Christian Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 We moved into this house in May 2006 and like most people had to wait a while for things to be done due to funds. We had a new fence put up, a chicken area built and the veggie garden fence erected. Alas no funds for proper raised beds, paths etc, so I was patient. This wasn't easy for meas its not a quality I possess, but I really wanted a veggie garden that would look nice in the winter as well. So I waited. And waited. And waited. Finally at the start of this year, funds were available so I called the 'fence man' (Builder and Gardener) to arrange for the work to be done. As he was sooooo busy, we agreed on the 23rd April. I wasn't a happy chicken, but at least he was booked. All good so far. I have spent the past 5 weeks, carefully growing beans, tomatoes, sweetcorn, sweetpeas, peas, chard, courgettes, pumpkins etc on every available window sill. Spent Sunday preparing the veggie space, clearing the old beds and generally tidying up. Did the B*gg*r show up yesterday??? No he didn't! He isn't answering his 'phone!!! Now maybe I am being harsh and something has happened. I have left 2, 'bright and cheery' messages on his phone, very casual, 'Hi its me, could you give me a call sometime' type of thing, but nothing, zilch, nichts!!!! I really hope he is ok, but somehow I think he is! I am so upset. I have waited so long for this. The work would have taken a week, so perfect timing for me to get planting before my working block again. OH is just so thankful that he is back at work and doesn't have to be here looking at my sour lemon face!!!! Sorry for the rant................and breathe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillfamily Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 That's terrible Christian You rant away.............it's well deserved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 You rant as much as you want - it's appalling behaviour to not answer phone calls Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carolinep Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 Not returning phone calls thats one of my pet hates , not turning up to do the job at all I really hope that you can get something sorted out Christian, it's so disappointing when you look forward to something and it doesn't happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 Christian, I had a similar thing with a guy who agreed to come and fix our garage roof and get rid of the asbestos. I called him the week before the agreed date to remind him. He did manage to pick up the phone, but he put it down on me when I reminded him about what needed doing. How rude! He now comes highly unrecommended! Hope you manage to get it sorted. I'd give my money to somebody else now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhapsody Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 Call him from someone else's phone so he doesnt recognise the number and enjoy his reaction as you are soooooooo polite about it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 That's what I did Rhapsody - I think it's just so rude not to return calls. I'd rather that they get in touch to explain that they can't now do the job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pepe Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 It makes my blood boil when things like that happen, there may be a good reason, so give him a couple of days. These people don't realise when their work runs out, they need all customers, from the past to pass on good words, because you never know when times may be hard! hope everything gets sorted Christian, very soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 Have you parted with any money? Threaten him with the small claims court if you have, if he doesn't complete the job within ( you choose the timescale). I had to do this once with a plasterer.. He turned up within the hour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 Me too Egluntine.. one errant worker had foolishly left most of his tools at my house before going AWOL. I left him a message saying that I would hold them against the part payment that I had already made until he finished the job to my satisfaction. Reckon I'd got him by the dangly bits because he was bad, grumbling,but finished the job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted April 24, 2007 Author Share Posted April 24, 2007 Thanks everyone! I am in such a stinking mood!!! The plan was to have the veggie area finished by Friday. Then off to Scotland to visit OHs Mum, then I had a couple of days planting time before work. I feel like crying!!! I know its silly with all that is going on in the world, but i've just had enough. I've waited for so long!!!! I don't have the ability to do this myself. Plus i'm still visiting a physio for my back. Luckily, no money has changed hands! We used this guy to do our fence and chicken area and he is really good. Just left another message for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 Deep breaths Christian. It's so frustrating when other people promise something, then let you down without any notice and your plans have to be interupted. I'd be in tears by now too out of frustration and deflation at waiting and wasting such valuable time. I hope when/if you do manage to speak to him he has a good reason for letting you down. Give him this last chance, then call somebody else. At least it will be sorted and off your mind, if a little later than planned and you can relax again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 Christian! So sorry! What a nightmare! How about link a boards? You could always get them, do the raised beds and if you're really dead set on wooden raised beds, get someone else in for next spring and flog the link a boards on Ebay or something.... ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 Good idea Annie We've got Link-a-bords and Harry and Jul;es put them together they are dead easy and at least you'll be able to get your veggies in Christian We had that happen with a plasterer, he turned up and immediately went home, never to be seen or heard from again......by us at least Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 Call him from someone else's phone so he doesnt recognise the number and enjoy his reaction as you are soooooooo polite about it excellent idea my pet hates too - not answering your calls - where's his manners?? You keep your lemon face - your entitled..I'd be cheesed off too! Hope you get it sorted soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 Christian what a pants situation! I would be very annoyed too! Can you ask around and see if someone else can do it for you? After all the hassle this guy has given you do you really still want him? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 Oh, Christian, how frustrating for you. I hope that he turns up with abject apologies and a very good excuse very soon. Otherwise the linkabord idea sounds like a good one, we've got some too and they're a doddle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted April 25, 2007 Author Share Posted April 25, 2007 Still no news, so I have another guy coming over at 1430 to give me a quote. If its acceptable he can do the work next week, so still time to get planting!!! Fingers crossed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted April 25, 2007 Share Posted April 25, 2007 Good luck Christian. What a palaver eh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted April 25, 2007 Author Share Posted April 25, 2007 Tell me about it Gina! I've been in a fool mood for 3 days! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted April 25, 2007 Share Posted April 25, 2007 Good luck Christian! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted April 25, 2007 Share Posted April 25, 2007 Tell me about it Gina! I've been in a fool mood for 3 days! Would that be a 'Strawberry Fool' Christian I should have said..'What a pavlova......" I did like the Lemon Face description Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted April 25, 2007 Author Share Posted April 25, 2007 That would be foul mood! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted April 25, 2007 Share Posted April 25, 2007 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted April 26, 2007 Author Share Posted April 26, 2007 A guy came over yesterday and quoted for 2 raised beds. As there is a licac tree stump in the middle of where I want a bed, that would have to be taken out. He quoted £20 per hour per man. Two man job, Two days. That £320 per day, PLUS materials. He is barking mad if he thinks I'm paying that. So OH and I went to Wickes and bought the wood and we made a 12' by 2' bed in about an hour last night! Just need to make 2 x 6' by 2" beds today. My very kind neighbour Rob (with super human strength) said he would dig out the stump to save my back! I am like a new person all smiley and happy now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...