Why Don't Contractors Return Phone Calls??

[John in OH]

I just applied for and received the building permit for my new garage/workshop!! Yeaaa!! It will be 34' x 54' with masonry foundation, and 2x6 framed walls 12' high.

But now, I can't seem to find any contractors interested in doing the work. I have a pretty good set of drawings, a pretty clear work scope, and I don't think that I'm an *** to talk to or work with (or sure hope that I don't come across that way!!) I've had several contractors look at the work (I'm trying to sub the work out myself rather than use a general contractor) and they talk as if they are interested and tell me they will get back to me with a price ... but then I never hear from them again!! After a week or so I call to see if they've made any progress on putting a price together and they don't even return my phone calls!!

I thought the building trades were slow right now and there would be more interest. I know it's not a big job, but work is work ... right??

What really gripes me the most is their rudeness by not even returning my phone calls. If they are not interested in doing the job why can't they just tell me straight out that they aren't interested?? I can sure understand that a job may not fit in their schedule, or may not be the type of work they want to do, or may not fit into their "business plan", and that's OK with me .... but why can't contractors take 2 minutes to return a phone call and just tell me straight out that they are not interested so that I stop pestering them and know to move on to someone else?

I'm retired now, but when working if I had failed to respond to an associate's call or email I would have been called to the carpet! It just seems like common courtesy!

 

[ZRX61]

Needed about 12 yards of concrete pouring, after TWO ******** YEARS of calls not being returned or not even showing up to give a ******** estimate I did it myself.

 

[51rider]

First off, congrats on getting the permits

Secondly, I share your frustration. I cannnot belive that in this current climate that people will take the time out to look at a job & then not bother to price it. Seems self defeating to me-they are losing time & money in looking at a job that they then do not bid/quote for. A sure way to end up going to the wall.

In your position, I'd seek recommendations from friends, neighbours or even have a look through the GJ pages for guys in your area and then drop them a PM to see if they would recommend their contractor.

Good luck!

 

[Frank The Plumber]

You must be sending out a bad vibe. There must be something that is turning guys off to wanting to work for you. Or, maybe your site is sending signals. Most calls that address not being able to or not being interested in a job end up with an angry response from the client. You are better off being blown off than angered, sorry. Why not post up some info as to the job, your requirements etc. and let's focus on moving forward rather than reflection upon the why nots. Something is keeping you off the dance floor let's find it.

 

[55chevy]

Had the same problem 12 years ago when I built my shop and last fall when we wanted to install stone walls and landscaping.

On both ocassions we ended up with Mexican crews who did good work, at about the same price as Americans. It is frustrating when you can't find folks that are willing to work.

On our latest landscaping project, we had 5 different companies come to our home, take measurements, ask questions and spend an hour on the property. None of them ever provided a price. We spent $7,500 for the job.

Spread the word to your friends and contacts. Maybe somone will recommend a good crew that is willing to work. It is difficult in our area to find Amercians that will follow up and do the work.

 

[PAToyota]

I share your pain. I can't tell you how many times I hear contractors complaining about being slow but then hear people saying they aren't getting their calls returned. Unfortunately, nothing new. For the little guys, they're contractors first and businessmen much further down the list... The larger firms have business departments to take care of things, but even they seem to have trouble at times with the simple communication issues.

 

[kmacht]

My guess is that they don't want to work with you because you already know what you want and you already have the permits. It would be too hard for them to rip you off with the groundwork you have already done.

Where have you gotten these contractors names from? I would suggest looking in the yellow pages. Most people who are fly by night or only interested in the profit and not the quality of the job don't bother to spend the money to advertise. Stay away from craigslist or the newspaper.

Keith

 

[jay50]

The reason they are not returning your calls is because they are very busy with either:
1: Going to court because they were sued for scamming a homeowner
or
2: Loading up all their tools/equipment to skip town after scamming a homeowner

 

[hetkind]

If you are having a hard time as your own general, FIND a general contractor to pickup the work. He will hire and pay all subs and leaving you with the bill.

Howard

 

[bazzateer]

If you are having a hard time as your own general, FIND a general contractor to pickup the work. He will hire and pay all subs and leaving you with the bill.

