Friday, September 29, 2006

Looking for a job?

Then wrought iron work is for you! I'm flabbergasted how difficult it is to locate someone to install a gate at our house. A couple years ago, I called a few iron contractors to ask about some custom work, and got nowhere. It wasn't a priority, as at that juncture we were trying to get working plumbing, walls, etc. in our house. Now, however, we really would like to hire someone. Noone returns my calls or anything-and this is just one of those areas that we can't do on our own.

The worst thing about when this happens is your selection becomes so severely limited that you end up hiring someone bad. (flashback to our horrible plumber).

I think this is one of the reasons why there are so many DIYers out there...

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3 Comments:

Blogger Jocelyn said...

We seem to be in a parellel universe. You strip your radiators- we strip our radiators. You need an ironworker. We need an ironworker.

If we find someone good, we'll send him your way. Steve found some in the yellow pages under welders. Our pick has caused us problems (He fabricated our railing before he had the specs from Steve). So hard to get good help sometimes. If we had the time, we would DIY on this one.

September 29, 2006 9:04 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Maybe try looking farther afield for a blacksmith? There are ones up here (New England) that do custom work, along with shoeing horses. Let me know if you'd want a name that far away, although the shipping would be a bear. I met a woman a few years back who did custom wrought iron art - neat lady. We're lucky to have so many artisans where i live, it's connecting with the cutomers that's a challenge.

September 30, 2006 5:33 PM  
Blogger Christina said...

Jocelyn-We had a momentary bought of excitement when we saw that you were getting iron work done-and thought maybe you'd be able to recommend someone, then we read of your issues.

Overall, we see things in the phone book and I call them, and they don't call me back-which makes me think that with all the iron fences in Chicago there need to be more.

The big thing, is in light of the air compressor theft last week we want a security door. Optimally, we would get someone who could do both the security door and the custom iron gate. I have someone coming on Monday, and if that doesn't pan out will probably shift to the "doors" entry in the phonebook.

I've had problems even with Angies List people!

October 01, 2006 8:51 AM  

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