For female landlords (by Cat [WI]) Feb 22, 2021 3:52 PM
For female landlords (by Jerry [MA]) Feb 22, 2021 4:26 PM
For female landlords (by Cat [WI]) Feb 22, 2021 4:41 PM
For female landlords (by Allym [NJ]) Feb 22, 2021 4:53 PM
For female landlords (by Cat [WI]) Feb 22, 2021 5:38 PM
For female landlords (by Paulio [PA]) Feb 22, 2021 5:38 PM
For female landlords (by Jkj [MA]) Feb 22, 2021 5:53 PM
For female landlords (by Jim in O C [CA]) Feb 22, 2021 6:06 PM
For female landlords (by Still Learning [NH]) Feb 22, 2021 6:21 PM
For female landlords (by Cat [WI]) Feb 22, 2021 6:24 PM
For female landlords (by Cat [WI]) Feb 22, 2021 6:28 PM
For female landlords (by Richard [MI]) Feb 22, 2021 6:35 PM
For female landlords (by Ray-N-Pa [PA]) Feb 22, 2021 6:44 PM
For female landlords (by DJ [VA]) Feb 22, 2021 6:48 PM
For female landlords (by Still Learning [NH]) Feb 22, 2021 7:00 PM
For female landlords (by Busy [WI]) Feb 22, 2021 7:21 PM
For female landlords (by Cat [WI]) Feb 22, 2021 8:02 PM
For female landlords (by Ken [NY]) Feb 22, 2021 8:14 PM
For female landlords (by Nicole [PA]) Feb 22, 2021 8:27 PM
For female landlords (by Nicole [PA]) Feb 22, 2021 8:33 PM
For female landlords (by Nicole [PA]) Feb 22, 2021 8:36 PM
For female landlords (by Nicole [PA]) Feb 22, 2021 8:37 PM
For female landlords (by Busy [WI]) Feb 22, 2021 8:38 PM
For female landlords (by Ray-N-Pa [PA]) Feb 22, 2021 8:48 PM
For female landlords (by Allym [NJ]) Feb 22, 2021 9:10 PM
For female landlords (by J.R. [OK]) Feb 22, 2021 9:50 PM
For female landlords (by Dee Ann [WI]) Feb 23, 2021 12:00 AM
For female landlords (by Robert J [CA]) Feb 23, 2021 4:41 AM
For female landlords (by myob [GA]) Feb 23, 2021 7:28 AM
For female landlords (by plenty [MO]) Feb 23, 2021 8:27 AM
For female landlords (by Tom [ME]) Feb 23, 2021 8:52 AM
For female landlords (by Busy [WI]) Feb 23, 2021 11:16 AM
For female landlords (by myob [GA]) Feb 23, 2021 12:43 PM
For female landlords (by Busy [WI]) Feb 23, 2021 8:54 PM
For female landlords (by myob [GA]) Feb 24, 2021 7:43 AM
For female landlords (by Busy [WI]) Feb 24, 2021 9:22 AM
For female landlords (by R [OH]) Feb 24, 2021 4:35 PM
For female landlords (by RockyMtnLL [CO]) Feb 25, 2021 11:38 AM
For female landlords (by Zakhd [CT]) Mar 1, 2021 1:05 PM
For female landlords (by Cat [WI]) Posted on: Feb 22, 2021 3:52 PM Message:
Just wondering if any of you had run across a contractor/carpenter/plumbing or other service provider, who overcharge you because you are female.
I think I just experienced that. For the record I do not disclose any potential weakness or vulnerability of my abilities/strength/knowledge to them as I disclose here so everyone can understand why I don't do more myself here.
I had someone from a company, come last weekend, to estimate the cost to remove the two sheets of OSB that the past evicted tenant put around my back deck on a rental, put the outside door off that she put on, and put steps back on if they can be found under the deck or new steps. After looking at it, he said it appeared to be only attached to the top and bottom of the deck, not into the siding. GREAT. The deck is pretty low to the ground so I am thinking there were only 2 steps back there. Also he needed to just put the existing storm door back on, tack down a strip of window trim and a piece of vinyl trim (both reachable on the ground, easily).
