I just started the process of getting estimates to fix things around the house. The first one was twice of what I thought it should be. Sometimes I wonder if they think we have money. I have to decide on a home equity loan or another mortgage. The house is paid for, but hasn't had anything done to it, in 3 years.

I was lucky to run into a contractor that is working on the store I work at. I got a number for someone else to call.

I think the smaller the job, the more likely they don't show up again. I hope you have luck with the realtor. If we had our men around, we wouldn't think twice about making decisions. It's really scary by yourself.
Paula

At least you are making the effort to fix things. I have some things that really need to be fixed but can't seem to manage enough want to to contact someone. I'm scared I will be ripped off or scammed. I know nothing about repairs and I am very scared to even start the process of calling.

it is really scary by yourself. I have alot of things to take care of now that I just took for granted when Bob was here to do them. My mother is 86 and been on her own since my Dad died 14 yrs. ago. She still gets very upset when things go wrong but she deals with it and I guess I will too, what choice do we have. Hopefully we are stronger than we think.

God bless and hugs, Nan

I just had someone out today for an estimate to fix my front fence. I t was damaged in the stroms, and needs to be replaced. The guys must have thought I was an idiot or something, because what he quoted was WAY more than it should be. I told him that I don't pay people until a job is finished and never give that 50% out before the job...period. He backed down very fast!!!
Yes, I think if someone thinks they can scam you, they will certainly try, and sadly they 'think' that a widow is too emotional to know anything at all.

It STINKS that people are that way.

hope All works out, and you get a good handyman who will do the job for you!

Boy, I thought it was a Florida thing. It's very hard to ''catch'' these people - and so frustrating. I got an overall service to take care of things, but that ended up being crappy and not worth the money. My husband was a property manager for large condos - and his strength was to find quality trades people, and then ''sit'' on them to get the job done. It was frustrating for him because of poor work ethics from some - it would drive him crazy. He was also a high school teacher many moons ago, and used his ''coaching'' skills to work with these people. Me? not so much - no patience!!! . He does have good contacts.though of people I can trust. If your mind is unfocused on how to proceed, post your problem - large or small on Help Line For Widow/Widowers. It's new, and was started by a Widower.in our group (thanks Dan). You will get good advice on all kinds of things. I find that when my head is ''swimming'' I don't communicate clearly - that might be part of the problem with people who are doing work for you. Chin up!!!! Vicki

After the hail and tornado I had a roof inspection done by a guy the local insurance agent recommended. The adjustor didn't find any roof damage but did find other stuff (hence the stucco repair, etc). The roofing guy told me he'd come back and do some caulking and gave me a great estimate to fix a skylight.....didn't hear from him again until...this week! So I suppose patience is a virtue - of course I'll have to see if he follows through.
If you have friends who are doing home projects see if they have someone they use. Yes indeed, this is a real pain!

I try to do a lot of things myself, for it is tough finding a reliable handyman, or contractor.

The handyman I had suffered a severe heart attack (age 58) and died a few days later. Luckily, I have found a new one who is reputable and reasonable. I hope he stays around for awhile.

I guess I am lucky in this area anyway. Our closest friends own a hardware in town. He has always done jobs on the side and when Bill needed help with something or was more than he could handle, we called Jerry. Honestly, he works for cookies! All I have to do is bake him cookies.
2 of the guys I shoot pool with do painting and minor repairs. I had them paint the living room last year. They were fairly reasonable. One wall in the living room had gotten wet in a storm and tthey had to remud about a 4' by 4' area. It looks beautful. You would never know it had once gotten wet. Both know that the insurance money has now run out and they will still do anything for me. I would probably have to cook as they really liked my cooking.
When I need help with the yard, this mowing service will come by and get me caught up. I trade them embroidered shirts and hats for mowing. They don't do as good of a job as I do, but it gets cut. And they have one of those mowers that won't turn over. There are a couple of places I just can't cut with the JD, as it isn't safe. The boys that work for him will come over and do about anything I ask, like move furniture and stuff.
It can get frustrating though trying to find someone to help. I had a terrible time finding someone to carry in this huge tv my parents sent home with me. I took 2 men to carry it. I wouldn't call my pool buddies as they are just too old for that. The mowing service guy sent his boys over though.

It is so hard to get someone you trust and is reliable. I hope things start going better for you. Luckily my son drives down once a week and is able to help me with many of the things I can`t do myself. I pray things get easier for you, hugs Lu Ann

My realtor is looking into some people for me to finish getting it done, and my hair dressers husband does handyman type work and I guess he is willing to come up and finish the bathroom for me -
Waiting for his phone call though....

You never know when you have to make a decision on something. My air conditioner went out in the night. Got a little warm here in central Louisiana. I had not a clue as to how to proceed. Out of desperation my daughter called a man that I go to church with him and his wife. I then asked him to hold my hand with this. He asked me things that I would need to tell the ac repair service. Even recommended the service. It was less stressful when I had to answer the same questions to the repairman. Back in the air tonight and quite a few tears later but a decision made and by the looks (and feel) of it made right. sigh... how many more will I need to make..

It is scarey...............and the worst part for me was not having anyone with a vested interest to talk to about things...............have heard Angie's list is supposed to be reputable........................just sold my house and much had to be done to meet inspections...................but it is now over and done with and they are breaking ground for my new place on Mon.....................made the move out of state to be near my son and family..............................know it is a good thing................also a hard thing..................
hugs
Lori

I have been ripped off by mechanics a few times already. It is very frustrating. I did use the yelp.com and got my house releveled...lets say it was an okay job...I will probably have to have someone level it again. I plan on using it for some other repairs that need to be done. I am amazed at how many people want to rip you off...I have a handyman right down the road that I have thought about calling...just need to bite the bullet and give him a call I guess. I hate this new life.....Debbie.