Contractors, landscapers, the handyman -- find out who's really competing for your business
Glossy fliers and online ads promote contractors and handymen who can take on your job. There are lots of good contractors and handymen out there, but hiring a bad one can turn your life into an absolute nightmare. November 6th, 2008 @ 10:15pm
Sorry, we are not accepting new comments on this story.
83 messages
Community Comment Board
The messages posted here do not reflect the opinions or views of KSL or related entities. This service and the messages that are posted within the service are provided for public information purposes only. Read about the ksl.com comment guidlines here >>
Just the word "Contractor" in the state of Utah brings the hair up on the backs of most peoples necks, they are two thirds THUGS! And this state seems to allow it. I am a professional "Handyman" and have been for about 13 years, I'm paid to clean up after these Robbers. I will not get a Contractor's Lic. until this state passes laws to stop this. I've had 4 customers this year have there furnaces red tagged by a very high profile plumbing and heating company in Salt Lake ownly to have the HVAC company I suggest come out and give the furnace a clean bill of health. I can't help but wonder how many good furnaces go to scrap, how many 80 year old ladys are paying $1,800.00 for a water heater replacement. This summer I replaced a belt on a Swamp cooler for a very old lady on a fixed income, when I was writing her a bill for the repair she showed me a estimate of replacement for $1,700.00, the unit was about 4 years old (as good as new) the last man told her it could not be repaired and did not replace the belt, The temperature was about 100 degrees that week. Yet nothing is done up on capital hill and we seem to re-elect the same Mr. Mac suits year after year.
@southstar - i got a nice 50 gal water heater for 380$ and havethe gas ppl or handyman put it in. then look at the look on his face when he pulls up and tells u its not the rite one. it happened to melast spring. he handed me a bill for the 1,100.00 water heater and i didnt even have him put his in. i never paid itand never heard from him again. he had 4 mexicans with him. i didnt let them in. so the bill was 75$ in labor i paid that but not for the other heater
dont let them talk u into something you dont need. buy your heater or furnace.
dont let them talk u into something you dont need. buy your heater or furnace.
@moe joe - if they are on the up and up your guy will also give you all the receipts for all the purchases he made for materials even though they are contractor prices and is tapped onto his account which he has a record of from his vendor so "speaking for my guy" he has no need for the paper receipt but some of my guys customers write that stuff off so he gives all receipts for purchased and ordered material to all his customers when he finishes and is paid in full. Even you do not ask for them he sticks them all in a envelope and gives them to his customers anyway. Not sure where that policy came from but that is how good he is.
@I Want The Truth behind Utah - Sounds like you have a good honest person doing the work. I had a bedroom and bath painted and was charged $120. for just the paint. There were just two small walls in the bathroom, the rest has tile.
@gemstone - The painter makes a litle bit of money on the paint? He has to buy brushes, rollers, tape, drop clothes, overalls, pay his bills, save a little for when he is too old to paint...big deal that he makes a few bucks on the paint!
I went to the ear doctor laast month and he spent 5 minutes with me and charged my insurance over $634 for a five minute visit....where is the rage there?
I went to the ear doctor laast month and he spent 5 minutes with me and charged my insurance over $634 for a five minute visit....where is the rage there?
@gemstone - like i say i have a good guy and have seen his work which is how i learned about him.
My guy just did some work on my house and the work he did that required any paint (and there was some which required paint in just a few areas to patch up)
What my guy did was leave me the extra paint he bought for the job so i have a little of that color if i ever needed it later. Basicly the way my guy does business is just the same as pants that come with a suit jacket for a suit "it is meant to go with that house not some one elses house". Any un-used supplies he did not use he left with me. He is so busy he will never have time in a life time to think about printing flyers not to mention most his work is referral work like how i found out about him so how people get suckered into those flyer adds amazes me.
My guy just did some work on my house and the work he did that required any paint (and there was some which required paint in just a few areas to patch up)
What my guy did was leave me the extra paint he bought for the job so i have a little of that color if i ever needed it later. Basicly the way my guy does business is just the same as pants that come with a suit jacket for a suit "it is meant to go with that house not some one elses house". Any un-used supplies he did not use he left with me. He is so busy he will never have time in a life time to think about printing flyers not to mention most his work is referral work like how i found out about him so how people get suckered into those flyer adds amazes me.
