EAST BAY UNLIMITED SERVICES

How did it go? Horribly! After an initial phone conversation about the painting job - which Mark Germann, the contractor, seemed eager to take on, letting my husband know that he had no other jobs going on at that time - he did not show up for an agreed-upon appointment with my husband. My husband, who had driven 40 miles for the appointment called Mark Germann after waiting for 15 minutes. Mr. Germann did not answer the phone, my husband left a message. After waiting an additional 30 minutes, my husband gave up and returned home. The next morning, giving Mr. Germann another opportunity, husband called again and left a second message. "Perhaps you forgot yesterday. I too have forgotten appointments. Call me and let's see about this job." No response. One week later my husband received a message on his cell phone from Mr. Germann. "I had to leave town, but now I'm back. I'm ready to get together and discuss the painting job." No apology. No explanation.

We had to find a painter who knew how to deal with an old house with lead paint because our neighbor had complained that she was afraid of lead dust. Mark and Kelly have been trained to work with lead, and I found their name on the Alameda County list of approved painters. They were extremely punctual, tidy and conscientious. They pride themselves on their work and are very easy to get along with. My husband and I were very pleased with their energy, their work, their price and their ability to fix anything.