How difficult to get a handyman

debodun

debodun

SF VIP
Location
way upstate in New York, USA
I need some dead branches removed from a small maple tree. About a week ago, I called a tree guy I used a few years ago. His answering machine picked up and announced his mailbox was full and couldn't accept any more calls. Another said he was having truck trouble. Then I called another - he just called be back this morning and said he would be here at noon. It is now 2 pm and he hasn't shown or called.

I also tried to get someone to do some odd jobs and he said he isn't taking any work right now.
 

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We're at their mercy.

About seven years ago we decided to have the interior of our house painted -- it took us five years to find someone to do it. Like you, we had unanswered phones and no-shows. We finally got someone by calling all the names on a list given us by one of the big home stores.

He did a good job painting the inside of our 2000 sq ft house (all but one bedroom) but he charged four times what Google says is the average rate and it took him four weeks to do it.

That whole time the dog and I had to stay out of his way, keep the air conditioner cranked high, listen to his music on his boom box, and put up with his schedule. He never started before noon even though we get up at five and he had promised early starts.

Total cost $10,000.
 
debodun said:
I need some dead branches removed from a small maple tree. About a week ago, I called a tree guy I used a few years ago. His answering machine picked up and announced his mailbox was full and couldn't accept any more calls. Another sais he was having truck trouble. Then I called another - he just called be back this morning and said he would be here at noon. It is now 2 pm and he hasn't shown or called.

I also tried to get someone to do some odd jobs and he said he isn't taking any work right now.
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Ahhh, the joys of home ownership!

You knew this would be a problem for you in your semi-rural area, Deb. Count on paying more due to gas hikes if you do ever get someone. Please be safe about this and good luck.
 
I've never tried them myself but there are charities here which give advice to older people, including access to a handyman. I have a load of electricals which need to go the re-cycling so might pop in and ask if they can recommend someone.
 
debodun said:
I need some dead branches removed from a small maple tree. About a week ago, I called a tree guy I used a few years ago. His answering machine picked up and announced his mailbox was full and couldn't accept any more calls. Another sais he was having truck trouble. Then I called another - he just called be back this morning and said he would be here at noon. It is now 2 pm and he hasn't shown or called.

I also tried to get someone to do some odd jobs and he said he isn't taking any work right now.
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If these branches are fairly low to the ground, you could buy a "pole saw", for less than $50, and do it yourself. If NY prices are like our local prices, you would probably wind up paying $200, or more, for any simple "handyman" chore.
 
Don M. said:
If these branches are fairly low to the ground, you could buy a "pole saw", for less than $50, and do it yourself. If NY prices are like our local prices, you would probably wind up paying $200, or more, for any simple "handyman" chore.
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removed my post it's not relevant
 
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debodun said:
The tree guy showed up today - who would have thought on a Sunday? He said the tree is on its way out determined by what he called lion-tailing and excessive lichen growth all over and recommended total removal. $650.
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That's the stump too, right? I don't know much about tree removal.
 
Geezer Garage said:
I do all my own work, but have had no luck finding a decent helper even though I pay well. Have pretty much come to the conclusion that I will just do it myself, and take a little longer getting it done, and be happy with the finished product.
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Yep I'm the same way. I look at some of the work friends have had "professionals" do at their homes and can only shake my head.
 
Geezer Garage said:
I do all my own work, but have had no luck finding a decent helper even though I pay well. Have pretty much come to the conclusion that I will just do it myself, and take a little longer getting it done, and be happy with the finished product.
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talking of people who don't want to work.
I was watching a Youtube Video where this 19 year old guy had worked for a well known Courier company. He was moaning about having to travel 2 miles to the depot to collect the parcels.. work from 9am to 6pm..when he thought 9-2pm was more than adequate ...and that he had to travel 12 miles to his delivery area... even tho' in his own words he was earning a high wage

he was getting loads of sympathy and likes ( over 38,000).. and people calling for the closure of this company..( we all know the name of the company)

Highly indicative of so many of this generation who want money but don't want to work for it...
 
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