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Hopalong:
Oy. Dunno if I shared my hot water heater saga. Plumber told me the original 32-gal size was no longer available (got the impression they are no longer manufactured which seemed plausible, which I later found out isn't true, it was just that their company didn't have them in their warehouse or wouldn't warranty one the original size). So he insisted I had to get a BIG 42-gal one. I hate the thing.

Anyway, after it was installed the floor began sagging (the heater's literally leaning against the door frame, quite unlevel). So same plumber who assured me everything would be made right brought by a carpenter--and I need jacks installed under sagging floor joists. Got a reasonable sounding estimate from the young carpenter but not very professionally written and I don't know anything about him. He seemed nice and honest (but so did the plumber originally).

Read up on the problem for a 1955 house and I need a structural engineer to devise/approve a plan. This thing may wind up costing thousands. So I'm unhappy.

I'll do it and survive it but there are so many instances where I think contractors take advantage of single elderly females .... I'm pretty careful and insistent on quality and references and so forth. But I feel betrayed by that plumber, who swore up and down he'd make everything right. Chances are VERY slim I'd prevail if I took it to court and can't afford that either.

Anyway, it's not uncommon in homes this age so I'll just face it and take care of it. Also, my piano caused a small gap under baseboard after I moved in, so in fairness, this little house never expected the weight of a parlor grand (or a huge water heater) and it's just something that's happened. Homeowner's insurance won't help.

Bleahhh. Goodbye emergency fund. Severe frugality time. But I can do it. Just need to vent. Thanks for listening.

Unhappily,
Hops

Twoapenny:
Hopsie have you had others in to look at what needs doing and quote for the work?  Can taking the big tank out and putting a smaller one in again make any kind of difference?  I'd not be asking the original plumber or anyone he recommends to involve themselves in it, to be honest, particularly as he's the one that caused the problem.  Can you get others involved?  Any kind of professional body that can investigate for you?

sKePTiKal:
You have my sympathy Hops.

My life has been full of contractors recently. Even the good ones have their idiosyncrasies - which become annoying and tiresome after awhile. But this is where Tupp's technique of attaching to how good it'll feel once something is done - is useful. I don't know if would be any help - but you might talk to your convenant group for who they use and are pleased with the work.

Ugh, on the issue of taking advantage of older single women. It's for sure a reality. Even Hol experiences this. And I'd say she & I are more assertive than average. AND have a better understanding of construction processes than a lot of people. But the whole demeanor and attitude and promptness of contractors change when they're dealing with a man in the picture. And for sure I know that. That's another thing that if I was still in reactive mode, would make me want to rip my hair out and scream and write nasty Yelp reviews. But I'm not going to do that.

Hopalong:
THANKS, you two. Such a comfort...no exaggeration. I really appreciate you noticing and caring. Muchaaaaas.

After feeling (and venting here) a bunch of fear and worry, I got in gear and in touch with friends. Now I'm set with a contractor who works for someone prominent I have a close connection to for a 2nd opinion; he sounds like a gem and comes tomorrow. Wrote the plumber a summary of events/promises/expectations, so now he is pledging (in writing) that they'll pay for it all--and get rid of the huge heater and install a correctly-sized one. (I dropped some "online testimonial" savvy....a great detailed review if they fix what's wrong properly....and from our previous conversations he understands that I was a Marketing VP and believe in the power of reviews positive OR negative. He's smart and clearly got the hint).

So for now, things are looking up. It's amazing what a network of friendship can do for even we old solo ladies. I'm pretty assertive myself, just have fears around the too-small emergency fund. This is a good wakeup all to keep up frugality, stop buying fire pits! Back in the saddle and I know I can save more every month.

Many grateful hugs,
Hops

lighter:
That is terrific news, Hops!  Wahoo hoo!

I know I have a jack installed under my house....at least 1.  I hope it all works out quickly!

Lighter

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