...... and charge you even more!

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I think it's the same everywhere. A friend of mine needed her sister's car repaired to pass safety inspection. She called me and a guy i work with near enough the same time, he couldn't be bothered to answer the phone or do the work, i gave her a price the next day and the following day i had the car and did the work.

And yet, the other guy who was offered the work bitched about me getting it and not him..

 

[John in OH]

...... and charge you even more!

You're right!! The general contractors that I've talked to want between 15-20%. Since I'm retired I have the time to do the foot-work and coordination between the subs and save myself the general's commission.

 

[nvrenufrm]

Frustrating, Hell yes. I do not agree with the "you must be sending off a bad vibe", simply because you seem totally aware/conscience of the professional etiquette/respect, to the industry..just by your comments here. I have, and still do own a few different homes, property, rentals etc., and have experienced the same things at times. As in car repairs, I find myself doing more and more of the work myself, simply because of the frustration, apathy, and hard to deal with attidudes often found in that industry (of course there are exceptions). My thoughts are if the contractor is too busy, irresponsible, un-professional to even respond with a quote/follow up call, how hard would it be to get ahold of him during the consruction phase, and the problems associated with that? I have found over the years, different well qualified outstanding experts/professionals in their own fields (plumbers, electricians, framers, drywallers, excavators, etc.), and keep their info at the ready, for whenever I need any future work done, or to refer to anyone who asks. That list has proved invaluable. I hope you have patience, because you will need it. Good luck with your building.

 

[NXGTS]

I had this problem last fall when I was just trying to see if my plans were to ambitious for my budget. The job wasn't until spring so I got a very tepid response. Now that the time is nearing (4-6 weeks out) guess who I am not calling? The advise I was given last fall from the guys on this site was that if you can't get ahold of the contractor now what will it be like when he has your money in his hands? Just something to think about. Good luck and stay with it. Contractors are a dime a dozen and you will eventually find one that is willing and able to do the work you need done.

 

[rodm1]

They get probable 100 calls a day with customers wonting there $hit and you just happen to be on the bottom of the list.

He probable needs to hire help but the company won't hire some or he just don't give a a dime about your job.

 

[danski0224]

Are you asking for a ballpark, quote, proposal or estimate? Those are all different.

Are you providing a copy of the drawings and specs for review? Are the drawing and specs suitable for the bidding process?

Are you asking for materials & labor breakdowns?

Do you have a materials list to provide?

Are you able to provide a budget number, and is it realistic? That is one of the first things I ask. If the number is unrealistic, I don't waste my time... or, I ask what phase of the project you want left out.

I have noticed that some people are asking for line item bids with detailed lists and breakdowns to be provided free of charge to the client. Sorry, not happening here.

I wouldn't call a 34' x 54' building a "small project", and I wouldn't turn it down if you were willing to pay the price to do it right. The commute won't work out, though.

 

[cheap bastard]

I have run into the exact same problem. The construction boom made many good technicians but damn few good business men. There are plenty of excuses, people to blame and just plain poor manners but there aren't many good reasons for lousy customer service or bid relations. I have hired an outfit from the Milwaukee area to build my house when in burned in '08. There was only one local builder that was honest about his situation. He had laid off all but one crew and ongoing obligations would keep them busy for six months.
The problem may be that you want to count out the general contractor's profit. In this lousy economy, builders seem to have acted like attorneys and doctors in that they have become closer in association and support of each other rather than competing in an open market. There may also be a planning issue that no contractor has been compelled to point out to you. Most of them aren't helpful if you are looking to save money. A couple acquaintances, an HVAC guy and an electrician were talking about a young man that was ******* them off. He is a very talented guy that went out on his own before the crash. He has continued to work all through this "recession" because he teaches customers and folks taking bids what they need to know about their situations. The friends were pissed that he was "giving away someones job". I did't bother to tell them that I have given his recommendation in my neighborhood because he is fair and quality oriented. They believe that people have no right to the knowledge if they they don't pay for it. Quite an arrogant lot of folks really.

 

[DCarr]

Everything I contracted out on my 40' x 30' shop, Grading ( 3 weeks worth for 3 guys ), footer, block work, cement pad, garage door & install, insulatio and now asphalt .. Bids were given to me before they ever left the site.

