How much should I pay for this work?

18 years ago

We know a man who is a retired electrician, but has done all areas of remodeling. I'm just amazed at the work he has done in his own house. We want him to put a water line into the utility room for the ice-maker, and add an a/c vent into the same room. Both involve spending time in the attic when it is unbearably hot here. I'm in the Dallas area. This is work that dh could do, but doesn't really have the time and is a good way to help him out - if he will let us.

The problem is that this man is a neighbor and has always refused to take money when he has helped us on other things, even if it is something I've already asked a pro to do. But in comparison to this, those things were trivial. And I know they need the money. So we need to come up with a figure because I know he won't name a price or accept any money. (He always puts it back on the counter when we've tried to pay him before.) But this is a real job, not just helping out a neighbor.

I have a 2nd part to the question too. Should I pay him in cash by giving it to his wife, or make the check out to both of them, like Mr. OR Mrs. so she can deposit it?

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Comments (6)

jasper60103
18 years ago
You have a kind heart. Maybe invite the wife over for a cup of coffee and explain the situation. Make sure she understands its not charity. Its for the tasks he's done, but refuses to accept payment.
Jon1270
18 years ago
I'm sympathetic with his position. Accepting cash sets up a business relationship, but a business relationship isn't what he wants with you. Business relationships are freighted with all sorts of expressed and implied obligations (i.e. that he'll change the work if you're not happy with it, that he'll be responsible for any accidental damage done to your house along the way). He's retired and is done with all that. He probably just wants to be neighborly, to feel valued. If you ask his price and he declines payment, don't force the issue. Instead, reciprocate his neighborliness. Help him with something he finds difficult, invite him and his wife over for dinner... something like that.
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annzgw
18 years ago
Do they use any type of service, such as yard maintenance, that you could pay for a few months? Or maybe the wife can suggest something her DH wants (tool wise?) that you could get him as a gift. It's difficult to turn down a gift someone has already purchased!

If that's a dead end, then I'd give them cash since he may never cash the check..........and I'd give it to her.
User
Original Author
18 years ago
Yes, I talked to his wife yesterday & she would like him to get paid, because they need the money. I have baked for them before & he likes that, but he is also likes to cook so is always bringing food over here!
Jon1270
18 years ago
I have one friend from whom I've accepted payment for several projects. The first time he asked my help and tried to pay me, I resisted. He overcame my resistance by explaining that he knew he'd need help with other things in the future, and if he paid me this time then he'd feel okay about asking my help next time, whereas if I refused payment then he'd never feel comfortable asking my help again. In other words, my letting him give me money amounted to a favor to him. Perhaps you might have that conversation with your neighbor?
User
Original Author
18 years ago
Jon, that sounds like it could work with him. Thanks!