@I Want The Truth behind Utah - Not all purches will have a recipt to show for. in a lot of cases the contractor orders thier suppies and does the job and needs to be paid before the contractor recives there invoice for the supplies. the main reason for the guy to give you recipts is if the manufacture or supplier warrenties the supplies and not the contractor. as for customers writing it of, when the contractor gives him his invoice for work and supplies that is the one you should use not the cost to the contracter.
The best thing is to research cost of supplies and get multible bids for the work you need before you decide who to go with.
The best thing is to research cost of supplies and get multible bids for the work you need before you decide who to go with.
@Mr. d - I never need to be paind up front for paint. I have a charge account from three major Paint stores.
Don't pay up front. If the contractor needs money for a paint job upfront, he is already broke.
Don't pay up front. If the contractor needs money for a paint job upfront, he is already broke.
@herm98 - When I had a painting company. I always gave the customer the choice of buying there own paint or I would recomend a paint store where I had accounts and they would get a discount. I would never purchase there paint due to customers not wanting to pay, learned by working with other painting contractors. I found its cheaper to eat the labor but not the supplys. Like a free job. I never accepted any money up front only when the job was complete and approved. I also got a good rep and my referals grew so did my company. I have noticed these days when a contractor show up for bids these days. There copilots always come back wanting to do the job for cheaper without there boss. Sounds funny but its true. I then give both a no to the Job.
@Mr. d - When you give check to the contractor for materials such as concrete make the check payable to both the contractor and the supplier. Either the contractor will pay his bill or be thrown in jail for forgery!
@Mr. d - I have his invoice at the time of work finished plus receipts. I never really thought of it that much until you made the point. He knows what he will need when he has given others and i estimates. The way he works is cost of materials upfront and the rest when finished. Maybe cost of materials upfront is why he provides paper receipts for everything when finished. Al i know 100% for sure is he gets heaps of referral work and does good work.
Anything he builds or installs that has a warranty he went over it with me to make sure i knew i had the warranty and what the warranty is.
Anything he builds or installs that has a warranty he went over it with me to make sure i knew i had the warranty and what the warranty is.
@southstar - Utah encourages it by protecting these JERKS with more rights than the homeowner.
I had my basement almost finished by one such THUG. A young punk who lied, cheated, stole, threatened and was verbally abusive to both myself and my wife.
Not to mention the work was mediocre at best. He threw a fit and walked off the job the first time I said anything about not liking something.
He ended up with all the money, and then some. Didn't finish the job and of course wouldn't back up any warranties.
I'm now fixing doors that fell off because they were ordered the wrong size.
If I withheld any money he would have put liens on my house anyway. This wonderful state would have made it so difficult for me to dispute anything.
I wish I could give his name here but I'm sure if he saw it I would be sued for slander. Again he has all the rights.
Thanks Utah...again.
I had my basement almost finished by one such THUG. A young punk who lied, cheated, stole, threatened and was verbally abusive to both myself and my wife.
Not to mention the work was mediocre at best. He threw a fit and walked off the job the first time I said anything about not liking something.
He ended up with all the money, and then some. Didn't finish the job and of course wouldn't back up any warranties.
I'm now fixing doors that fell off because they were ordered the wrong size.
If I withheld any money he would have put liens on my house anyway. This wonderful state would have made it so difficult for me to dispute anything.
I wish I could give his name here but I'm sure if he saw it I would be sued for slander. Again he has all the rights.
Thanks Utah...again.
@whatha - sorry for the problems thta you have had, however next time do not pay the person "all the money, and then some" until the job is done. a contractor may need to be paid as they go, however pay only for the work as it is completed, an execption may be a deposit/paying for the supplies for the job. so do not place all the blame on the state.
@whatha - actually the lien laws have changed dramatically! so it's not so easy for him to lien your house! i am a contractor and we are now required to do continuing education classes and the inform us on updated things and had a class on the lien laws. NEVER PAY THE FULL AMOUNT UP FRONT! that gives the negotiating power to them fully!
@southstar - I would say that without a Contractors License you are not a professional ANYTHING. Apparently you are not commited enough to your work that you are willing to do it LEGALLY. And your customers should know that when they hire and UNLICENSED Contractor they have NO LEGAL RECOURSE if something goes wrong. YOU, sir, are part of the problem with our system of licensure. You should be ashamed to post here.
over twenty estimates via e-mail on a bathroom remodel job sounds shady to me. Sheesh i have a contractor doing work on my house as i speak he does awesome work and is very picky which is good. Point being never in a million years would he quote a price without first looking at what he was working with. What you want done can not always be done "properly" according to my guy so how anyone can quote a price without first looking at the lay out hmm sounds shady to me.