There might be something about the job that they dont like.

 

[steel 35]

I wouldn't call them to check up! Call the next one down the list, Ask the guys at the building department who they would recommend for a job. They get paid to inspect the work and know when there are problems, May not like to or be able to say but watch the yea or na, nods

 

[danski0224]

My guess is that they don't want to work with you because you already know what you want and you already have the permits. It would be too hard for them to rip you off with the groundwork you have already done.

Where have you gotten these contractors names from? I would suggest looking in the yellow pages. Most people who are fly by night or only interested in the profit and not the quality of the job don't bother to spend the money to advertise. Stay away from craigslist or the newspaper.

Keith

The typical customer has no idea how to GC a job, and ends up relying on one or more of the trades to pull it together, so the homeowner saves his 20% and the contractor doesn't get paid for the extra work.

I wouldn't call permits and plans "groundwork".

The yellow pages are hideously expensive.

People that are good at what they do generally do not need to advertise.

The reason they are not returning your calls is because they are very busy with either:
1: Going to court because they were sued for scamming a homeowner
or
2: Loading up all their tools/equipment to skip town after scamming a homeowner

A much more likely reason is they are ******* with other potential clients tying them up with more pie in the sky projects that lack funding.

 

[LIVELY]

MY PERSPECTIVE--i am a general contractor.

Welcome to the real world. No matter what the economy is it is hard to get honest people at times. I have been doing this over 30 years-[my father did it for over 60 years ].

Alot of subs do not want to just deal with the homeowner. Alot of decisions are needed with quick answers and that is what the GENERAL does .
Also he is supposed to deal with all the turns and twist that ALWAYS come up on projects of anykind[yours is not a SMALL project.]

I really do not know if you came off to them with an attitude or not-but-sometimes subs feel like your wanting to cut any prices you get from them.
I hope that you are not basing all your figures on that notion.

YES-i have heard it thousands of times that ANYBODY can build something but i assure you that is not true at all.

I have gone onto alot of jobs after the homeowners ended up with a mess then i got called to figure it out --that can get VERY expensive

Last year i spent 2 months in eastern OKLAHOMA doing a complete master bathroom overhaul[16 x 19] / wiring work in the house/ and some roof work.

My sister had tried 5 different contractors down there to get to do the work.

NOT ONE WAS INTERESTED AT ALL BECAUSE IT WAS NOT A BIG ENOUGH JOB-I ALWAYS THOUGHT A $20,000 JOB WAS A GREAT JOB I MUST HAVE BEEN WRONG

I hope you find some good subs--but-just be careful[cheapest is not always the best route.]


AND yes -i have never been slow of work in this economy[I THANK THE LORD FOR THAT]

 

[southpier]

You're right!! The general contractors that I've talked to want between 15-20%. Since I'm retired I have the time to do the foot-work and coordination between the subs and save myself the general's commission.

you've successfully answered your own question.

you have time and incentive to be a micro manager, and no one wants to deal with that unless they're 18 and just out of vocational school

 

[danski0224]

You're right!! The general contractors that I've talked to want between 15-20%. Since I'm retired I have the time to do the foot-work and coordination between the subs and save myself the general's commission.

That 15% to 20% will be a bargain when the subs come to you with questions that need answers, and you are unable to provide them.

Or, when your project grinds to a halt because of some pesky little detail or change.

Not all subs will pick up the ball and run with it when the going gets tough. Many will simply stop work until you resolve the issue, and then you wait some more for a break in their schedule.

Delays add up if you are using a construction loan.

I'm not saying you can't do it, but if you think it will be easy to pocket that 20%, you are mistaken.

 

[rhastings80]

They probably realized you had half a clue what's going on and they figured they couldn't scam you or make enough money off you. I also thought that typically the contractor takes our the permit in their name.

 

[Kev442]

I am grateful almost every day that I was able to turn this future nightmare hanging over my head into simply walking over to the new neighbors house and saying to the concrete contractor: "Hey, want to do two jobs with the same crew at the same time?".
I got quoted, found it acceptable (towards the high end of my mental window) and bang bang, done in three weeks.
I know the guy made a fortune off of me as he had the crew, trucks and everything else paid for mostly by my neighbor, but I saved countless phone calls, appointments, headaches and literally months. I am a very happy camper.

