Well I just overpaid... Don't do what I did

Seattle, Washington
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Well I just overpaid... Don't do what I did

Liam Naughton
Real Estate Agent · Bellevue · Member since 2019 · 80 posts · 71 votes

A pipe burst at one of my properties due to the cold weather.

I called around to get it fixed and ended up going with a referral from someone at my brokerage.

RED FLAG #1: He sounded rushed on the phone, he was in the middle of something and sounded like he was moving too quickly.

He mentioned that he could get to my property later on that same day which would've been nice but brings us to,

RED FLAG #2: He canceled for the evening saying the job he was at was taking longer than expected and told me he could get to it the following morning.

RED FLAG #3: At no point during any of our phone calls does he mention a price.

But I figured hey, since it's a recommendation from a coworker, pricing can't be too bad. We're both investors after all.

While working on the job, he was cursing and making a huge fuss about replacing copper piping that had burst in multiple locations. The whole job took about 2 hours and cost...

$1,250.00

I had already turned the water main off and easily could've waited to bid out the project and saved hundreds of dollars.

Don't do what I did... Don't get rushed into a project, if you can take your time, do take your time. It'll save you money and buyer's remorse.

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Nathan Harden
Real Estate Agent · Puyallup, WA · Member since 2022 · 551 posts · 379 votes
2y

Okay, sounds like this may be your first run in with somebody that is in the trades...? 

None of these are "Red Flags". So what, you called the guy and he sounded rushed. Well yeah, he was probably in the middle of his work day and sounds like he was hustling around trying to get something done. How is that a red flag?

#1. Construction workers cuss, they are adults, he's a big boy. Work in construction, you'll see. It gets frustrating.

#2. He didn't give you a bid over the phone. Well yeah, he has no idea what he is going to be walking in to and what needs replaced/the extent of the damages over a phone call?

#3. You're upset that it took 2 hours? You do not pay someone for their time, you pay for the experience they bring to the table and how well they get the job done. Would you have felt better if you hired somebody to do the same job but it took them 6 hours? 

This is no different than ordering something online and paying the overnight fee because you need it asap. You pay extra for priority shipping so it gets to you ASAP. That is no different than you needing a pipe fixed ASAP. You will pay "priority" pricing if you need something done right away.

Last note, sounds like he was professional enough to call you and tell you that his current job was taking longer than expected. Did you want him to drop everything that he was doing for that client even though his job wasn't finished? No. The man stayed true to his client and finished the job then was there to help you the next day. He was there at the drop of a hat with clear communication. There are no "Red Flags" at all.

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  • Mary Smith
    Rental Property Investor · Member since 2021 · 385 posts · 197 votes
    2y

    @Liam Naughton It's really unfortunate to have pipes bursting but thank you for sharing, this is going to be helpful for so many people!

    0Reply
  • Nathan Harden
    Real Estate Agent · Puyallup, WA · Member since 2022 · 551 posts · 379 votes
    2y

    Okay, sounds like this may be your first run in with somebody that is in the trades...? 

    None of these are "Red Flags". So what, you called the guy and he sounded rushed. Well yeah, he was probably in the middle of his work day and sounds like he was hustling around trying to get something done. How is that a red flag?

    #1. Construction workers cuss, they are adults, he's a big boy. Work in construction, you'll see. It gets frustrating.

    #2. He didn't give you a bid over the phone. Well yeah, he has no idea what he is going to be walking in to and what needs replaced/the extent of the damages over a phone call?

    #3. You're upset that it took 2 hours? You do not pay someone for their time, you pay for the experience they bring to the table and how well they get the job done. Would you have felt better if you hired somebody to do the same job but it took them 6 hours? 

    This is no different than ordering something online and paying the overnight fee because you need it asap. You pay extra for priority shipping so it gets to you ASAP. That is no different than you needing a pipe fixed ASAP. You will pay "priority" pricing if you need something done right away.

    Last note, sounds like he was professional enough to call you and tell you that his current job was taking longer than expected. Did you want him to drop everything that he was doing for that client even though his job wasn't finished? No. The man stayed true to his client and finished the job then was there to help you the next day. He was there at the drop of a hat with clear communication. There are no "Red Flags" at all.

    9Reply
  • Account Closed
    Investor · Scottsdale Austin Tuktoyaktuk · Member since 2021 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Liam Naughton:

    A pipe burst at one of my properties due to the cold weather.

    I called around to get it fixed and ended up going with a referral from someone at my brokerage.

    Houses are expensive, then they break.

    1Reply
  • Bill B.
    Investor · Las Vegas, NV · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 10k+ votes
    2y

    Best part is you won’t even remember this in 5 years. I wish I had memorable $1200 problems. 

    1Reply
  • Laura Stayton
    Property Manager · DE · Member since 2023 · 248 posts · 133 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Nathan Harden:

    Okay, sounds like this may be your first run in with somebody that is in the trades...? 

    None of these are "Red Flags". So what, you called the guy and he sounded rushed. Well yeah, he was probably in the middle of his work day and sounds like he was hustling around trying to get something done. How is that a red flag?

    #1. Construction workers cuss, they are adults, he's a big boy. Work in construction, you'll see. It gets frustrating.

    #2. He didn't give you a bid over the phone. Well yeah, he has no idea what he is going to be walking in to and what needs replaced/the extent of the damages over a phone call?

    #3. You're upset that it took 2 hours? You do not pay someone for their time, you pay for the experience they bring to the table and how well they get the job done. Would you have felt better if you hired somebody to do the same job but it took them 6 hours? 

    This is no different than ordering something online and paying the overnight fee because you need it asap. You pay extra for priority shipping so it gets to you ASAP. That is no different than you needing a pipe fixed ASAP. You will pay "priority" pricing if you need something done right away.

    Last note, sounds like he was professional enough to call you and tell you that his current job was taking longer than expected. Did you want him to drop everything that he was doing for that client even though his job wasn't finished? No. The man stayed true to his client and finished the job then was there to help you the next day. He was there at the drop of a hat with clear communication. There are no "Red Flags" at all.


     Agree with everything here

    1Reply
  • Samuel CoronadoPro Member
    Investor · Huntsville, AL · Member since 2016 · 348 posts · 182 votes
    2y

    It takes $2000-$3000 to replace all those old crappy copper or PVC pipes with PEX. Way cheaper if you do it yourself (very easy DIY for a one day adventure). I'd take that route and you'll never have an issue of busted pipes again. No pinhole leaks, cracks from expansion, or long wait times for glue to cure in freezing temperatures. PEX is king. 

    1Reply
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