We recently had Richardson Heating & Cooling install a central A/C unit in a vacant century home. Rich took a couple days to install the new unit, and then emailed me to tell me that it was done--but with one hitch: There were no available switches in the breaker box to hook into. The unit couldn't be turned on. He had neglected to check before starting, and now could not complete the install.
These things happen. Since we were soon to schedule some electrical repairs anyway, I told Rich I would get the electrician onsite ASAP and see what he could do. A little over a week passed and, while out of town on a Sunday afternoon, I received an emailed invoice from Rich. I immediately messaged him back and let him know that the electrician had not yet been to the house, so we had yet to see the A/C unit work. This led to Rich's meltdown.
Rich wrote: "Im not sure who you think you are trying to pull this bs, but you have a lot to learn. If you do not call me within the next 10mins, the unit is coming out PERIOD!" I informed him I would contact him during the week. Meanwhile, he began to call and text my business partner. My business partner (at a family function) also told Rich that we hadn't been able to fire up the new A/C unit yet, but told Rich that we could pay him half of the invoice if he'd like, and the remainder as soon as the new A/C was working. At this point, Rich went into a tirade--yelling, cursing, name-calling, and threatening. He demanded that we drive to the house that minute and pay him in full. He then drove to the house, illegally entered, and removed the unit. For our part, we were simply glad to be done with such a person.
We deal with a great number of contractors and maintain excellent relationships with them. Most are quite professional, a few are less-so; however, this incident was unique. It was not a case of an unprofessional contractor. It was a case of a grown man having a screaming tantrum when he could not receive instant gratification. We don't know whether he was drunk, high, or manic; but we don't want this type of person in any of our properties, and I frankly can't imagine anyone who would. read more