Don't be fooled by the Owner's promptness to your initial appointment. The owner was very self-boasting, self-promoting and rushed. He got the bid out very quickly along with two extensive contracts of items that are important to his company. It was only a $3400 job. ""small scale"" He promised to start job within 14 to 18 days. When I got the contract I noticed that the start and finish date were not in place. I called and asked for those dates to be included, generously giving him at least 4 weeks to play with. The owner gave me "" his word"" that it would be finished and told me that if there were any delays that he would keep me informed. He said, ""just sign it and I will fill it in later"" I noticed the beginnings of excuses when I talked to him on the phone. Death, illness, rain, injury, other people's jobs that may be more important than mine. After waiting for a day to get the date, the receptionist called to let me know that they ""just could not give me a date"" After some discussion she agreed to give me a completion date 5 months from the original date. I declined to sign the contract. I believe the owner was completley focused on getting me to sign the contract so that he could drag me on all the while holding a possible Mechanic's Lien over me. Contracts are two party instruments and when one party will not budge you should wonder why. I am glad that I stuck to my guns. I think it would have turned out bad. I would rather wait than get into a bad relationship with a selfish company.
Pros: On time to initial bidding appointment, quick to drop off bid
Cons: Starting making excuses right off and they only got worse. Only worried about getting you to sign their contract.
more