Thanks so much for reading this post. First let me say that I have the highest regard for the plumbing profession, and most all plumbers are fine, hard working people. I mean no disrespect to anyone as I bring this issue to you for help.
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THE SHORT VERSION
I hired a plumber for construction of a new home. He has done part of the job, but has repeatedly failed to show up to complete it. He has already caused us 7 months in delays, just waiting for him. His most recent response is "I've been really busy and can't get good help, I don't know WHEN I'll be able to get to you."
I've heard "Fire him and hire someone else". Not so easy. I've put out some feelers and learned that EVERYBODY is busy right now and nobody wants to get mixed up completing work someone else started. The other contractors who previously bid on the project are unlikely to be interested, as I passed their bids for his.
I am open to any and all suggestions. Thanks in advance
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THE LONG VERSION - For those who like details....
I have a new home under construction and hired a plumber who was highly recommended by others, and from a family that has ties to my own. He was not the low bidder, I chose him because I believed he was highly qualified. The main problem has been getting him to show up. He typically says "Ill be there tommorrow" then we don't hear from him for weeks. We have been patiently accepting his excuses, as we just want to get it done. He also promised that it would be him and his helper doing the work, but so far, his helper has been working alone, which is another issue altogether, as I am not particularly confident in his abilities.
The house is above grade so the rough and top out are being done simultaneously. His helper did 60-75% of the work last year (after 3 months of waiting for him to show up). At that point he could not continue due to other trades (this was known in advance and planned as such) He asked me to give him a heads up when we were ready to finish the rough and top out.
I contacted him in March and told him we would be ready April 15. Six weeks later he finally showed up to look over things. The following week his helper showed up twice for a couple hours each time and did a little bit of work. Then six weeks went by with no contact, no response to phone calls or texts. Meanwhile he has been taking new jobs for his "regular contractors" and completing them.
I finally reached him last week. He told us he has been "really busy" and hasn't been able to find help. He said he didn't know WHEN he could get to us. But promised to call us Monday for an update. He didn't.
I've heard "Fire him and hire someone else". Not so easy. I've put out some feelers and learned that EVERYBODY is busy right now and nobody wants to get mixed up completing work someone else started. The other contractors who previously bid on the project are unlikely to be interested, as I passed their bids for his.
Then there is the issue of paying him fairly for the labor and materials for work that was already done. (He has not yet billed us). And permitting and inspecting the work...he has not obtained permits (it appears as though he is in the habit of obtaining the permit just before he calls for inspection, which is common here)
I am open to any and all suggestions. Thanks in advance
__________________________________
THE SHORT VERSION
I hired a plumber for construction of a new home. He has done part of the job, but has repeatedly failed to show up to complete it. He has already caused us 7 months in delays, just waiting for him. His most recent response is "I've been really busy and can't get good help, I don't know WHEN I'll be able to get to you."
I've heard "Fire him and hire someone else". Not so easy. I've put out some feelers and learned that EVERYBODY is busy right now and nobody wants to get mixed up completing work someone else started. The other contractors who previously bid on the project are unlikely to be interested, as I passed their bids for his.
I am open to any and all suggestions. Thanks in advance
__________________________________________
THE LONG VERSION - For those who like details....
I have a new home under construction and hired a plumber who was highly recommended by others, and from a family that has ties to my own. He was not the low bidder, I chose him because I believed he was highly qualified. The main problem has been getting him to show up. He typically says "Ill be there tommorrow" then we don't hear from him for weeks. We have been patiently accepting his excuses, as we just want to get it done. He also promised that it would be him and his helper doing the work, but so far, his helper has been working alone, which is another issue altogether, as I am not particularly confident in his abilities.
The house is above grade so the rough and top out are being done simultaneously. His helper did 60-75% of the work last year (after 3 months of waiting for him to show up). At that point he could not continue due to other trades (this was known in advance and planned as such) He asked me to give him a heads up when we were ready to finish the rough and top out.
I contacted him in March and told him we would be ready April 15. Six weeks later he finally showed up to look over things. The following week his helper showed up twice for a couple hours each time and did a little bit of work. Then six weeks went by with no contact, no response to phone calls or texts. Meanwhile he has been taking new jobs for his "regular contractors" and completing them.
I finally reached him last week. He told us he has been "really busy" and hasn't been able to find help. He said he didn't know WHEN he could get to us. But promised to call us Monday for an update. He didn't.
I've heard "Fire him and hire someone else". Not so easy. I've put out some feelers and learned that EVERYBODY is busy right now and nobody wants to get mixed up completing work someone else started. The other contractors who previously bid on the project are unlikely to be interested, as I passed their bids for his.
Then there is the issue of paying him fairly for the labor and materials for work that was already done. (He has not yet billed us). And permitting and inspecting the work...he has not obtained permits (it appears as though he is in the habit of obtaining the permit just before he calls for inspection, which is common here)
I am open to any and all suggestions. Thanks in advance
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