Contractor Mr. James prided himself on being efficient. So, when he was hired to paint two houses plus a two car garage in one of the most posh areas of downtown, he didn't hesitate to start working immediately. The challenge made him giddy; it was what made his boring more exciting.
On the first day of the project, he managed to prep both houses and even completely paint the two car garage.
Contractor Mr. James: Yes ma’am we painted the two car garage and we prep both houses for to be painted tomorrow. Can I make a draw for half of my money for lunch, gas and painting materials and the rest upon completion ma’am?
As a token of trust, the owner of the houses paid him half part of the agreed amount.
Home owner: Mr. James, as agreed I'll pay you the rest when the work is completed, she stated firmly.
To which James replied with an affirmative nod. However, he had other plans.
After getting paid, James, due to reasons only known to him, decided to take the rest of the week off. His uncommunicative manner caused consternation with the homeowner, but she waited patiently for him to return and finish the job.
But Tuesday came and went with no sign of James. As did Wednesday. With each passing day, the homeowner's frustration mounted, until by Thursday she'd had enough. She promptly hired another contractor who finished the painting work the very next day.
Friday dawned, and just as the new paint on the houses was starting to dry, James finally decided to make his reappearance. With an almost casual nonchalance, he mosey on up to the owner, ready to finish what he had so carelessly left midway.
He was surprised to see both houses beautifully painted in a way he could never have done. He turned to the homeowner, puzzled.
Contractor Mr. James: Why you didn’t wait for me to return?
Home owner: Are you serious right now! Mr. James, you were absent without notice, didn't call, or give any indication when you'd be back. I had to pay someone reliable to finish your work. I also turned your name into the Better Business Bureau.
As James listened to her words, he couldn't help but realize the error of his actions. The world wouldn't wait for him to get his act together, he needed to be more responsible, more reliable. In that moment, James understood he lost more than just a paint job; he had lost credibility, a hard blow for someone in his line of work.
Make sure when getting work done to your home or business make sure they have license to work.