I have to admit that I have never bought supplies for steps. I understand the stringers that you need and the steps. Not sure about the post placements, etc. The steps may even still be there. I am sure I saw one of the steps shoved under the deck but did not get down to see if all under there, in the snow.
Having said that, if new steps have to be put on, I cannot believe in my wildest dreams, that it would cost the $350 he is charging for materials only...just for the steps from what I can figure.
In addition, I estimated it would take 8 hours at the very most and more likely 4-5 hours to do all of this. His estimate was $45 per hours x two 8 hour days (16 hours). Total price with $350 in materials he is charging and 16 hours in labor totaling $720 in labor is $1070.00. I was so shocked. I think I would leave it there or take a hammer and beat it all down, LOL, before I would pay that.
I have at least one more estimate after another person looks at it tomorrow. I hoped to get a third estimate, but have not found anyone else yet other than companies and people with criminal backgrounds that I do not want on my properties or around my existing tenants in the building (theft, drugs, etc).
Am I totally off base and have no clue what the cost would be on this, or as I suspect, is this a total ripoff, probably because since I am female, he thinks I am stupid? --50.105.xxx.xxx |
For female landlords (by Jerry [MA]) Posted on: Feb 22, 2021 4:26 PM Message:
Two days sounds excessive. Same with the cost of materials. Hourly rate sounds fine.
It does seem like you are a bit inexperienced with this kind of work. So maybe they are trying to take advantage of that experience. --71.233.xxx.xx |
For female landlords (by Cat [WI]) Posted on: Feb 22, 2021 4:41 PM Message:
I am not experienced with steps per se but have been a landlord for over 30 years and have done many things.
My late fiance knew everything about everything, self taught. He could do plumbing, carpentry, electric, insulation, siding, roofing, you name it. I always helped him on all of our rentals back then.
I still do some minor things but have neither the strength or memory to do most things. I can't sell my rentals. They are the majority of my income, so I just do the best I can. Again, those I have come and do estimates, do not get told of my shortcomings so they can take advantage. I just felt this one went above and beyond. --50.105.xxx.xxx |
For female landlords (by Allym [NJ]) Posted on: Feb 22, 2021 4:53 PM Message:
That's ridiculous. I think $350 for the whole job would be about right. Find another guy. He doesn't have much work right now and needs to pay for something so he is going to try and make you do that. Keep looking for a handyman. All that is handyman stuff. I hope you have some security deposit from the crappy tenant. Yes, of course they do that if they see a woman standing there asking. Try not to look prosperous when you meet these folks. Contractors will charge landlords more also because you have income from the property and can take it off your taxes. A lot of professionals use socialism to charge. A poor old lady might pay $10 for a hundred dollar toilet repair and the professional makes that up on the next customer who looks prosperous. A plumber told me he did that and that he was charging me more. Also the veterinarian did that. He put me at "Level A" up there with the stock brokers and millionaires that live around here. I hope your original steps are there because it takes a little skill to get that right and put up a rail etc. --108.24.xx.xx |
For female landlords (by Cat [WI]) Posted on: Feb 22, 2021 5:38 PM Message:
Thanks for the feedback Allym. I put the job at around $500, at most and the +1000 was a shock.
I never look prosperous because I am not, LOL.
Most of the time, it is sweatshirt and jeans,clean but usually worn looking. I don't wear rings or jewelry anymore so that is nothing I need to worry about, except cheap earrings.
That was interesting on the plumber and veterinary info. Got hit with a huge vet bill just on Saturday. I can't do needles so they charged me $33 x 3 to put potassium fluid in my cat. $100 for a total of around a half hour of time altogether (10 minutes each over 3 days). Just floored me. The medication was all paid for already. It was just their time for that price. I would find another vet but the other ones are so far away, it would not be feasible.
