New Media from a Journalism Veteran
Blog entries | Buyer beware
After deciding to relocate permanently to Southwestern Virginia we toyed with building a new home on farmland we own in Carroll County but, instead, purchased an existing home near Floyd. After watching the trials and tribulations of David and Gretchen St. Lawrence with their homebuilding project we’re damn glad we did.
All the project planning experience that both David and Gretchen possess could not offset sloppy contractors, broken promises and the intervention of weather. The shoddy and indifferent customer service and installation performance from Blue Ridge Heating and Air in Christiansburg was not only unacceptable but downright criminal. Stay away from these people. David and Gretchen’s experiences with these shysters reminds me of a similar nightmare we suffered with McGhee Plumbing, the so-called contractor who installed a replacement water heater when our existing one failed in the dead of winter earlier this year. Their service was so bad that GE called in a real plumber from Roanoke to fix the problems caused by McGhee.
For the most part we’ve been lucky with contractors, especially the local ones: Robbie Robinson of Locust Grove Plumbing, Jim Leamon of Leamonstree Electrical Services, Sam Hancock of Highland Hardwards and tree suregeon Craig Knapp have provided excellent, reasonably-priced service. Likewise, we enjoyed excellant customer service from Hot Tub Heaven from Smith Mountain Lake. They delivered our hot tub on time with a no-glicthes installation.
David and Gretchen have also had good luck with local contractors, including Michael Shortt for the excavation work on their new home site and contractor Bob Eich who built their garage/workshop and is completing a number of other projects on the site.
But a lot of con artists dot the landscape, ready to take the unspecting for a ride. Let the buyer beware.
Tom King
December 29, 2005 at 1:21 am
We expect to move to Floyd (or therabouts)this Spring. Our son-in-law plans to build a log cabin on the Little River. Is there anyone else we should be wary of? Like Santa, we’re keeping a good and bad list. I really appreciate you candor, Doug
Walt Ludewig
December 29, 2005 at 5:01 am
My wife, Karin, loves to buy books on Amazon.com because of the many reader reviews.. I just bought my daughter, Heidi, a DVD writer based on these very candid actual user reports.. It sure would be nice if there was something like that where people could share their experiences—who’s a good
workman, who’s checks are
bouncing,etc..There’s a local supermarket owner who puts up notices,WANTED—DEAD OR ALIVE, with a copy of the returned check, and a photo of the driver’s license of the person who bounced the check.. Then we don’t see the person any more.. Very strange..
Tugboat Phil
February 22, 2006 at 3:35 pm
Mr. Hancock did our floors last Spetember. We live just up from his mill and had visited the store. It was a great job and for all the talk of pre-finished flooring, you just can’t beat a “real” hardwood floor. He is a true professional and will ensure that you are satisfied.
elgee
December 28, 2005 at 9:49 pm
Doug, I’m so very glad you actually identify these shysters BY NAME! So often I’ve discovered when talking with reporters they shy from “naming names.” Thanks. elgee
Carol
January 4, 2006 at 3:47 pm
Doug, I just discovered you online, and I’m so glad I did. I’m planning a move to Montvale next year when I retire and have been wondering how I’ll adjust to a new marriage and life in the country after living and working (as a medical editor) in the big city for so long. I visited Floyd over Thanksgiving and stopped to buy apples on Bent Mountain. I’m in love with the place! Thanks for all the caveats about contractors.