Had this guy out for a quote. I didn't hire him. I guess he probably does good work. But overall I…read morefelt condescended to. There was definite mansplaining going on here. And his quote was way off. Some instances:
1) I pointed out my reclaim connection, told him I applied for the hookup and that I wasn't sure how soon the county would activate it, and he looked at me like I was an absolute idiot, talked to me like I was a little girl and said, "No. You see I have to install the system first and then call for an inspection." This was in complete contradiction to other sprinkler companies I had out, who wanted me to apply and activate the reclaim first before they did the work. I get if his process is different, but tone of voice matters. He could have said the same thing in a more business like, matter of fact tone and I would have thought nothing of it.
2) He then mentioned digging up pavers to lay pipe, I wanted reassurance he would put them back if that happened. Again, I got a condescending answer like he was offended I would even ask such a thing. At which point, I had to explain to him that I have dealt with contractors in the past like electricians, who tear holes in walls, do their work and don't fix what they tear up, claiming "it's not their job".
3) He then kept emphasizing how drip systems clog with hard-water and when they break you have to replace them. Yes. I know. I myself installed the drip system that was currently broken and I didn't feel like fixing it. I told him as much. Maybe he didn't hear that. Still he continued to go on about hard water like it was a mysterious thing I knew nothing about.
4) I then asked about filters and the materials he would be using, since I believe code requires the installation of a filter and I wanted to make sure he would install them. He said, "You can install as many filters as you like it's not going to get rid of the hard water." Again with the hard water. I finally said, "Yeah. I know. I'm from Vegas. I know all about hard water."
5) He then mentioned the brand of valve he uses and added, "You probably don't know what that is." THIS REALLY PISSED ME OFF, and it was this comment that absolutely lost the job for him. Cause what this good ol' boy doesn't know is that I have quite a bit of construction experience. I've done entire bathroom and kitchen remodels ( mostly by myself and with the help of friends paid in beer.) I've opened up walls, rerouted and sweated copper pipes, installed sinks, toilets, water heaters, oh and shower valves. I know what a valve is and what it does, thank you.
6) I then asked about warranty and if it included parts and labor ( some companies do and some don't.) Again, I got the insulted, defensive, huffy tone, "I warranty the parts. Not the labor." Fine. Check your attitude though. Don't get your panties in a bunch over a simple question.
7) He then verbally quoted me $250 OVER what other bids were. Also, clearly he wasn't going to write out a bid. And clearly he thought I would just shake my head like a good girl and say, "Yes please, start right away." (P.S. - I don't do business with people who don't give written bids.)
8) He then rather gruffly added I only do cash or check. No cards. Fine dude. Your loss. You might want to reconsider that policy though, since most people in the modern era use cards. Side note - I usually DO pay in cash or check. But his weird attacking tone, insinuating like I was going to rip him off made me bring this up. Also, I didn't catch if he wanted it all up front or not. If he said all up front, I might have laughed in his face.
8) I told him he was a little higher then other bids (every single one of them), and he asked if they were licensed contractors. (Again with a sarcastic, condescending tone). I said they were and recalled some names for him, and he said he could come down, but at that point this was a no hire for me.
If you are dude, this guy is probably just fine. As a woman, no. Unless you like putting up with that 1950s shtick.