Mo offense Kay Dunn but the good guys like my guy would never associate their name to a web site just made July 2008 like yours they have a reputation to maintain. Sheesh my guy is so busy even with the real estate market as it is he still stays busy and booked year round.
i found out about my guy when a friend had some work done it looks good really good they explained everything he did from start to finish.
Mo offense Kay Dunn but the good guys like my guy would never associate their name to a web site just made July 2008 like yours they have a reputation to maintain. Sheesh my guy is so busy even with the real estate market as it is he still stays busy and booked year round.
i found out about my guy when a friend had some work done it looks good really good they explained everything he did from start to finish.
@I Want The Truth behind Utah - Care to share who is doing the work for you? I have two bathrooms I would like re-done but I am having a hard time finding someone to do the work right.
ask them for proof of a background check. there licence,id drivers license number,state business license. w a phone number for contacts. and the number for the st licence bureau. if u start getting nosy they will walk away.
if they do get there licenses number id ask for it anyway.
if they do get there licenses number id ask for it anyway.
@moe joe - I am sure your not, however the questions you say to ask would be a red flag to most people for identity fruad. most people (good & bad) would walk away. "getting nosy" will not always prove anything, it is a matter of people doing thier research on the contractors to see what there track record shows for being a good contractor.
@Mr. d - I would walk away!
I'll give you all my information that the state provides me with.
Contractors licence #, a certificate of Insurance, Certificate of Workmans Comp, My home address, My cell # which I will call you on so you can store it in yours. (we'll be talking alot in the next few weeks, or maybe even months.)
The rest is up to you to find out if you are so inclined.
I'll give you all my information that the state provides me with.
Contractors licence #, a certificate of Insurance, Certificate of Workmans Comp, My home address, My cell # which I will call you on so you can store it in yours. (we'll be talking alot in the next few weeks, or maybe even months.)
The rest is up to you to find out if you are so inclined.
the old saying, PUBLIC BEWARE, i am a senior citizen and i have become my own handy man, it is hard for me but i keep trying and i am getting better at it and it is sort of fun really and my time is ALOT CHEAPER, plus when i go the HOME DEPOT i dont have to pay anyone for that time, it is free when i do it. This is a good report and common sense, plus i have found usually the bigger companies who have been around awhile generally have a better rep, but it still better to check out several of those even.
@MyOpinion4U - I have at times in the past disagreed very strongly with your opinions... this one makes perfect sense to me. BUYER BEWARE is absolutely correct. The only exception that I would take... there are several of the big companies in my business that are and have been developing a VERY BAD reputation. Because of their huge advertising budgets, however, they are household names around here. I cannot cite the names for the certainty of lawsuit... but please, folks... ask your neighbors, friends, church members, co-workers before you decide to buy.
Grant Krinke
INTEGRITY Heating and Air Conditioning
Grant Krinke
INTEGRITY Heating and Air Conditioning
The fact of the matter is that this happens in all professions. We have all been taken in one way or another by someone different. Companies that want to stay in business will not do this. I recently started a Home Building Company and its a company that I am proud of because we pride ourselves on integrity and hard work. Our goal is to do a good job at a fair price and that's because we want to be around in twenty years. I believe that it is the duty of the public to seek out contractors that are honest. Don't be afraid to ask questions and even poke and pry. A good contractor will have nothing to hide and will be proud to tell you about other pleased customers or show you other jobs that they have done.
Handymen cannot legally touch any electric, plumbing or HVAC items. It is illegal and they are working outside of their scope of licence.
Problem is most people rush. They talk to a cabinet maker, counter top guy, flooring. Then they contact a contractor and are in a big hurry because the cabinets are coming! So they hire some schmoe.
They try to do projects without planning, permits or following the codes, and zoning rules. They try to cheap out, but still expect the best.
Reciepts? You have no right to know what the contractor paid for something, it is irrelivent. You agree on a price for the job, and when it's done you pay the price.
In my 20 years of contracting in UT I have never seen a news story about the home owner who didn't pay in full, but it happens all the time.
Problem is most people rush. They talk to a cabinet maker, counter top guy, flooring. Then they contact a contractor and are in a big hurry because the cabinets are coming! So they hire some schmoe.
