richard904

As a homeowner trying to get various projects done, I would never accept money from the potential contractor for an estimate or proposal. I am trying to determine the legitimacy of the contractor - what is the quality of work, can he follow a schedule and budget, does he have an aura of integrity, etc. If an intricate bid is required and if travel time is required, then I would be willing to pay for the time used. In most projects that part may be a small per cent of the total cost. I think it is a very bad idea for a quality contractor to kick back cash or payola to a potential customer. It has such a bad "feel" to me. Also, let me add in this economy there are moral and ethical issues. Since I am not a lawyer, I do not like to put the squeeze on contractors who themselves are trying to make a living and have a family to support, although I have known many lawyers and others who delight in doing this.

Times have changed so much. Now the homeowner is looking for very good handymen or master carpenters of old to do renovation, weatherization, and other custom modifications. This history is excellent to sketching how a "piece work" era after the war came into place, and now we are seeing the real end of that era and maybe the destruction of the new home market. It is not a pleasant time. Maybe we will begin to see the resurgence of the "master crafts-person" and many home owners like me will finally have access to talent and resources.