Six A's Handyman Service

Allan was referred to me through a BNI (local business networking) contact. He promptly showed up when he promised to assess and provide an estimate on a small roof leak. After inspecting the situation, Allan phoned to announce the issue was more significant than expected and most of the chimney (non-masonry type) would need to be replaced because of water damage. He also pushed for the repair of some other non-related components that weren't causing problems. After requesting that we just take care of the basics, he calculated an estimate of $650. My initial thoughts were "sounds reasonable.." After requesting that he proceed, it took him approx 1.5wks to finish the work. Every forecast of rain caused another delay - regardless of the actual weather that day. Right as he finished the job (mid-weekday), Allan boldly phoned me to announce that he would be bringing my invoice by my workplace so he could pick up a check for the full amount. Cornered by time and proximity I accepted his request and he replied with the due amount - approx $500 more than what we had originally agreed upon. A rather unnerving standoff/negotiation occurred IN FRONT OF MY WORKPLACE shortly after his arrival to pick up said funds. "Why would I quote a job with the cost of materials included??" he questioned. "I agree" I would exclaim "I should already know what a piece of hardi-plank siding costs and exactly how many you'll use for this project......." His lack of reasoning was legendary - I held my ground and paid him half of the overage requested because neither of us had written proof of the initial quote. I returned home slightly defeated but happy to have the roof fixed. As I entered my driveway I was super-excited to see a massive pile of garbage/debris all along my side yard. "Neat" I yelled as I chalked-off the whole event as an unpleasant learning experience. I now have approx $100 of extra left-over materials in my shed - not that they're needed....but better in the shed than laying on the ground where Allan left them.