As we all learn in life, everything is not always as it seems nor is everyone as honest as they seem... It turns out that our water feature created by rock guy and his cohorts was a quick and easy, a slick willy - we were taken advantage of in a very bad way. This happened because we trusted them...
The first indication of an issue was that they used a sump pump instead of a pond pump. We caught them on that one easily. Then irrigation guy came to put in the sprinkler system and he said he had to be honest - we got ripped off. There was no skimmer to filter the water and no auto fill unit. And he said that the guys who did the pond were not licensed to do that kind of work - you have to have a special license to put in ponds, do planting, etc. In actuality, he thought they were going to have him do that work along with the irrigation system. So he went to bat for us and went after the fellow that rock guy works for. Of course, that guy blamed everything on rock guy! But in the end he realized that he was in lot of trouble - irrigation guy was ready to turn him in to the landscaper's board and we were ready to retain legal counsel. So he is paying for irrigation guy to do a makeover on the water feature and the area around it. Turns out they never had dirt delivered for the work, they just scabbed our land for what they needed and left a moon scape. And we paid for numerous loads of soil...
So today there is a bobcat going back and forth with dirt that is being delivered by the dump truck load and irrigation guy and his worker are attempting to repair the landscape behind the water feature. They have been so busy here. Last week they worked on the water feature and also put in sod - we have lawn now. Early this morning a big delivery truck came and delivered four pallets of pavers for the work that will be starting this week in the side yard.
We are all about getting things done here. We realize that we are not going to be able to do it all ourselves and are finally calling in help. But it is kind of scary and just this side of stressful. I think there have been guys working outside my windows since last fall! First it was the new roofing, then the new deck. Next it was rock guy doing his thing and now irrigation guy is taking over. For folks who live this far out in the country in the last place on a dead end road, this is a whole lot of activity. But it will all be good when it is done - it has to be or we will probably go nuts! And on top of it all, we have lost deck guy - our contractor/carpenter who we were planning to use for a number of other projects. He is in love and has packed up to move to Texas. Our hearts fell - he was so great - did really good work and we really liked him... But maybe he will be back - he has been in love before...
5 comments:
Oh my...what a mess!! It is so hard to find good workers today...that is why my hubs and I do it all ourselves...less stressful for us even though it takes so long. Of course, that is our job....don't think we could do it if we worked full time else where like you guys do....I have thought to myself many times ...if something happnened to Larry I would simply sell everything and move into my little trailer...that is about all I could take care of on my own!! Take care...love your new background!
So sorry you have to do things over. We have been ripped off a few times ourselves by dishonest workers. It is so aggravating. I feel like the only way to protect myself is to study what is being done before they show up so that I can possibly see if what they are doing doesn't look right. I have learned alot that way but it shouldn't be necessary. Now I ask a million questions while they are working. Making them explain what they are doing and why. I also watch them the whole time if I am able to. I know I probably drive the good ones crazy but it is hard to trust them when I have been cheated in the past.
It is good news that your irrigation guy told you about the problems and was willing to help you out. Hope that all your work is completed to perfection and you have a beautiful landscape to enjoy very soon.
Oh that is just awful. It is so hard to tell about people anymore. Sometimes it seems there are more dishonest workers then those that are above board. Thankfully you had someone to go to bat for you to set things right. It will be nice when it is all done. I can just imagine how peaceful it will be to have it all completed and ready to enjoy. I am looking forward to pictures of its completion.
It's sad when folks don't want to do the right thing to begin wih! An old boss of mine used to say "you have to take ownership of what ever task you are working on!"
How true that was...and still is!
Glad you are finally getting things done the good guy way...hope it all works out for the better!
And, sometimes, you can't do it yourself and have to count on professionals. The one thing I've learned to do is to actually contact previous customers. If the contractor won't give you that information, I won't hire. The whole process is exhausting...I'm so sorry you had to experience this.
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