Handy Bob

Description of Work: His name is Cinar Arriola but he is Handy Bob on Facebook. We spent several days discussing the project (lay 12"x12" pavers in our backyard; upper & lower areas, and both sides of house). When he gave us the price we were shocked, he was 1/3 of the lowest price. We asked if he was sure, "your price is significantly less than the lowest price we found. He agreed to the price. The 1st part of the project was to lay the pavers on the lower level, close to the house and on both sides of the house (included drain)The 2nd part was to dig 8 holes (1/3 the length of the pole; 5') and install 4"x15' steel poles for shade sails. I also requested a drain (pipes with holes) across the backyard and out to the street. We had a deadline (our daughters birthday), almost 7 weeks. He did not communicate well and he didn't start work for 1-2wks. We requested a meeting to discuss the progress (or lack of); he arrived looked around and left without speaking to us. He did not respond to calls or texts for a week. Finally, we had another appt. He arrived and apologized for not communicating, promised to get started and wanted to renegotiate the price. * we agreed because his price was still cheap. Even after renegotiating, as the work started he kept saying:- that's more work than we discussed. That will cost more.- we didn't discuss a drain with pipes. I was just going to grade the tile to move the water. As it because apparent Cinar was not going to keep his word, and kept sending a "Helper" we eventually renegotiated with the "helper". * Helper does great work, here everyday and is happy to accept the price Cinar had agreed to because Cinar was not paying him... he said this is the 3rd job Cinar has started and walked away and the helper had to finish; and deal with unhappy customers. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004766384990 |= = = = = | |We've known Cinar for about 7 years. In the past he has pulled carpet and laid tile, removed sliding glass doors, removed popcorn ceiling and general carpenter work in our home. |* the work was good but... |- he's sloppy | + paint splatters where it shouldn't be. | + did not remove face plates before painting. | + drips of paint on curtains and carpet. | + damaged $800 multimedia receiving because he didn't cover or move it. Has not made restitution yet. |- after the first day or two, Cinar seems to get distracted with phone calls leading to his next job... then he starts disappearing for longer and longer breaks. | |My suggestion: |1. spell out EXACTLY what you want done, in detail! |2. don't pay until the work is done. |3. check the work carefully. (I found work skipped and hidden later). |AND |I'd recommend a 'done by "date" or it's free' clause. ;-) Should help keep him focused. |I'd use him again, with the above caveats. :-)

Description of Work: Handy Bob (and Rich Willis) has done everything from basic repairs to full bathroom remodels.