Moral of this story? Cruise around and spot a contractor putting in a basement/foundation, he'll zip over and give you a quote as he is already there.

 

[Frank The Plumber]

Trust me, if you think that the general contractor has an easy job, does nothing and does not earn his money, you are sadly mistaken. If you think you can easily do his job, again sadly mistaken. And what may you ask is my basis for quoting how sadly mistaken you are? Well first off, he gets the contractors to call him back, doesn't he? Here's an example of a job that I did not submit a bid for. A gentleman was referred to me by one of my long time customers, he had a big fancy house, maybe 2 plus million, every stinking surface was in white, sick, truly and desperately sick, he wanted all new toilets in his home, he told me how he felt that his previous plumber was not competent and that he was planning a large law suit against him which would be easy for him as he was a personal injury attorney. He was such an utterly charming man, I asked him if he would like proof of licensing and a copy of my business license documents, his reply was " Don't worry, you couldn't have enough insurance to protect you." He was quite insistent that he have the quotes on his desk by 9 am the next morning. When I asked him if he wanted a contract he laughed and said "Do you know who I am? As I left his home I noticed his vanity plates on his 150 grand Merc, cutely spelling out I SUE U. Let me just ask, who in their right mind would want to get involved with such a fine example of a gentleman? I couldn't get the hell out of there fast enough. A good businessman can read people as if they have a sign on them, this guys sign said "I SUE U"

 

[babzog]

Most of them aren't helpful if you are looking to save money. A couple acquaintances, an HVAC guy and an electrician were talking about a young man that was ******* them off. He is a very talented guy that went out on his own before the crash. He has continued to work all through this "recession" because he teaches customers and folks taking bids what they need to know about their situations. The friends were pissed that he was "giving away someones job". I did't bother to tell them that I have given his recommendation in my neighborhood because he is fair and quality oriented. They believe that people have no right to the knowledge if they they don't pay for it. Quite an arrogant lot of folks really.

I have found this to be the case so many times. HVAC is one area that's particularly arrogant - just check out hvac-talk.com if you want an example ("no DIY because it's our livelihood and we'd be liable if you blew yourself up" - always pulling the liability card ... and just how are you affecting your livelihood when we're several timezones apart?).

I found one local-ish HVAC contractor (actually, he's about an hour away) who spent an hour on the phone with me one night going over the local gas codes and trying to find a solution to a quandry my new gas supplier was fixing for me. He knows more about the code that they did... so I booked him to come when they were onsite and he educated them about the hookup they were doing. Needless to say, he's my "goto" guy for all gas work in my home. Good work, will explain what he's doing and what I can do myself and charges fairly. Can't ask for more.

Someone above mentioned not doing line item breakdown of the job... why not? As the one who's footing the bill, I think I have the right to know what it is I'm paying for, yes? Not saying it's required for all jobs, but on something like a building being constructed, I think a detailed breakdown is more than reasonable - beyond just understanding the costing of the job during the many phases of construction, there might be cost savings to be found by doing so (which don't necessarily affect the contractor's bottom line).

 

[NUTTSGT]

I believe the problem with the line item break down is cheap home owners. They can't figure building materials. They find out what they need and try to tackle the building project themselves, only to screw it up and want somebody to bail them out for cheap.

I think you just need to find the right contractor and things will work out. Try talking to the managers (or the contractor sales guys) at your local lumber yard. Ask them who they would recommend, ask for a phone number, maybe even ask if they'll call the contractor themselves. Why ? If it's contractor they deal with all the time, they will buy local (at that yard). More than likely they won't recommend a shyster either, as it makes them look bad too.