They try to do projects without planning, permits or following the codes, and zoning rules. They try to cheap out, but still expect the best.
Reciepts? You have no right to know what the contractor paid for something, it is irrelivent. You agree on a price for the job, and when it's done you pay the price.
In my 20 years of contracting in UT I have never seen a news story about the home owner who didn't pay in full, but it happens all the time.
@Opinions for free - Last I knew there was a cost/price limit a handyman can do on each job and they are NOT suspose to do new contrction, only remodels. And anyone can be a handyman, they just need a city business license which means they tell the city what they plan to do as a business and pay a minimal fee and they have it.
I too do not recall seeing news story about the homeowners who didn't pay but I know it happens also.
I too do not recall seeing news story about the homeowners who didn't pay but I know it happens also.
@Mr. d - a cost limit. There is a raised cost limit if the handyman registers with the state DOPL and provides proof of insurance.
It is all available on their website. The very 1st stop someone should make. It also provides information on the state construction registry. That is where all contractors or municipalities must post building permits, notices of commencement, notices of completion, sub contractors must also register on each job they do for a general contractor, if they don't register properly for each job, they lose their lein rights.
Bottom line-
Don't be rushed
Communicate with your contractor- if your not comfortable with there communication, find someone else.
Get an accurate description of the work the contractor has agreeded to complete and the cost for the work.
SIGN A WRITTEN CONTRACT that spells everything out.
Make sure there are permits.
Agree in the contract as to how payment should be handled- I present invoices on Friday and expect payment in full for all materials delivered and all work completed up to that point. Nothing more than what I have earned.
Let them know, you expect then to begin on time and be there every day, all day.
It is all available on their website. The very 1st stop someone should make. It also provides information on the state construction registry. That is where all contractors or municipalities must post building permits, notices of commencement, notices of completion, sub contractors must also register on each job they do for a general contractor, if they don't register properly for each job, they lose their lein rights.
Bottom line-
Don't be rushed
Communicate with your contractor- if your not comfortable with there communication, find someone else.
Get an accurate description of the work the contractor has agreeded to complete and the cost for the work.
SIGN A WRITTEN CONTRACT that spells everything out.
Make sure there are permits.
Agree in the contract as to how payment should be handled- I present invoices on Friday and expect payment in full for all materials delivered and all work completed up to that point. Nothing more than what I have earned.
Let them know, you expect then to begin on time and be there every day, all day.
@Opinions for free - you are actually wrong about them not being able to touch any electric plumbing or hvac! they cannot work under a permit, a job with materials and labor more than $999.00 and they can work on elecetrical plumbing and hvac, they cannot install any new lines or anythign new, but if they wanna swap out an electrical outlet, they can, if they wanna swap out a disposal, they can. they have limitations like anyone else, maybe you should check the law and limitations before claiming an argument?
@James H. - a wager on that? I'll bet you what ever you want.
A word to the wise, I completed my 4th 3 hour continuing education class last week, (2 are required) it was on HANDYMAN regulations and was taught by the director of DOPL.
I used to hire "handymen" to do small electrical and plumbing for me, can't anymore, illegal for them to touch.
They can do carpentry, roofing, tile, siding, windows, paint, concrete, lots of things.
No Electrical, Plumbing or HVAC.
A word to the wise, I completed my 4th 3 hour continuing education class last week, (2 are required) it was on HANDYMAN regulations and was taught by the director of DOPL.
I used to hire "handymen" to do small electrical and plumbing for me, can't anymore, illegal for them to touch.
They can do carpentry, roofing, tile, siding, windows, paint, concrete, lots of things.
No Electrical, Plumbing or HVAC.
What is the saying out there? . . . the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten . . .
The problem I see is that people are so obsessed with saving a buck that everything else (i.e. experience, education, references, quality of product and services) become secondary because they found someone that is willing to do a specific job for 20% lower than other companies. In my opinion, the responsibility lies on the homeowners themselves.
In the end, I have little sympathy for these homeowners that got screwed because I guarantee that in all the cases, they choose the "low bid" to save a buck. What is amazing to me is that people still just don't get it - you get what you pay for.
There is a reason why reputable companies that have been around for years and years rarely come in as a low bid with residential projects.
The problem I see is that people are so obsessed with saving a buck that everything else (i.e. experience, education, references, quality of product and services) become secondary because they found someone that is willing to do a specific job for 20% lower than other companies. In my opinion, the responsibility lies on the homeowners themselves.
