callled us back again.

Message edited 3/18/2011 2:40:30 PM.

Re: Disrespectful contractors --- am I expecting too much?

WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?

i am so sorry!

Re: Disrespectful contractors --- am I expecting too much?

OMG! I would have shut the door in their face and called the cops! seriously, is that guy actually saying he will break in to your house?? Insane! We have been dragging our feet on getting our basement renovated-so not looking forward to the process!

Re: Disrespectful contractors --- am I expecting too much?

I know how you feel. I've had my share of clueless, rude and outright bold contractors. I should FM you to ask who it was, lol! I am adding a floor in the foreseeable future. Good luck with your renovations!

Re: Disrespectful contractors --- am I expecting too much?

Re: Disrespectful contractors --- am I expecting too much?

That is one of the most ridiculous things I've heard! Needless to say, I'm glad you're not using them!

Re: Disrespectful contractors --- am I expecting too much?

WT F is wrong with these ppl.. Are these big companies...when we were getting quotes I quickly realized the big guys were arrogant azzes and ended up going with a smaller co bc they were so much faster to accomodate and be much nicer!!!

Re: Disrespectful contractors --- am I expecting too much?

That is insane and scary. It amazes me that they don't call back. Aren't they all desperate for work?

But why would they all be contacting one another?

Aren't they all inde[pendent companies that want the job?

Re: Disrespectful contractors --- am I expecting too much?

My fil and his nephew are contractors. They just did an incredible job on my parents house. If you want the number let me know.

Re: Disrespectful contractors --- am I expecting too much?

Hon, I'm sorry, not all are that way. My DH is nice. (from Pa.) Mary

Re: Disrespectful contractors --- am I expecting too much?

You have to wonder how people like this stay in business. Doesn't sound like they have a clue in the world...

Re: Disrespectful contractors --- am I expecting too much?

That's horrible!!
We just had out kitchen redone and we had various people in and out of our house....NONE of them were rude or disrespectful! That's ridiculous!
I would definitely not give those people my money!! If that's how they behave while they're trying to get a job, I can only imagine what they'd do in your house!

Re: Disrespectful contractors --- am I expecting too much?

WOW!!



The break in comment was unbelievable and would make me want to call the police.

Re: Disrespectful contractors --- am I expecting too much?

That is SO unprofessional-especially if you are obviously the primary contact! I would NOT hire them either! Sounds disorganized and if they are like that now, what is the job experience going to be like?! Times are hard, people are not doing major renovations, so they should be on their A game! So sorry you dealt with all of that!