Yesterday I was in no hurry to get where I was going so I took a drive past a project I had looked at but then decided not to persue. I met with the couple and when they started telling me what they wanted they had two completely different ideas. I was literally standing in their bedroom while they were screaming at each other and neither one was very respectful to the other to say the least. The four letter words were flying. I remember at that point I was thinking whats the best way to get out of here.
When they finally calmed down I suggested they hire an architect. That Idea was not recieved very well either. They said an archy would cost more than the services were worth.
I took a few measurements and said I would try to put together some numbers and left. After thinking about it I called back and said my work load would be more than I could handle and bowed out.
Back to the project, the two story 2,000 square foot addition that was to be built by me was a simple one story 20×24 addition. When I saw that I laughed to myself.
I think from now on when someone calls me to do a project of that magnitude I will tell them to call me back when the plans are complete.
Replies
Yeah but has the contractor been paid in full???
Mr T
I can't afford to be affordable anymore
Back around 1999 or 2000 the Journal of Light Construction ran an article by a psychologist who specializes in counseling contractors. The article was about how to identify customers who are trouble before you accept the job. His point was that there are signs and if they are learned a contractor can avoid those people in the first place. He was right on. Sounds like you made a good choice to run away from that one.