Builders and other unsavory characters

Its been a while since I've posted. Have been busy learning that there are fewer and fewer reputable people out there.

Sellers:

Sell a place vouching that everything is in good working order. Buyer moves in and not only does the air conditioning not work - the repair people who finally showed up (see below) say that it was obvious that it hasn't worked in a long time. Buyers - stick to your guns and take the crooked Seller to court for every penny he owes you! Further, don't sign a release of any sort without getting your Lawyers (see below) approval.

Trades (which could include Lawyers)

An air conditioning repair guys comes, diagnoses a problem and then leaves his son to do the repairs. Son does not do things correctly. Tell the customer that there are bigger issues and they'll get back to them with a quote. Never call back.  

Other HVAC people miss an appointment, and when you call their office, they say they can't come today "oh yes, we were JUST going to call you".

Or they come and the repair "technician" spends most of his time talking in Farsi to someone on his phone. 

The home you purchased was built by a builder that cheaped out on just about everything possible. Not only is the AC system and ductwork undersized for the home, but they put in a brand that according to one repair person "I've only seen this make in third-world countries". The small ductwork means that even if you wanted to - upsizing the condenser and evaporator wouldn't improve things.

You're willing to pay to get a window replaced because the cheap-ass builder put in windows that don't open. You call 8 companies. Those that actually have someone call you back (4) tell you that unless you are replacing 5 or more windows - forget it. They won't bother coming to give you an estimate.  Out of 8, only *1* company shows up to give you a quote.  One of them gives you such an out of whack figure you wonder whether he just told you that figure to get you out off the phone.  Even the guy from Home Depot that you were counting on doesn't show. Calls to the Depot get a promise that the service manager will call you but you're skeptical. For good reason - he never calls.

Lawyers - once the deal is done, they don't want to talk to you. Or they tell you to do this, do that - basically do their work for them - then tell their assistants to tell you to sort it out between yourself and the other party. When you do, he tells you he "never would have signed that". Like you were stupid for doing so. If anyone knows a good Real Estate Lawyer - please let me know - as I've yet to find one.

It's pretty bad when the most honest person you've met in the last 5 months has been a hard working rug cleaner who tells you you are crazy for even considering getting hardwood floors. "Wait until the economy tanks and they'll be willing to sharpen their pencils".