Gringo Expectations Not Met

[Lothario666]

..... three workers arrived to do the work. They were scheduled to arrive in the AM but arrived in the PM.

You can't blame the three workers for being late, they stopped and asked directions to your house.
They were given wrong directions, it was not their fault.

 

[LTSteve]

This story is intended for all gringos who will be living in the Dominican Republic. It illustrates the necessary tasks of managing Dominican and Haitian workers in your home. This is a true story. I have annotated the text with references to the principles.

The Principles
1 ? Have 0 expectations of the workers abilities
2 ? You will plan the project
3 ? You will supply the correct tools
4 ? You will supply materials (related you will at least need to find sources)
5 ? everything will need to be cleaned when they are finished (you will do that too)
6 ? You are QA
7 ? You need to know how the work is done so you can train them
8 ? (I hope you already know this) They will not be on-time
9 ? You must be patient and forgiving


The Story

I had a few loose tiles in my bedroom. I called the rental company and suggested that they be removed and re-secured and since they were rocking and that a delay would probably result in breakage. A few weeks later one broke and 2 weeks after that I got a call that someone would be out and 2 weeks later someone came out to scope the job and two weeks later three workers arrived to do the work. They were scheduled to arrive in the AM but arrived in the PM. (8-9)

Tile work can be very dusty. They had no vacuum, no mop, no broom, no masks and no plans to cover my furniture or in general to control the dust. Their plan was to replace the broken tile with a less visible one and then replace the less visible one (sacrificial) with a new tile. They did not have the replacement tile and did not know where they could get a near match. (1-2-3-4-5-9)

Fortunately, I had made a trip to the local largest supplier of ceramic tile and found a very close match. I gave them the name of the supplier and they sent someone to pick-up a tile. (2-4-9)

They started work immediately by preparing to remove the grout around the eight tiles. Their tool was an angle grinder with a concrete wheel. The wheel was thicker than the grout gap. It was the wrong tool and I chose not to object and I drew a picture of the correct tool for their background. They plugged it in and started to grind (no I did not leave out any steps like covering stuff). They used m extension cord (1-2-3-7-9). I did object to that and drew pictures of the tent that was necessary (they had no vacuum). They got some plastic tarp and tried to rig a tent more to satisfy me than to create a functional tent. I objected and the work stopped. (1-2-3-4-7-9)

We made a trip to the hardware store for tent materials (PVC pipe, tape and fittings, plastic). They had no saw to cut the pipe and I loaned them my hack saw. (1-3-9) They tried to hold the pipe and cut it at the same time; that doesn't work. I showed them how to support the pipe and cut it. (1-3-7-9) They used their tape measure; one of the three or four tools they brought.

The idea of dust barrier was new to them. But I was patient and showed them how to build it. It worked well. However, the plastic as not secured to the floor despite having put two rolls of tape in their hands. So, some dust escaped. I didn't object. The tent worked fairly well. They breathed enough dust to shorten their lives by one month each. I gave them a rag to wear over their mouths and noses. (1-3-7-9)

The second day they came ready to work at 8AM. I supplied coffee and a muffin. (9) They immediately started to chisel the floor as is necessary. However, they covered nothing. I objected and we used a plastic sheet I had bought to cover the furniture.(1-3-5-9)

The process of reinstalling the tiles was going well except that the thin-set adhesive had bubbles of dry adhesive because the only mixing tool was a brick laying trowel. I didn't object. They planned to lay the tile in the thin-set without first back-buttering the tile with thin-set.(1-7-9) I objected and they complied. A street vendor came by and I sprung for coconut drinks. (9)

I was feeling good like they could not possibly find a surprise for me.(1-9) So while I was lounging I heard them removing the sacrificial tile from the clothes closet. Later I went up to inspect. They had removed the tile and put it into the field as planned and replaced the closet tile with the new tile. Perfect. I asked them if the had used the angle grinder. Yep. I objected that it had thrown up dust. They said not a problem: they had closed the door on the closet when grinding. If my clothes could have talked they world have objected.(1-5-9) I walked away and I will wash my clothes after they are done. (1-9)

Clean up was simple for them. They swept the trash over the balcony. I objected and together we went down to pick up the trash. (1-5-7-9) They said they would return at 8AM the next day.

They returned after 8AM (1-8-9). I supplied coffee and toast (9). They then told be they could not work because that did not have the grout needed. (1-4-9). The left to get grout and said they would be back in the afternoon. Bellon is 10 minutes away and they had transportation. (1-4-8-9).

It is now afternoon and they are not back. When they apply the grout the process is to use a ?float? that presses the grout deep into the gap between the tiles. Yesterday I drew a picture of one for them. They found me to be very entertaining and good at drawing but made it clear that a ?float? was not in their tool set. (1-3-7-9). I did not object (1-9)

to be continued ?

Conclusion

You should not hire work out to either Haitians or Dominicans unless you first have (1) and (9). Then only proceed if you can also supply (3) through (8).

I would let the rental company know that althought these guys were nice enough, they came unprepared and the job took twice as long as it should have. You won't get any satisfaction but at least you can vent. Many "unskilled" workers do things ass backwards and don't care about the mess. That is an after thought. Live and learn. Your not in Kansas anymore.