--50.105.xxx.xxx |
For female landlords (by Paulio [PA]) Posted on: Feb 22, 2021 5:38 PM Message:
From what you wrote I still don’t know how you came to the conclusion that the high quote was the result of you being a woman. I get high quotes all the time. That’s why you get several. Some guys quote high, some quote low, and some quote just right. --50.32.xxx.xxx |
For female landlords (by Jkj [MA]) Posted on: Feb 22, 2021 5:53 PM Message:
Paulio nailed it, only thing I will add is I wouldn’t bother reattaching old torn off steps that have to be dug out from under the deck, I’d build them with new materials. Steps aren’t an area to cheap out on in an attempt to save a couple hundred bucks. --174.196.xxx.xxx |
For female landlords (by Jim in O C [CA]) Posted on: Feb 22, 2021 6:06 PM Message:
Unfortunately I have seen that type of behavior all to often. Whether it’s auto repairs or home repairs some companies do take advantage. The only way to guard against it is to get two or three estimates for the same job.. --99.23.xxx.x |
For female landlords (by Still Learning [NH]) Posted on: Feb 22, 2021 6:21 PM Message:
My sister had quotes to redo stairs and I have had “ballpark” quotes to redo small deck/stairs and it always shocks me how much the quotes are. See where the next quote comes in. If you can’t get anyone to come quote it may also be supply and demand. If it’s nit a job they want, they way over quote hoping you won’t say yes but if you do they are well compensated. My heating person told me about a ridiculously high quote he gave someone because he really didn’t have time and they said yes. --73.17.xx.xxx |
For female landlords (by Cat [WI]) Posted on: Feb 22, 2021 6:24 PM Message:
I am not saying that I got the estimate jacked up just because I am female but I just have a feeling, in this case, that it was the reason and thought I would check in with other females to see if they felt singled out because of that reason.
It is fine to give feedback if you are male. I just wanted to get female feedback as well, if they feel they were targeted. --50.105.xxx.xxx |
For female landlords (by Cat [WI]) Posted on: Feb 22, 2021 6:28 PM Message:
The person who gave the estimate, sent me an email this morning wanting to know if I got the estimate, so he seems eager to do it. Of course I can understand his rush, since it is so high.
I just said yes and that I have more estimates coming this week. I won't be taking his estimate but I guess I have it for court on March 8, if nothing more reasonable comes in. --50.105.xxx.xxx |
For female landlords (by Richard [MI]) Posted on: Feb 22, 2021 6:35 PM Message:
Around here, if you check with the local senior center, they have people who do jobs for seniors at great prices. Often these are retired construction workers that just want to keep their hands in the business a bit.
Also, the local high school trades and building program has kids who do these things to learn and are usually supervised by the shop teacher. Often these are free except for materials. It would not hurt to call your local high school and check.
My personal opinion as a former contractor: those prices are WAY too high. I think your original estimate of 3 to 4 hours is closer, depending on conditions.
A call to the local building materials supply place will get you material prices. --24.180.xx.xx |
For female landlords (by Ray-N-Pa [PA]) Posted on: Feb 22, 2021 6:44 PM Message:
I absolutely don't doubt female landlords get taken advantage of. I am also sure that the male counter parts also get raked over the coals. I have to wonder if the extent changes though demanding on your sex?
That is something that you can't really change.
What I wonder about - since men and woman typically have different leadership styles, if these leadership styles don't change the rates of lease renewal.
Woman tend to be more cooperative in leadership style and men tend to be more competitive........so how does that impact profitability. I know it will depend on the situation the LL is in. --24.154.xx.x |
For female landlords (by DJ [VA]) Posted on: Feb 22, 2021 6:48 PM Message:
It could be higher than expected due to weather. Costs of materials ARE high.
This is why we DO need to get multiple estimates and meet in person and see how the contractor acts also.
There IS DEFINITELY a phenomenon of taking advantage of females in certain professions. That is one thing we need to routinely deal with as females in any male-dominated profession. However, not every plumber, electrician, contractor, etc is the same.