In the end, I have little sympathy for these homeowners that got screwed because I guarantee that in all the cases, they choose the "low bid" to save a buck. What is amazing to me is that people still just don't get it - you get what you pay for.
There is a reason why reputable companies that have been around for years and years rarely come in as a low bid with residential projects.
@Tyler C. - You are right about people saving a buck though not all low bids are bad people, they may have less overhead do your research on people/companies try and find out what they are cheap before choosing a contractor.
I knew a guy that wanted a new baluser railing in his house. It was not very big and did not want to spend more the $500 for material and labor. Material alone was in the $400 range and he still expected to find some one to install it for dirt cheap with out buy less expensive parts (he had to have the fancy materail rather then tridational affordable parts.)
I knew a guy that wanted a new baluser railing in his house. It was not very big and did not want to spend more the $500 for material and labor. Material alone was in the $400 range and he still expected to find some one to install it for dirt cheap with out buy less expensive parts (he had to have the fancy materail rather then tridational affordable parts.)
@Mr. d - What is sad is that I bet that guy was able to find someone that would be willing to do it for that cheap - with no insurance, Workers comp, etc, not to mention experience, knowledge or warrantee and follow up work issues. Again, to my point with this guy, his number one concern was doing it cheap. He, like most people, can't put two and two together that they are probably going to get what he paid for.
I'm afraid this gives the honest, licensed, and insured dontractors like me a bad name also. People might be sketchy to hire anyone. Do your homework, ASK FOR REFERENCES!!!!!! If they treat other people good, chances are they will be honest.
With present Utah laws none of the bad in the repair and construction industry is liable for their performance. None of these violators ever get prosecuted or even charged with a crime because of our laws. The way Utah laws work is that you can't sue or file charges against the crooked individuals operating a fraudlent business because you can only sue the company. All the state does is fine individuals and leave the consumer hanging with a major loss. Well, as all these contractors and service company's know, if they want to get out of being charged or sued with a crime by homeowners is to close the business and reopen under a new name. Any that are responsible businesses are charging so much for work that it drives consumers to look for cheaper and less costly repair services. If individuals do hire aftermarket services they should write a contract with the repair individual and if they refuse a contract then send them on their way. Don't trust the free estimate and repairs without a written estimate and write a contract with agreed amount and repairs. Cost overruns are the responsibilty of the service provider, not the homeowners. And never pay upfront all the money and require identification of individuals working on repairs. The state should not allow the arbitray liens placed on property either or even the threat of a lien without first contacting homeowners. They should first have the right to defend against the lien and its filer. So we can thank our legislators for the laws that don't exist to protect homeowners from fraud and fraudlent businesses. These people stealing are only subject to working without a license fine.
@Backpage - I am in full agreement with your point that cost overruns are the responsibility of the service provider. If the contractor can't adequately estimate his/her supplies, materials, and labor time then he/she either lacks enough experience or needs a course in estimating. Not all licensed tradesmen are good tradesmen. However, the fines and consequences of being caught working in a regulated trade without a license are minimal.
Most important, always communicate clearly and frequently with your contractor. There is a substantial cost in doing legitimate business and common sense indicates you get what you pay for.
Most important, always communicate clearly and frequently with your contractor. There is a substantial cost in doing legitimate business and common sense indicates you get what you pay for.
@Realist - as long as every new light location, every switch that you want changed is mentioned, you mention that the RO filter will be reinstalled, you mention that the new stove is 40 amp, new faucet is a 4 hole, closet wants to have waterfall shelving, paint the whole room, not just the efected wall, in 3 tone. Ect. ect. ect.
Cost overruns are mostly the fault of the home owner. Law allows for a 10% cost increase due to sudden materials increases that could not have been predicted, like fuel did this past summer, or when OSB went rom $6 to $20 a sheet due to Katrina.
Cost overruns are mostly the fault of the home owner. Law allows for a 10% cost increase due to sudden materials increases that could not have been predicted, like fuel did this past summer, or when OSB went rom $6 to $20 a sheet due to Katrina.
