How do you deal with workman that are unreliable and never turn up when they say they will?

Question

So what's your magic formula to get them going.

Answer 1

Withhold cash until the job's done. Only pay for the materials that are onsite and if necessary include a clause in the contract that they finish by a certain date or you deduct  a certain amount.  If things go too far contact trading standards.

Of course, treat them with absolute courtesy at all times &  I always find that providing chocolate biscuits can sometimes be an incentive to turn up!

Answer 2

I agree that craftsmen should be accorded respect and civility . Hopefully they will do the same . However, some are beyond redemption . Budding author has an appalling attitude , and I wonder whether he has any qualifications whatever, in any field . He is the type of person that would be treated by anyone he employed to do work as a nuisance and a headache to work for.

Answer 3

There are services like Angieslist.com,Yahoo local,  Google maps where you can research the local work men in your area. On sights like these you can post your experiences with these work men booth good and bad.  You can alert your neighbors of bad workmen and you can find out who are the good one.

Answer 4

A friend of mine went with a company called the handyman connection. it's a franchise with a corporate office you can complain to and they guarantee their work. Look it up. You may pay a little bit more but at least you'll know what your getting and have it in writing with a guarantee.

Answer 5

Fire them and hire someone reliable. I don't put up with incompetents.

Answer 6

Yes, I see your problem!

                               I don't know what your answers are all about, you asked about workmen, they are going on about craftsmen, is there a difference, is a craftsman a sort of primma donna workman?  Don't they both work?

                                If I employ some one to do a job, I get a price for the job and a rough idea of how long it should take.

                                If they slack off , I get rid and get some one else, plenty about, (workmen and craftsmen)!!!!  Do not pay the slackers for work done to date, if they choose to argue it out in court, let them get on with it!

                                   They have no chance.

Yes it is frustrating, and causes delays, but do not put up with these tossers, craftsmen or not!

Answer 7

don't pay them until the job is done, or give them some money when the work is half way through... some but not half.. if they are messing you about tell them you will pay them for what you think their work is worth up to that point and get someone else... but before you hire you should ask if they mind if you ring at least 2 other of their customers ...i have found a great workman/handyman ...and i have gladly added my name to his list of happy clients.. x

Answer 8

First of all , to call a craftsman a workman is derogatory , if you do not look on these people, who have had to be trained to a skilled level, as inferior ,they will grant you the same respect.