This is not competition

[RPetry 564]

Too many contractors complain and bemoan the fact of "low-ball, hack", beer guzzling, non-professionals in this business. In wood care, we get them too. Their shoddy work can be a source of new business.

We get a fair amount of "do over" business. This is the worst I have seen in a while, reference the attached picture.

Four month old, 420 sq. ft. ipe' deck. Prepped and stained by some "wanna be" contractor three weeks ago. Stain is Messmer's, but the prep and application is the problem.

Poor customer. Not only did he pay this joker, now he will be paying us guessing 3 times that amount to fix it and do the job right.

"Hacks" can be good for business.

[chris francis 15]

Too many contractors complain and bemoan the fact of "low-ball, hack", beer guzzling, non-professionals in this business. In wood care, we get them too. Their shoddy work can be a source of new business.

We get a fair amount of "do over" business. This is the worst I have seen in a while, reference the attached picture.

Four month old, 420 sq. ft. ipe' deck. Prepped and stained by some "wanna be" contractor three weeks ago. Stain is Messmer's, but the prep and application is the problem.

Poor customer. Not only did he pay this joker, now he will be paying us guessing 3 times that amount to fix it and do the job right.

"Hacks" can be good for business.

Nice hack job what did he do drink on the job looks like he missed alot spots.

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

:lol: THREE weeks ago?!?!?!?!?! :lol:

........are you telling me that job is 3 weeks old?

Beth

[plainpainter 217]

Not to change the topic, but is it just me that finds it annoying that these hardwood boards are so wide? I am doing a mahogany deck with the same width boards and they're all cupped like crazy! It would be one thing if they were quarter sawn - but flat grain cuts are always going to cup - it's better to have narrower boards.

Back to topic - yeah that job sucks. But even though they will be paying you 3x - are you still going to have the same profit margin had they gone with you initially?

[RPetry 564]

Beth,

So the owner claims, it was "prepped" and "stained" three weeks ago.

... it's better to have narrower boards.

Daniel,

I agree. Wish I had redone my own deck in 2 x 4 ipe'.

... are you still going to have the same profit margin had they gone with you initially?

Probably a bit more. We have to strip it.

[PressurePros 248]

ugggh..

[TNRoofCleaner 16]

I know that I am new to wood preservation but I don't think I could have done that bad in my sleep. They should be shot for doing that to such obviously beautiful wood. Or like the old salsa commercial Get A Rope.

[RPetry 564]

A close up picture of this customer rip off. Looks like the "contractor" could not hold the trigger for more than a few seconds. Wand marks every foot or so. This is near criminal.

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

Rick,

Looks awful! You should make them very happy when you are done. You'll have a customer for life.

Beth :cup:

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

That is what I would call 'Novice'. No understanding of the technique(s) used to clean wood with a wand. Also looks like this person did not use chems and did not defur the deck before hand.

That is truly a sad sight indeed.

I can understand your position Rick in it being good for business but by the same token, they are bad for business because they create a stigma of ineptitude about our industry. The pics you posted are a testament to that perception.

Albeit, the customer is just as much at fault for not doing their due diligence, they did not verify this contractors abilities and perhaps even went with them as the low bidder to save money in a down economy. Whatever the reason, the customer will look at our profession with skepticism and doubt and that will be conveyed in conversations this person will have in the future to others in their circle.

The ray of hope here is that I know you will correct it, and make this customer happy they chose to spend their money with you.

Rod!~

[RPetry 564]

:lol: THREE weeks ago?!?!?!?!?! :lol:

........are you telling me that job is 3 weeks old?

Beth

Beth,

Found out today, the ipe' was stained 2 weeks ago! Nice, huh?

Rod,

In some aspects, I disagree with you. I have the impression, yet unconfirmed, that this hack job was performed by a "handyman". At least in wood restoration or staining, these guys are bad news. Only one example and one customer, but the buzz does get around.

If a professional can clean up this mess and make a new ?$K ipe' deck look like it should, at least one client will understand. Maybe the word will be passed around, to neighbors, relatives, friends, business associates.

The word is hire a specialist contractor.

[James 624]

Last month I performed a Dexsorcism for a family on a Mahogany deck. Demon's had invaded the deck right after it was built 8 years ago. The Handyman put wrong stain on deck (solid stain). Twice they attempted to fix it with zero degree nozzel ! Then they remembered there was a person who was referred by the Builder to take care of the deck on the contract. Me!

[RPetry 564]

Last month I performed a Dexsorcism for a family on a Mahogany deck. ...

Jim,

Hah, Dexsorcism! Thats a good one! Has a lot more punch than "deck restoration".

These types of jobs are usually very profitable and often lead to quality referrals.

[James 624]

These Dexsorcism's are not Pulp fiction!

[Scott Stone 604]

The wand marks are indicative of a homeowner, but that is just a guess. If I had done that, I would have blamed a hack contractor, too.

[Douglas Hicks 128]

Poor customer. Not only did he pay this joker, now he will be paying us guessing 3 times that amount to fix it and do the job right.

"Hacks" can be good for business.

Maybe you should put him on the payroll as a salesman for you. Just keep the relationship quiet.

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

It's good to keep photos like that handy....because many people think they can do it as well as you do, regardless of if they are hacks or DIY'ers.

Beth :cup:

[RPetry 564]

Oscar, hand brushing the first of two RS natural cedar oilings on the ipe' floor. Handymen and DIY homeowners have neither the experience, energy, or tenacity to prep and stain ipe' correctly.