 

[John in OH]

Trust me, if you think that the general contractor has an easy job, does nothing and does not earn his money, you are sadly mistaken. If you think you can easily do his job, again sadly mistaken. And what may you ask is my basis for quoting how sadly mistaken you are? Well first off, he gets the contractors to call him back, doesn't he? Here's an example of a job that I did not submit a bid for. A gentleman was referred to me by one of my long time customers, he had a big fancy house, maybe 2 plus million, every stinking surface was in white, sick, truly and desperately sick, he wanted all new toilets in his home, he told me how he felt that his previous plumber was not competent and that he was planning a large law suit against him which would be easy for him as he was a personal injury attorney. He was such an utterly charming man, I asked him if he would like proof of licensing and a copy of my business license documents, his reply was " Don't worry, you couldn't have enough insurance to protect you." He was quite insistent that he have the quotes on his desk by 9 am the next morning. When I asked him if he wanted a contract he laughed and said "Do you know who I am? As I left his home I noticed his vanity plates on his 150 grand Merc, cutely spelling out I SUE U. Let me just ask, who in their right mind would want to get involved with such a fine example of a gentleman? I couldn't get the hell out of there fast enough. A good businessman can read people as if they have a sign on them, this guys sign said "I SUE U"

Geezz … that guy sounds like a real jerk and I wouldn’t work for him either. Good thing you didn’t leave any footprints on his white carpet! You’d probably have been sued down to your last roll of Teflon tape.

Don’t get me wrong … I didn’t say that a GC doesn’t earn his money. I’m just saying that since I’m retired and I have 35 years of experience working with boilermaker, iron worker and related contractors I think I can do a GC’s job on this garage.

I’m sure I can resolve problems quickly and I’m not afraid to spend extra money if I’ve overlooked something. Or I’ll do tasks that I overlooked myself in such a way that it won’t impact them. Schedule is not an issue so if one of them is delayed it’s not a problem (assuming it doesn’t impact the next contractor). I told them that I wasn’t a builder and I welcomed their suggestions if they had any. They can buy the materials or I’ll buy the materials … their choice. I’m polite, respectful, courteous, and will be paying in cash. I’m layed-back, easy-going and definitely NOT a Type A personality.

The site is nearly level with excellent access via a gravel drive way. The drawings are clear and detailed, the workscope is clear and each sub should easily be able to determine his scope … and if they are confused, I welcomed their questions. I’m not trying to line up 8 or 10 contractors at a time … I’m only trying to line up an excavator, concrete guy and a mason. Once that much is built then I’ll look for a framer.

What’s not to love???

But the bums still won’t extend the courtesy of calling me back …. If they don’t want the job I’m not gonna be angry … they have to make their own business decisions based on what’s best for them … I understand that … but, geezzz, …. They can at least call back!

 

[NUTTSGT]

Sounds like you know what you want cut and dry. I would think a contractor would be more than happy to get started very soon, as the weather will be breaking in a few weeks.

 

[Doc]

My experience was just yesterday. I called 2 different contractors for an estimate on a bathroom rennovation yesterday morning and both had made thier way to my house within 3 hours of calling them. Both of them were the owners of the buisness and had been in buisness for 24 years and the other for 9 years in the local area. Both of the estimates were between $4700 and 5K and both could be starting demo within 7-10 days. Both were licensed general contarctors and would pull all permits etc.... No problem finding people to do the work here in Jacksonville FL

 

[CreekRat]

I don't think it has anything to do with the OP or even with it being a homeowner, it just simple disorganization or worse.

I needed to find someone to just pour a concrete floor in an existing garage. It sounded like easy money to me. No special requirements or timelines, no building inspectors to deal with in my county and nothing that would require a GC. After a year of answering ads and following up on leads I ended up hiring one of the two guys that bothered to called me back. Granted, he did a lousy job on the concrete but he made it right and went on to do some other decent carpentry work for me.


In the fall of 2010 I wanted another layer of rock for the drive before winter set in. I started answering ads but got no response. I spoke to the guy that delivered rock to my father-in-law and made arrangements for 18 tons to be delivered any day at his convenience. He set a day then didn't show, no called so I called back he set another date and again no show/no call, I called again and he picked another day and again no show/no call. Do you think I called a fourth time?

I never did get rock before the winter rain and snow set in, maybe in June it'll be dry enough to try again.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I wouldn't have called a second time other than to tell him, not to bother coming back.

 

[cbacres]

John,

Keep looking, you have the right to build it the way you want. If you have the time be there to answer questions and are willing to pay for extras and add ons as you say, should be a good deal for the both of you.