We recently had some work done on a bathroom. In fact it ended up being a complete remodel. We got several bids, and the one we ended up going with was the lowest bid. He would do what we wanted done, while others wouldnt. He wasnt licensed, BUT when he came to give us the bid, he said he didnt require ANY money down at all. He contracted out things that he couldnt do himself. All money was due when the work was completed. I was impressed. This made it so that he got the work done fairly fast, and if we werent satisfied, we wouldnt have to pay him anything. Not many contractors will do that now. I cannot stress enough the importance of getting several bids, investigating who is doing the work with referrals, and not just going with who is the cheapest. You usually get what you pay for.
I called about 8-10 companies to get an idea about how much it would cost. I had 4 contractors come to my home to look. All 4 told me they would come or call with an estimate. Only 1 contractor came back. We paid as we went, never up front. I saw all receipts. Two weeks tops. It was all done! We are so happy with it! He even let us do the parts we could do. We hung the sheet rock, painted, and laid the flooring. He did the rest. Helped us keep the price down and we got it done quickly.
Many of our neighbors had ward members come in and do work on their homes only to end up unsatisfied for one reason or another. Now when someone says they need to get some work done in their home, I recommend my guy.
It really does pay off to ask questions and for references.
Many of our neighbors had ward members come in and do work on their homes only to end up unsatisfied for one reason or another. Now when someone says they need to get some work done in their home, I recommend my guy.
It really does pay off to ask questions and for references.
that hiring an unlicenced contractor is a violation of UT law and is prosacutable as a misdimeaner.
When you drew the building permit, you certified that any work not done by yourself, would be done by a licenced contractor. That is another charge of filing a false official document.
If you didn't draw a building permit, your a tax dodger.
You are the problem, you enable these illegals to exist. You cheat the honest, insured, licenced law abiding contractor who is looking out for your intrests.
When you drew the building permit, you certified that any work not done by yourself, would be done by a licenced contractor. That is another charge of filing a false official document.
If you didn't draw a building permit, your a tax dodger.
You are the problem, you enable these illegals to exist. You cheat the honest, insured, licenced law abiding contractor who is looking out for your intrests.
In the state of Utah a "HANDYMAN" can do any repair or work UNDER $1,000.00, (Thats labor and materials) he (or she) can replace a water heater, but can not change the location of the water heater. If a Handyman (or Handywomen) fallows the state laws a contractors license is not required. In this state a contractors license means NOTHING, it won't get you a cup of coffee. I have many old customers that call me because I am NOT a contractor. We can thank our state law makers for that, they are to busy making laws prohibiting smoking in bars to make laws that protect the consumer.
I own a stereo store (the hi-fi shop) in Roy, we do lots of home audio and theater systems. We have been in business for over 50 years, there is a reason for that. We do what we say & when we say we'll do it. Just look at the business that is trying to get your business. How long have they been in business, do they truly have a business license, how about reputable references? Don't just look at the cheapest bid, that's where I've seen too many people get burned.
thanks,
Trevor Doman
thanks,
Trevor Doman
Look it up on the DOPL website.
They use to could, not anymore.
Handyman licenced individuals may not do any work that requires a special licence,
I think it's 3 thousand now, and 5 thousand if they are a registered handyman with the state and have insurance.
They use to could, not anymore.
Handyman licenced individuals may not do any work that requires a special licence,
I think it's 3 thousand now, and 5 thousand if they are a registered handyman with the state and have insurance.
I had a licensed contractor come to my house to do a so called "free estimate" on a paint job. He had to come back to test some paint out to see if it would cover the next day, never telling me there would be a charge. I never signed a contract or agreed that I would go through with the job. Weeks later, I got an outrageous bill charging me 40 dollars for two small trip charges and a threat to take me to small claims court, saying that we entered into a "verbal contract". He also tried to black out "free" on "free estimates" on his bill. We ended up battling each other through the BBB and I did not pay him his hidden fees. My advice is to have everything your contractor says and does in writing before they even do a bid and to check to see if they have Worker's Comp. and a contractor's license. I will never hire a contractor or handyman again.
@green velvet - check about worker's comp? unless they have employees, a company has the right to waive their workers comp if they are an owner of the company. you want to make sure they are licensed and insured. and usually if they are licensed they are insured, because when a company isn't insured it is reported to the state and they drop the license.
I had paid a guy (Terry) to pour concrete on my house. Paid half to start the job and half when is done. A few month later, concrete company placed a Mechanic lien for the concrete pour in my house which was not paid for. I called the guy to fix the issue, but he will not returned my call. company also told me that I am not the only one, that there are more people in which this guy did work for, that their concrete was not paid for and has a lien.
