Post by Carol on Dec 5, 2015 10:08:25 GMT 1
There is a builder, Ivica, who I'd be happy to introduce to people if they want a recommendation. I've known him for 10 years now. He has worked on my house many times, both doing new work and fixing other people's mistakes.
Also, we have an estate agency, and 10 years ago the vast majority of the local property was in a dreadful condition, either barely liveable or completely uninhabitable. So, when people buy a property they often ask for a recommendation and so we know of many other jobs he's done. I haven't had a single complaint... ever!
What's amazing about never having had a complaint is that I can't say that for any other service provider.... accountants, lawyers, surveyors, other builders, property management, cleaners, etc., etc. At one time, we operated a list of service providers with the intention of just giving it to every buyer and letting them choose what help, if any, they needed.
The problem with making recommendations is that you do it as an act of goodwill and then you get blamed when the person has a bad experience. So, we dropped the word "recommend" from our vocabulary and then bit by bit, we dropped the introductions altogether.
1. The Builder, ivica
2. Alma the insurance agent
3. The computer repair person
We still organise lawyers, notaries etc, but when I think of it Alma and Ivica are the only two individuals that I have complete faith in.
Ivica speaks good english and german. He is a general builder and hires in expert for plumbing and electrics (and then watches them like a hawk - I've seen him do it and I wouldn't fancy working for him). He sends weekly emails with a full description and photos. And he spends endless hours researching the optimal way to do things.
So, if anyone wants Ivica's details, then feel free to get in touch either by the message function here or via the contact form on my website www.apid.co.uk
(and no, I am not on commission!)
Also, we have an estate agency, and 10 years ago the vast majority of the local property was in a dreadful condition, either barely liveable or completely uninhabitable. So, when people buy a property they often ask for a recommendation and so we know of many other jobs he's done. I haven't had a single complaint... ever!
What's amazing about never having had a complaint is that I can't say that for any other service provider.... accountants, lawyers, surveyors, other builders, property management, cleaners, etc., etc. At one time, we operated a list of service providers with the intention of just giving it to every buyer and letting them choose what help, if any, they needed.
The problem with making recommendations is that you do it as an act of goodwill and then you get blamed when the person has a bad experience. So, we dropped the word "recommend" from our vocabulary and then bit by bit, we dropped the introductions altogether.
1. The Builder, ivica
2. Alma the insurance agent
3. The computer repair person
We still organise lawyers, notaries etc, but when I think of it Alma and Ivica are the only two individuals that I have complete faith in.
Ivica speaks good english and german. He is a general builder and hires in expert for plumbing and electrics (and then watches them like a hawk - I've seen him do it and I wouldn't fancy working for him). He sends weekly emails with a full description and photos. And he spends endless hours researching the optimal way to do things.
So, if anyone wants Ivica's details, then feel free to get in touch either by the message function here or via the contact form on my website www.apid.co.uk
(and no, I am not on commission!)