Are all contractors blood sucking leeches?

[funeralcrasher]

Is there such thing as an honest general contractor? I mean really. They give you a total price on a straightforward reno and proudly say, that's my price even if I have to take a bit of a loss.

Ooooh sounds great, really honest guy there..

Except he doesn't tell you *what* you're getting for that price. I'll give you a pocketfull of lint for $10 dollars. I may take a loss on my lint but hey, I'm "honest".

There are articles all over the net warning contractors against itemizing costs to customers. They say that is the fastest way contractors lose money. Be transparent & tell customers exactly what you are charging for each material and you are engaging in poor business practices.

Oh and the double dipping. These hoodlums want you to buy all materials through THEM, and specifically disallow items bought through Lowes, Home Depot, ect. Why they stand to make double the profit by marking up inferior products and selling them as "the good stuff :o)"

Fuckers. I so wish I could find a GLBT, minority contractor to do business with. I feel I'd have less risk involved with someone from my own community than Joe the goddamned Plumber.

Comments

[denabeth.livejournal.com]

Any closer on getting the house?

[stilettowhore.livejournal.com]

"These hoodlums want you to buy all materials through THEM, and specifically disallow items bought through Lowes, Home Depot"

And then when you agree, they go buy the stuff at Home Depot anyway, and get their contractors discount as well.

If you ever do find someone you like and trust then for god's sake don't lose the phone number, they're worth their weight in gold.