I just can't believe that concrete company would pour concrete with out getting paid first. this terry guys is as shading as well as company. guess what, they both are protected by our people in office.
I just can't believe that concrete company would pour concrete with out getting paid first. this terry guys is as shading as well as company. guess what, they both are protected by our people in office.
@not enough - Before finish paying a contractor, get Lien Releases on his material suppliers, subcontractors, etc.
This will save you lots of grief.
This will save you lots of grief.
Can you name specific contractors that have ripped people off here???? cuz that would seem more helpful.....
If you can, here's a terrible, dishonest, unprofessional painting company that I would warn anyone NOT to use: Seely Painting, owners: Lynn Seely and Gordon Lyman.
If you can, here's a terrible, dishonest, unprofessional painting company that I would warn anyone NOT to use: Seely Painting, owners: Lynn Seely and Gordon Lyman.
I totally agree. I have my own Contracting business and the work i do, i guarantee. Some of my bids have been higher than other ones the homeowners have gotten and some have been lower. Not all of us are out to swindle people out of their money or to overbid to make a few more bucks, we bid it like we see it and take in effect the work we have to do. You get what you pay for plain and simple. And if your gonna be cheap about it and hire the mexicans who will do it for a few hundred dollars less then so be it and good luck with that. But it's "handymen" like that who do it for so cheap then do a crappy job, That give us a bad name. They are the reason why peoples hair stands up on the backs of their necks when they hear the word CONTRACTOR!
bids to do your remodel...run for the hills! This guy is the most dishonest man I have ever seen in my life. He bid us 180k to do our kitchen & living room & after we paid him the full amount, it turned into a legal nightmare. We complained to DOPL and they were completely useless in helping us.
@mich1 - mich1 Are you really that stupid or just have more money than you know how to throw away??? Did you check referances? Was this guy Licensed and Insured??Why on earth would you pay anyone that kind of money up front or with some type of garantee that the work was done right?? The state is much tuffer on the honest Licensed Contractor trying to do things right than they are with the Unlicensed Hacks from South of the Border!!!It seems like every year there are more hoops to jump through just to keep my licence but I do because I feel its the right thing to do if I want to honestly work my trade. Without a License their is little accountablity if any for a job not done right.
I am a small construction company licensed to build a house from the ground up, but i mainly specialize in remodeling ( it's always around, and houses are always getting older). I work by myself mainly, doing everything in which i am able to control the quality alot more! it irritates me to find out when i have lowered my prices to get work, that someone else beat my bid! And the price they beat it with makes no sense at all to me? how can someone do something for so cheap and make money? well.... they haven't a clue how to bid, so they probably don't know how to do it! Also, sometimes i find some bids beat me, because they use different materials! So people let's remember to compare apple to apple! Never pay the full amount up front! and always, i mean always have a contract written up and at least search dopl.gov to see if they have a legitiment company and license?? If you don't follow these guidelines, i do not feel bad for you! also i am developing a website right now to further benefit the contractors and the customers in utah, construction anxiety free! how nice would that be?
That people who would never accept "substandard" workmanship, would not knowingly accept work that does not meet building codes, would not ever THINK of buying appliances that have no UL listing... Think that it is a smart move to hire an unlicensed contractor. These people are knowingly sidestepping systems designed to protect them and insure quality work... As for the idiot CLAIMING to be a contractor while spouting off about his refusal to get licensed... you will never have my business, and you are welcome to any "Customers" that are dumb enough to hire you. These are the customers that I do not want to have. I am certain, from reading many of the abov posts, that stories like this will only continue in the future.
The handyman law is 3000.00, but u have to get a license to do this work anyway. U have to have insurance, tax id number, and workers comp if u have emplyees. U need to take business law test. They have two guys in Northern utah to call for unlicensed people doing work. Turn these guys in so other people dont get took. I turn them in every chance i get, if they dont wont to play by the law them let them work at walmart or something.
Sorry, we are not accepting new comments on this story.
Site Index
News |
Weather
Traffic |
TV
Sports
Opinion |
Radio |
Classifieds
Announcements
Events
Movies |
Advertise with KSL
Other Resources
Wireless
Legal
Sister Sites
|
© 2009 ksl.com KSL Television & Radio, Salt Lake City UT A Division of Bonneville International m24
KSL's public inspection files, including the Children's Television Programming Reports and the DTV Quarterly Activity Station Report, are available for viewing during regular office hours at the KSL Broadcast House.
