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

[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.

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.

[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.