Keep talking to them until you find someone who is respectful to you. No "trust me honey - I know what I'm doing" - in actual words or body language, or tone of voice. Screen for cooperation (similar to tenants), thoughtful responses, and a willingness to reason with you. Such as: Make it clear that you will make all final decisions as to the scope of the work. If they run into something unexpected, they need to contact you immediately to determine how to proceed. Then watch how they respond. Do they bristle or stiffen up? Do they smile condescendingly and give you a "pat-on-the head" assurance that they know how to do everything? Or do they respond professionally and want to make sure they have the best way to contact you - and discuss how to handle change-orders?
I find it really helps to do as much research as possible (at least I think so : ) to familiarize myself with key components of the job, and be familiar with terminology before speaking with them.
One other thing I learned here is to just say "I need work on my house", not "my investment property" - or else they think you are a rich landlord & boost the price. If they do good work, then tell them you could have more work for them at other addresses & give it to them.
--68.229.xxx.xxx |
For female landlords (by Still Learning [NH]) Posted on: Feb 22, 2021 7:00 PM Message:
I think 10 years ago when I started, I made my husband accompany me for some quotes because I feared that. As the years have gone on, I am now confident and have built up tradespeople that take care of me. Handyman is my hardest. Anyone available isn’t that great and anyone really good is booked a ways out which doesn’t necessarily work with rentals. The next quote will let you know if the first is on target or not. No matter what, you obviously don’t have a good feeling about today’s person. --73.17.xx.xxx |
For female landlords (by Busy [WI]) Posted on: Feb 22, 2021 7:21 PM Message:
Your second to last paragraph says it all. ...I hoped to get a third estimate but .... yep, framing carpenters have been hard to find for small jobs for some time in my area. Oh, heck, hard for me to find for the entirety of my wee landlording ‘career’. The ones I have hired either didn’t do the job right, really had to be babysat, or were retired, moved when I needed them again. That is why I have learned how to build my own door jams ( odd size doors, Home Depot even said Nope.) If I need any carpentry when I am older, either my grandkids had better have an interest in learning, or....
Right now, the snow at my own home is a foot over top of the snow thrower along the driveway. With a couple of layers of ice crust in there. If I were to try to work on a deck, it would be a good mornings’ work to just find the deck, and create the path to it, if it hasn’t been maintained.
Now, we’re expecting a few days of above freezing weather. But, will it be enough to uncover the work area? Dunno.
I’m having a neighbor who is semi-retired from concrete work build a much larger front stoop and stairs, when the lawns turn green, not white. He did ask why I wasn’t going with a wood setup on the rental. I said I want it done once, and then not needing again for forty years. Not saying that is the way to go, just that, yeah, framing carpenters ( is that the right term?) and handymen/ handyma’ams seem to be in scarce supply. --70.92.xxx.xxx |
For female landlords (by Cat [WI]) Posted on: Feb 22, 2021 8:02 PM Message:
Thanks everyone for the feedback.
Busy...Glad I am not the only one not being able to find someone reasonable and reliable. I was starting to think maybe it was just here.
I found a handyman a couple years ago in my area. Others I know had used him with good results.
His ad said "no job too small" I called and spoke with him, giving him an idea of what I needed done. He didn't do this and he didn't do that and he basically said he didn't do anything I had on the list. They were not difficult tasks. Needless to say, I looked elsewhere. Just not a lot of prospects. --50.105.xxx.xx |
For female landlords (by Ken [NY]) Posted on: Feb 22, 2021 8:14 PM Message:
Just like we decide some prospective tenants are going to be a PITA if we rent to them contractors evaluate us the same way and maybe your all guys try to rip off women attitude is showing through --72.231.xxx.xxx |
For female landlords (by Nicole [PA]) Posted on: Feb 22, 2021 8:27 PM Message:
I don't feel I get taken advantage of but I use the same folks for years. Every so often I work someone new in so I've got some flexibility. I try to find them when I don't need them. Two years ago I had three yard guys. Last year I was down to two. They all knew about each other. All continually tell me, "I'll beat his price/do your house for free if you give me everything". If someone overcharges me or takes advantage (within reason), I pay what we agreed to and don't use them any longer.
