Originally posted by @Deisy P.:
Thank you all for you comments. This all came about because two things just piled up on me on me at the same time. I don't have a trusted handy man, a go to lawyer, a go to contractor for anything. Any way, a realtor friend referred me to his and he fixed a couple of things in my apartment and then I brought up an issue w/ the coach house roof. He went up there and talked about things that he saw and took a few pics and stupid me I didn't research any of it and took his word for the things that needed to be done. He verbally told me the scope of the work would be about 4 days and possibly might higher someone else for $7,800. I paid him half up front and then the rest later. The time came and texted me that he had got there and to open the side gate. 3 hours later texted he was done. DONE? You said it would take 4 days? "I used the best materials and i have 21 years of experience." He said more things but the work was already done so I paid him the rest. I told my realtor friend and he said, why didn't you tell me sooner? I didn't know he was going to go from 4 days to 3 hours without notifying me! So basically he charged me $5,095 just for labor. I emailed him about it after I searched the work and the time between coats and he said he used a dry torch for the sealant or whatever it's called and said he performed work that should have cost me $14k. I gave him the opportunity to give me back a portion of the money and he's not budging. He's not on yelp and i can't find him in BBB. So basically, I feel like an idiot and I should have known better and it's a learning experience but I feel very embarrassed for letting that have happened and I am truly doubting myself yeah, in thinking this isn't for me. I called a professional roofer and the man brought his son and I explained what happened, looked at me and asked me where the man of the house was. In complete shock, I exclaimed that I was the "man" of the house. It was very upsetting and with the tenant that's not paying me anything and I can't do anything about it right now...it's just overwhelming.
I am a woman. And I am a black woman, lol. I'm married, but I take the lead when it comes to REI because I am borderline obsessed and I love it. I have people on my team and close to me that are other races and male, one because I like everybody and importantly, it limits things like this from happening. A few things I see:
1. YOU WERE TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF
2. The "contractor" was a douche.
Both problems could have been avoided by having a better system in place. Do NOT stop the beautiful business of real estate because of these two bad experiences. They have already happened and you have learned from them. The con artist would have probably done this to a man also. Having more people on your team helps because there will be more eyes on things that happen and it forces you to have a good way of doing things in your absence. Always get multiple quotes and trust your instincts. Men and women can both do very well in real estate, but you can't break down after a few bad experiences. Sulk and cry if you must, but do not give up. Do not let your story end here! I recently hired a guy, that was referred to me by an investor I wanted to build a relationship with. This guy showed up 15 minutes late, fought with my other contractors that were working at the same time, he told my other contractors to leave and he then took a 3 hour lunch. I literally cried. I was under a crazy amount of stress trying to get everything done well and quickly and he ruined it. I overlooked my instincts, and hired someone I never should have....it happens, this is real estate. Men and women investors both complain about the quality and professionalism of contractors. It happens. Maybe take up running or a hobby to release negative energy. This will not be the last time you will get frustrated. But in the grand scheme of things, it really isn't a big deal and you may laugh about it later.
