Mr. Trompeter was recommended by a mutual friend, who related that he was on hard times and needed work. Although I usually try and do my own work, there was some heavy demolition that I wasn't too eager to mess with, so I thought it would be a perfect chance to give Mr. Trompeter a chance to prove himself.
I contracted with Mr. Trompeter to remove a set of cement steps from the south side of my dwelling, remove 12 feet of sidewalk, and dig five forty-eight inch deep by twelve inch footings for a future porch.
This work was to commence at 7 am on Tuesday, 6th of April and continue until the work was done. A price was agreed upon, with the understanding that more work would be forthcoming if I was satisfied with his performance of the demolition.
Mr. Trompeter began the job well after eleven o'clock, giving no explanation as to his tardiness. He was to have supplied his own tools and supplies. He brought a light sledge hammer and no shakers or drills for the steps. He worked for eighteen minutes and was ready to give it up. He told me he had to go get a hammer drill from his company warehouse, and bring extra labour.
I told him I didn't bid for two workers, and he assured me he wouldn't charge me extra. He then informed me that he wasn't going to come back Tuesday because of rain, and later changed his story to include his mother falling down a flight of stairs and tool shortages.in the end, he changed his story five times.
I spoke to him later that day via telephone, and reminded him that he had a contract to complete, and he became mean and defensive, and told me that he only agreed to the bid for himself, but since he had to bring help it would cost me extra. I told him this was not acceptable and that if he wished to renegotiate the contract we would have to meet and bilaterally come to terms.
He has refused to return to finish the job, refused to clean up the mess he made doing the little he did do, and has made it necessary to contract other labour to complete the job he bungled. He threw a public temper tantrum and made a spectacle of himself for the rest of the neighbourhood, and has generally proved himself unworthy of further consideration for further projects.
I also learned that he is contracting work without a license and insurance.in Iowa, you need both. He also made false representations concerning his status as a roofer in California, and claimed affiliation with a union that he had no part of. He was heard to make threats about coming back to my home when I was gone.
Avoid this looser like the plague-you'll be better of for it!
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