Is this the house where the entire kitchen door was ruined? Is that included in his price?
One thing I've noticed - in every post you say "my late fiancé" and it appears he's been gone for decades. I hope you don't say that in person.
On this project - you didn't give him a clear idea of what you needed.
Was the existing storm door unscrewed and removed correctly or was it ripped off/blown open that there is or might be damage to the frame?
Boards might or might not be attached to siding. When removing from the deck portion, did he look to see if there would be damage there?
Old steps (not sure how many treads there actually were) might or might not be under deck / might or might not be usable. It takes two risers, threads, upright posts, handrails, perhaps step backing or facia (perhaps not) holes and cement for uprights (unless he can somehow screw them into existing concrete.) Even if only two steps, it's not just slap it up if it's start from scratch.
Everything I assume is snow covered. I'd say he bid worst case scenario. --72.70.xxx.xxx |
For female landlords (by Nicole [PA]) Posted on: Feb 22, 2021 8:33 PM Message:
I wanted to separate this answer out and perhaps it should be a new thread.
You say you can't afford to sell. I think you own several properties. In most areas, properties are selling like hot cakes - here it's single family not multi units selling within a day or two.
Do some math (perhaps you've already done this). Get out a tablet, pen and calculator. How much do you net from each of your properties. If you sell one and get $50,000, invest that money and you will earn minimum $5,000 a year without touching the principal - you could be earning $7500 or even more if you have a high risk tolerance for even a year. Is that $5,000-$7500 more than your net rentals for any property?
--72.70.xxx.xxx |
For female landlords (by Nicole [PA]) Posted on: Feb 22, 2021 8:36 PM Message:
Another thought on hiring help.
You need to read between the lines but look at facebook market place, craig's list, Angie's list, next door neighborhood. You can weed out 75%+ of them just from the ad.
Place your own ad on those sites. Again, weeding out 75% of them won't require a lot of effort.
Here, the VFW and Legion both have bulletin boards where you can probably find decent guys. --72.70.xxx.xxx |
For female landlords (by Nicole [PA]) Posted on: Feb 22, 2021 8:37 PM Message:
Wish you were closer and as plenty preaches - we could do lunch and you could vent - nothing like a good $itch/gab fest to make you feel temporarily better !! --72.70.xxx.xxx |
For female landlords (by Busy [WI]) Posted on: Feb 22, 2021 8:38 PM Message:
Ken, it could be that, but, my sense is lack of carpenters and handymen/ma’am’s in the area. I have a great relationship with my electrician, my HVAC techs, roofers. But, I had to dig to find the roofer, even had one guy who thought I wanted the work done on my own house (nice community, same as where he lives,) say, oh heck no, I don’t work in ——. That place is a h—— hole. Even when I told him I am at the jobsite the entire time, and interact with anyone that comes along.... ( my electrician loans me his pipe bender to stand watch for outside work, hee, hee! I can be a tough old broad!)
Cat, I do expect to pay big bucks for my front porch job this spring. I know the work my neighbor does, it will be done right.
Remember the old adage: you can have it done cheap, you can have it done quick, you can have it done right. Pick two.
I always go for done right. Cheap is relative. A wood deck/ steps that has to be redone in a short period of time because inferior materials ( pressure treated lumber is a joke these days) or a wood deck/stairs that lasts, holds up well.
Look into the reputations, as much as you can. A person that costs more, but makes sure it’s done properly..... mmm...that’s gold. --70.92.xxx.xxx |
For female landlords (by Ray-N-Pa [PA]) Posted on: Feb 22, 2021 8:48 PM Message:
Nicole touched on a point I want to make sure EVERYONE understands. The time to line up a quality trust worth contractor is NOT when you need them. Once you need them, you are willing to pay more.