10:25pm - Thu Nov 06th, 2008
11:21pm - Thu Nov 06th, 2008
11:27pm - Thu Nov 06th, 2008
9:04am - Fri Nov 07th, 2008
11:08am - Fri Nov 07th, 2008
12:16pm - Fri Nov 07th, 2008
Fortunately, you were found out and your business was halted.
2:57pm - Fri Nov 07th, 2008
3:22pm - Fri Nov 07th, 2008
Check out our website.
FixYourHomeUp.com
Lord Ventures Inc.
12:54am - Fri Nov 07th, 2008
11:09am - Fri Nov 07th, 2008
7:29am - Fri Nov 07th, 2008
Home owners can get a permit exemption (licensed contractor not required)and hire unlicensed people to work for them; if they do that then I guess they get what they deserve!
7:39am - Fri Nov 07th, 2008
9:30am - Fri Nov 07th, 2008
Have seen some of the crap work that has been done on private and public buildings the last few years? I see concrete at the Gateway, Library Square, The District; it looks like they finished it with a shovel! The trades have been flushed down the toilet with the illegals overwhelming the industry and driving wages down next to nothing; no wonder people are not finding good people, they have all left the trades becuse they do not speak Spanish and refuse to work for peanuts!
10:57pm - Fri Nov 07th, 2008
7:56am - Fri Nov 07th, 2008
Utah leaders promote the “Right to Work”. Which means anyone with a hammer, screwdriver and a magnetic sign to stick on their pickup truck can open a contracting business.
Utah’s licensing laws are abysmal at best. People with a couple years or less experience, can obtain a contractors license by taking a very simple test. They then are free to open their own business, do shoddy work and begin hosing customers. I know guys who have no place of business....they operate out of their trucks!!!!
If they get in trouble and are sued by a disgruntled customer......they can easily declare bankruptcy and two weeks later their back in business operating under a new name.
Don’t misunderstand me....there are some very good contractors out there who have worked for years to get where they are....but Utah’s leaders do a disservice to the people of the state by making it way too easy to license, open a business and then skip town when things go bad.
8:07am - Fri Nov 07th, 2008
About 8 out of 40, and 75% of those 8 have the same requirements.
So, Utah is way ahead of places like NY.
11:30am - Fri Nov 07th, 2008
Most people who get scammed and defrauded are people who are either to lazy to check up on the people who are scamming them, or who believe everything they're told without question.
Blame the legislature? Blame the city or the county? Blame whoever you want! If you got scammed because you never followed any research on the person knocking on your door or sending you email, if you never took multiple bids or questioned why one bid was so much lower/higher than another, if you never contacted the city, county, state or the BBB, and you never sought references or followed up on those references, then you really have no one else to blame but yourself.
The STATE is NOT YOUR BABYSITTER!! We're all adults and we are all RESPONSIBLE for ourselves. The resources that can help you weed out the crooks and schysters are out there, but WE are responsible for making sure we do the research. And there is no state law, nor city or county ordinance, no sex offender registry or court record will EVER suffice to replace plain old common sense!
8:01am - Fri Nov 07th, 2008
Do your homework, check references, check DOPL,check Dept of Commerce and check some of their work. Remember, cheap aint always the best. You get what you pay for. LIFETIME WARRANTIES DONT EXIST. Depends on the lifetime of the company.
11:16am - Fri Nov 07th, 2008
1:58pm - Fri Nov 07th, 2008
3:38pm - Fri Nov 07th, 2008
10:55am - Fri Nov 07th, 2008
Many people have the misconception that entities like this are consumer watchdog groups, such as the Better Business Bureau. The BBB is not a government agency and has no ethical ties except for those companies who pay their fees annually, essentially to "ADVERTISE" with the BBB. If you check the BBB for my company's record, they will tell you that my company has no record with them. Almost implies that my company is another fly-by-night operation, does'nt it? And yet, they will give a glowing report on some of the shadiest companies in my business. I find this type of "advertising extortion" to be absolutely inscrupulous.
Hire a LICENSED CONRACTOR with LRF... Ask to see a copy of the license, as well as a copy of current liability insurance. Word-Of Mouth advertising referral from someone you trust is the best... But I question the motives of a this website listed above. WHO PAYS FOR IT?
Grant Krinke
INTEGRITY HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
11:57am - Fri Nov 07th, 2008