"Kim" wrote in message
...
My husband has been remodeling our house himself for the past 5 years. On
the
3 occasions we needed someone to do some work, 2 out of 3 made
appointments and
didn't show up or call, and one showed up once, then never showed up
again.

Is this the norm?

We are currently finishing a kitchen remodel and need to have a granite
counter
installed. Called a guy who was recommended, he made an appointment to
come
today at 1:00 and show samples, etc. And never showed up or called.
What gives?

Any suggestions on finding someone reliable?

Thanks,
Kim

Welcome to the world of remoldeling!
In my last house I spent over $100,000 fixing the place up and had some good
and some bad experiences. What you complain about is very common. I got so I
would call 10 contractors knowing that maybe 3 or 4 just might call back and
probably 2 would come by for a quote. Just keep plugging away. If they are
flakes and don't show on time....forget about them...they will be flakes all
the way through the project. Just don't get desparate and hire anyone. If
they return your call, show on time and are licensed, bonded, insured and
have no problems with the licensing board....you may have found a good one.
Get a quote with a start and finish time "in writing" and only pay for
materials in advance and make certain they are purchased by you directly and
not the contractor because if they disappear, you can be liable for them.
Good luck with your remodel!!.........Ross