You can have a job done fast
You can have a job done cheap
You can have a job done nicely
Pick any two - You can't have all three at the same time --24.154.xx.x |
For female landlords (by Allym [NJ]) Posted on: Feb 22, 2021 9:10 PM Message:
Nicole, I have a "late" mother and a "late" father and they have been gone for years also. Was that necessary? --108.24.xx.xx |
For female landlords (by J.R. [OK]) Posted on: Feb 22, 2021 9:50 PM Message:
At times, I have had the opposite experience. I've gotten cheaper deals because I'm female. Perhaps because they hope to get to know me better? One actually proposed to me so I stopped using that one. But none-the-less, I wonder if Ken (NY) has a point and it could be your belief that they would try to take advantage of you. I always expect people to treat me like they would anyone else, male or female, and then they seem to. I have gone to paint stores and auto places where other women complain about how rude the men are to the women and I never seem to experience that. Maybe it's the way I carry myself. Or maybe I'm blind to it.
I would just get several estimates like you are trying to do and go from there. I've found that I can get all kinds of varying prices from different handymen over the same job. I will agree it is hard to get people out to look at a job! Good luck with the other estimates! --68.0.xxx.xx |
For female landlords (by Dee Ann [WI]) Posted on: Feb 23, 2021 12:00 AM Message:
Because our plumber became our personal friend after working with us forever, he taught us things along the way. So when he was out of town and we needed to use someone else, that was the case. I knew what was wrong and how to cheaply repair the problem. The contractor wanted to replace the entire water heater when the problem was a faulty dip tube. I asked him to replace the dip tube and he said he didn't think he could do it...what? In the end, I got my way.
But yes, that's not the only time a contractor tried to charge me more because I was a women that they thought I didn't know anything. --198.54.xxx.xxx |
For female landlords (by Robert J [CA]) Posted on: Feb 23, 2021 4:41 AM Message:
I am a licensed contractor that works for other landlords too. Most of the time I'm dealing with a successful couple. I must say that 80% of the time I will happily work for the wife over the husband. Men think they know everything and will not open their ears for professional advice. And instead of asking questions, they will make decisions without gathering more facts.
On the other hand the wife will easily admit that she doesn't know everything and will love suggestions. Women are more creative and can think how they want a project to turn out, then scale it back to match the budget.
Most of the women who became landlords out of necessity, will reward me for a job well done by giving me a $100 home depot gift card, knowing I gave them a fair deal and added value to their rental. --47.155.xx.xxx |
For female landlords (by myob [GA]) Posted on: Feb 23, 2021 7:28 AM Message:
only 2 steps? why not order andhave delivered pre-cast concrete steps? --99.103.xxx.xxx |
For female landlords (by plenty [MO]) Posted on: Feb 23, 2021 8:27 AM Message:
Transfer of money. Perhaps He didnt see you as a women, he saw you as a client who could pay. He wants the money in your pocket to transfer to him. I am more suspicious that he called to push the job, would next he ask for half down for materials and then disappear? After you get another bid you'll know what it should cost and who to hire. Trust your gut. --172.58.xxx.xx |
For female landlords (by Tom [ME]) Posted on: Feb 23, 2021 8:52 AM Message:
Big box stores sell precut pressure treated stair stringers. (Two and three steps usually.)
Would not need railing.
Find someone else. --74.78.xxx.xx |
For female landlords (by Busy [WI]) Posted on: Feb 23, 2021 11:16 AM Message:
Good point about the precast concrete steps, MYOB. Cat, there is a precast concrete company on the south side of Milwaukee. But, depending on the codes, the concrete might have to have a four foot deep footer. If it is a tall set of steps, it does need that, but only two steps I really have no clue. --70.92.xxx.xxx |
For female landlords (by myob [GA]) Posted on: Feb 23, 2021 12:43 PM Message:
Busy-- did you say CODE-- as in building code? Jeeze get a grip!
