I was contacted by Ken Barnett who works for Justin Gentry and we buy houses out of Norman, OK. Ken tells me that he got my name by referral from one of his peers in the residential construction business. He wanted me to give him an estimate on some electrical work. I agreed to meet with him and walk one of the properties he needed wired. He spent the first thirty minutes pumping up my ego and telling me how I was highly thought of by the person who referred him to me, I seemed to be very sharp and knowledgable, I appeared and handled myself as a professional, etc. Then he proceeded to tell me that he would like to give me their full work load (3-4 houses a month) if I could give him a good deal. Based on the promise of the continuing work, I gave him a price for installation that he could not refuse. He did. He instead told me that he thought we had a deal, "but let me talk to Justin". After two days I called Ken back to find out he had passed my bid to another unlicensed electrician who beat me out by a nickle a sq ft. They explained to me that this guy had been doing work for them and they wanted to give hime the benefit of the job. They also told me he had a license, a lie. Ken expressed that he was once again not happy with the work that thier electrician had done so he would like for me to give them an estimate for thier next project. (newer, larger, custom built home) Against my instinct, I offered them a price on the next property. My prices were set in writting for both Ken and Justin to review. My bid was excepted, a contract was written
and signed, I installed a temporary electrical pole so the framing and other crews could work. When it was time for me to begin the electrical roughin portion, Justing began to ask me for things that were not included in the contract. The language was clear as day. They wrote it. When I told him that these things would result in additional charges, Justin said that he would have to think about what all they want to add. Three days later when I finally had to call Ken back, he told me that they had once again "shopped" my bid out and let someone else have the job. I told them that would be fine, although I was not happy. I removed my temporary pole and disconnected the power. When OGE electric went out to recover the meter they called me and asked if I had reconsidered because there was another electrical pole on the property. After contacting the City office, it was apparent to the City of Midwest City and I that they had gotten the other "electrician" to install a new pole on my permit, and had already began the rough in on my permit. I was able to retract my permit and disassociate myself with the project. I sent a bill to Justin and We Buy Houses for the temporary power I had installed and for the use of the equipment until I pulled it. Justin wasn't going to pay a dime until I called him to follow up. After discussing the situation and explaining to him that if our peers in the industry would have never referred me if they were aware of this type of unprofessional business practices performed by Justin or his employees. Justing then agreed that the right thing to do would be to pay. However, two weeks later when the check showed up, it was for less than half of the invoice I sent him. Justin meerly stated to me that is what they normally pay thier (unlicensed) guy.
These guys are crooks. They do everything they can to keep from using qualified tradesmen. When they do call you, they expect you to do it for the same price as the unqualified and ignorant handymen they use.
I would not think twice about these guys, but I spent weeks trying to accomodate these guys and I already had equipment installed and had done a material take off and acquired the permit. (I spent money on these guys)
This is the fifth home investment company that I have had dealings with since going independent, and all but one (Dutch), practice the same thing. I have fixed problems all over this metro area for the unqualified handymen that these guys keep using. They wouldnt call me for that if I didn't give them a steal of a price. There is no room in the housing rehabilitation market for hard working, honest, well priced do whats right good guys.
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