As the other posters said, call the lumber yards, ready mix concrete plants and so on. I built my 2000' shop ( my some day home) in central KY from Florida. There contractors out there that would love to do what you are asking. It'll take time to find them though. I started with the concrete sub and he ended up erecting the building . My septic contractor did all of the grading and trenching.

Chances are once you find one that is interested, they will turn you on to others.

And I'm not saying GC's shoud'nt make thier money, there is liability and other cost in thier markup, but there's a time & place for everything.

BTW, I'm a project manager for a contractor and I'm a licence holder.
I would of loved to do a job like yours for you when I was doing that type of work. I made more money and received great referrels by helping people such as yourself.

 

[Ign]

exact same thread:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=83272

 

[robertwhite]

I think it is just the industry. Too many contractors think they can play games with the customer. I am in the middle of a rebuild (R&R tin, lath, add on a shop, etc) on my almost 10,000 sq ft barn. I had no less than 6 different companies come out to the site and look it over, take measurements, etc.

From the ones that called back, I got bids from under $20K to over $45K (and that was from a Mennonite, believe it or not). Everyone of them had varying ideas of how to go about doing the job. The vast majority of ideas would have been them cutting corners and pocketing the money. (I have building experience, but I have injuries preventing and had zero desire to do this build myself, so I know right from wrong, building wise)

I went with the one GC who called me up every couple of days asking me if I had any questions or if I had thought about changing this or that. Was he desperate for work? Maybe, but he shows up with his crew every morning and every one of them is courteous and does their job without bitching or moaning.

We have however been trying to get a concrete guy to show up for almost 2 weeks and the GC is just as annoyed as I am about it. He will be getting someone else in the next day or so.

I am also remodeling my house and you would not believe how hard it is to find competent people. I have horror stories about that.

 

[danski0224]

Someone above mentioned not doing line item breakdown of the job... why not? As the one who's footing the bill, I think I have the right to know what it is I'm paying for, yes? Not saying it's required for all jobs, but on something like a building being constructed, I think a detailed breakdown is more than reasonable - beyond just understanding the costing of the job during the many phases of construction, there might be cost savings to be found by doing so (which don't necessarily affect the contractor's bottom line).

That is not part of a "free estimate".

As part of a consultation fee, sure.

Unless the client provides a set of specifications and a materials list, of course.

 

[srmofo]

John I can share your frsutration. I went throught the same thing 2 years ago when I was just trying to get my concrete done. I was acting as the general contractor and built it myself, so I only had to deal with one area of subs. I called around 13 guys, some would spit out a way high number over the phone, some wouldnt give a quote over the phone (but refused to show up on site), and others wouldnt even answer the damn phone.

I only had 2 give on site quotes. And since you are in my area I would gladly recommend GBR concrete to you.

I also had miami valley garage builders come out and give me a quote. They are general contractors. Comparing how much I spent to their quote, their percentage was probably above 30%.

My suggestion is to handle it in phases. Find a guy to do the foundation. Then find some amish guys to raise the structure. Have a roofer lined up before the building is raised so you can get it under roof to prevent any weather damage. Then siding guys. Once thats all done, Find your electrician, which I can also recommend an awesome guy that does great work if you are near the dayton area. Just pm if you need his info,

 

[Holedgr]

With all these horror stories, it's no wonder guys don't want to be contractors anymore. We spend more time trying to prove we are not crooks than showing past work or our credentials. Kind of sad. So much bias against people BEFORE they even open their mouths. I find it ironic that with so very much information at our fingertips, that people aren't more informed. I said it in other threads. Good contractors LOVE an informed homeowner. Forget the rest...keep trying...you may have top hire from further out and pay a little more, but ya get what ya pay for and your area may be devoid of decent guys. I'd offer to do some of the work, but SE OHIO? Kinda far. Good luck.

-Tony

 

[jkeyser14]

I've had the same problem. I need my septic system replaced. I called 7 different companies trying to arrange quotes. Only 4 returned my phone calls and set up a time to come look at the job. I took a day off of work to meet with people. Out of all the companies, only one actually came out, the rest no showed. Now I've only got one quote which makes it hard to judge whether or not the price is good.