You can order from Loews for delivery. Hint: if you have a lowes contractor card-- the gold one-- the delivery may say 80.00 but they only charge 29.00. Steps run about 100.00. --99.103.xxx.xxx |
For female landlords (by Busy [WI]) Posted on: Feb 23, 2021 8:54 PM Message:
Gee, myob, yep, just build them any old way. Who the heck cares if the two steps frost heave? That way, landlord can have more fun taking care of these steps in the future. A good footing on a concrete stoop is a good thing.
Inspections and permits I have become less concerned the longer I do this. But, building something right is always my priority. Pretend for a minute building codes didn’t exist. What is the right way to seat a set of concrete steps in a state that gets plenty of snow and ice, not to mention some brittle temperature lows, and the occasional rapid shift from freeze to thaw and back? That’s what I am more inclined to give consideration.
As I said, I really don’t know what is ‘right’ base for two concrete steps. But, I do know ( from reading) that Cat doesn’t have the handyman/ ma’am lined up to heft those steps in place, Cat doesn’t have the strength to wrestle the steps in place, and ya gotta be kidding me if you think Loews (sic) is going to shovel two- three feet of snow and place those steps around the back deck for 29 or 80 bucks. Jus sayin’
It certainly can be worth checking out Lowe’s, Menard’s, Home Depot, or maybe Bliffert’s to see if they have any suggestions. I just don’t think delivery and install are going to be cheap RIGHT NOW. Three months from now, when the yard magically changes from white to green, may be different. --70.92.xxx.xxx |
For female landlords (by myob [GA]) Posted on: Feb 24, 2021 7:43 AM Message:
Pre cast steeps sit on the ground-- no frost heave....
Loews has a truck with the fork lift. They will put your delivery where ever you want it. --99.103.xxx.xxx |
For female landlords (by Busy [WI]) Posted on: Feb 24, 2021 9:22 AM Message:
MYOB, when I bought my first house, I talked to the nice folks at the precast concrete step company. THEY said I would have to have the PROPER base. That was quite some time ago; I ended up going with a different solution, so don’t recall the exact particulars. But, it did have to have a proper base, not just set it on the ground. --70.92.xxx.xxx |
For female landlords (by R [OH]) Posted on: Feb 24, 2021 4:35 PM Message:
Hi Cat, I'm not a female landlord but if you look at the story below from the lady that starts with "a year ago" she was wondering if the hvac guy she called did this to woman. I can say no. I called this same guy and he wanted $798.00 to fix my furnace (part less than $300.00). After he quoted me I said how much because I thought that I didn't hear him correctly. I paid his service call fee of $50.00 and just by chance the new business phone books had been delivered so I called another hvac company and they were able to do it for $476.00. Plus the tech did a little extra. So now I've found a hvac company. Also the high priced hvac guy has at least 30 good reviews on google. Go figure. Good luck.
a year ago
Complete rip off. He told me it would cost 800 for a new blower motor and capacitor. I called Sears for the parts. Under 200 dollars. I asked him how long to put it in, he said about a half hour. I called around with my furnace model etc and the highest quote I got to replace them was 450. I guess ripping off women is still a thing, like at car repair places?
So then, I decided to replace the capacitor myself, which takes 2 minutes and 18 dollars to see if it actually needed a blower motor, furnace is working perfectly now. Think twice before using this guy. Wish I had noticed before I called him that most of his reviews are from 1x reviewers which are usually fake reviews by company owners. Almost an 800 dollar mistake.
--12.47.xx.xx |
For female landlords (by RockyMtnLL [CO]) Posted on: Feb 25, 2021 11:38 AM Message:
I've had it happen once with snow removal. Replaced the guy by getting other quotes on the work. Initial guy called begging not to lose the work - with a lower price. I didn't budge. Now, I let potential workers know that I must get 3 bids for work before "the company" will proceed. That has cut out a lot of nonsense.
Be firm. Be fair. Avoid emotion. Never ever give pay advances. You'll do fine.
--69.130.xxx.xxx |
For female landlords (by Zakhd [CT]) Posted on: Mar 1, 2021 1:05 PM Message:
Sometimes contactors will price higher because they really don't want to do the job. Move on to someone else. --32.211.xxx.xxx |
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