"Rog" wrote in message
...
I'm trying to get a exposed aggregate patio under my 2nd story deck in
the Tacoma, WA metropolitan area. Size of the patio to be poured is
21'x32'. It's not to grade and will need to be excavated some as
there is a 3 degree slope towards the house.

This past week I've called 8 different contractors. Two set times to
come out for estimates and then never showed. Called them back and
they rescheded and didn't show again. Another contractor said he was
on the road and would call me back when he pulled over. No call back.
The rest don't call back when I leave messages.

A neighbor who's a plumber specializing in commercial construction
said that with all the new construction going on, nobody's going to
leave the big jobs to do a one-shot patio. He gave me cards on two
contractors who never returned my calls. Within two miles of my house
there are 3 new subdivisions going up with about 200 homes planned.
(Zoning lets them build them 12 feet apart and people still pay
$160k+)

What do I need to do? Should I mention to the contractors that I'm
willing to pay cash? Do I wait for the economy to go south again?
Do I get out my pick and shovel (lots of rocks) and do the excavation
myself? There's room to manuver a bobcat but I've never tried one.


last resort, go to the jobsites and quietly ask the foremen of the crews if
they are looking for any side work. Do not make a big deal about it and be
sure to size up the situation before you start yelling "side work" at the
top of your lungs. If the boss is about they will say no. Becareful you may
get exactly what you asked for. Payment should be as the job progresses. If
you decide on this method make sure you get the concrete ticket from the
cement truck. That will be the proof of what the mix really is. Do your
home work before deciding on this method


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