Recently my wife and I decided it was getting hot enough and we needed a patio cover for our existing patio. 
We have lived in this home for 2 1/2 years and did not have the covered patio option added when we built due to financial reasons. Big mistake!
So I did some research and talked to the builder of our home who recommended a contractor that was good at adding patio covers and making them look seamless to the existing construction. Great! Just what I was looking for... Contractor came out and took some measurements and gave me a quote. We entered into a basic contract for the work to be done and of course he needed 50% up front to purchase materials. Another BIG mistake!
I have been told to never give money up front for work that has not been started. Now I know why. It took almost 3 weeks for the contractor to show up and start the job. I was calling him on a daily basis and he kept telling me he was finishing up another job and would be here tomorrow...
Finally he started last Friday and moved quickly on doing the framing part of the job... Came back Saturday and put the decking and shingles on the roof. Told me the electrician would be out late Saturday to wire for lights and ceiling fans... Guess what? Today is Wednesday and no electrician has set foot on the job site yet... I was told his truck broke down. Poor guy, I hope he gets it fixed soon or he just might not be able to feed his family.
Long story short is now we are getting a much needed rain and who knows when I will lay eyes on another tradesman.
Below is a list of lessons to be learned in this ordeal...
1) Do put a start date in your contract and a finish date with penalties if they are not adhered to.
2) If at all possible do not give money up front to a contractor .... they just use it for the current job they are trying to finish. When they get to your job they do not have the money for the materials they were supposed to show up with to do your work. (Did I forget to mention that the contractor asked me for another $3000 after working just one day on my job?) :(
3) Get references from work done previously... not just from another contractor/builder who gives a recommendation.
I will keep everyone posted as to the outcome of this... wish me luck!
Gary Scardino - Broker Owner
InvestPro Realty Group
Katy, Texas
281-455-8977
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