 

[jstarebel]

@ tommeyers,

One thing missing from your list. Inventory all tools that you supply before paying or allowing the workers to leave the job site.

 

[zoomzx11]

Dominican Republic 101. You cannot apply first world expectations to anything in the DR. To a Dominican it does not need to be fixed until it falls off and most of the time not even then. After all its only a few tiles, there are lot of other ones that are ok. Watching them like a hawk will sometimes help but do not count on even that to work. Its just how it works here. Being prepared with no expectations will help save your sanity. Dominicans are the worlds greatest in making repairs that last one day.

 

[Mauricio]

@ tommeyers,

One thing missing from your list. Inventory all tools that you supply before paying or allowing the workers to leave the job site.

That's one thing I always expect to happen, obreros stealing my tools, but I've never missed anything. To the contrary, I often find tools that are not mine laying around after a job is done.

 

[the gorgon]

That's one thing I always expect to happen, obreros stealing my tools, but I've never missed anything. To the contrary, I often find tools that are not mine laying around after a job is done.

and, if they dismantle something to repair and re-assemble it, you will find half the internals lying around after they put it back together. i have had guys here tell me that some of the washers and screws in a device were superfluous, serving no real purpose.

 

[sayanora]

I used to think all manual laborers in the DR were incompetent until I started to realize something.. The good electricians, plumbers, ceramic guys don't work on small 1500 peso jobs.. they are in CONSTANT demand by engineers who are building 100-million peso + buildings or people who pay more than 1000 pesos per day for jobs. I realized this when I had the electrician who is working on my mom's house come over to my rental to help me out with an issue. He was efficient, had all of the proper tools, found the problem instantly (after 3 other electricians took hours and found nothing). The problem with him is he doesn't do residential work, he's not in the phone book where you can just call him and he'll go to your house for 20$ like some people expect. Good workers exist, they are just nearly impossible to hire since engineers have them on lock.

 

[the gorgon]

Man.... how many times have I heard "Oh, you don't need that."

i have had one guy here tell me that the guy who designed a pair of headphones i own did not know anything about headphones. funny thing is that this guy probably had never seen a high end phone till he saw mine.

 

[Mauricio]

I used to think all manual laborers in the DR were incompetent until I started to realize something.. The good electricians, plumbers, ceramic guys don't work on small 1500 peso jobs.. they are in CONSTANT demand by engineers who are building 100-million peso + buildings or people who pay more than 1000 pesos per day for jobs. I realized this when I had the electrician who is working on my mom's house come over to my rental to help me out with an issue. He was efficient, had all of the proper tools, found the problem instantly (after 3 other electricians took hours and found nothing). The problem with him is he doesn't do residential work, he's not in the phone book where you can just call him and he'll go to your house for 20$ like some people expect. Good workers exist, they are just nearly impossible to hire since engineers have them on lock.

That's true. I once hired a good plumber to fix a persistent filtration problem. He came in his Ford Explorer Yeepeta.

 

[Criss Colon]

If they arrive in their own vehicle, you have a shot!
If they have tools, and they are in a tool box, and not wrapped up in a dirty cloth,you have a shot!
If they have "Electrical tape,.and/or "Teflon Tape", you have a shot!
If they are a family member, or come "Highly Recommended" by a family member, "YOUR F&#KED"!!!!!!!!!
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC

 

[cjewell]

Hilarious!!!! I liked the references throughout to the according numbers =)

 

[windeguy]

With all due respect tommy you need to distinguish between "perspective" and "ability". Regarding the later Dominican and Haitian laborers are not much different than their American counterparts and as such poor management in the States will get you similar results as here in the DR.

The issues of hiring help in the DR and in the US are as different as night and day and that is well described by the OP. Perhaps you have been gone too long, forgot what the US was like or never hired a worker in the US.

 

[Criss Colon]

"Windy" chips "Dominican Centric Agenda" does not allow him to be realistic!
Or his $1,500 a month budget!
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC

 

[Dark_Scorpion]

This story is intended for all gringos who will be living in the Dominican Republic. It illustrates the necessary tasks of managing Dominican and Haitian workers in your home. This is a true story. I have annotated the text with references to the principles.

The Principles
1 – Have 0 expectations of the workers abilities
2 – You will plan the project
3 – You will supply the correct tools
4 – You will supply materials (related you will at least need to find sources)
5 – everything will need to be cleaned when they are finished (you will do that too)
6 – You are QA
7 – You need to know how the work is done so you can train them
8 – (I hope you already know this) They will not be on-time
9 – You must be patient and forgiving


The Story

I had a few loose tiles in my bedroom. I called the rental company and suggested that they be removed and re-secured and since they were rocking and that a delay would probably result in breakage. A few weeks later one broke and 2 weeks after that I got a call that someone would be out and 2 weeks later someone came out to scope the job and two weeks later three workers arrived to do the work. They were scheduled to arrive in the AM but arrived in the PM. (8-9)

Tile work can be very dusty. They had no vacuum, no mop, no broom, no masks and no plans to cover my furniture or in general to control the dust. Their plan was to replace the broken tile with a less visible one and then replace the less visible one (sacrificial) with a new tile. They did not have the replacement tile and did not know where they could get a near match. (1-2-3-4-5-9)

Fortunately, I had made a trip to the local largest supplier of ceramic tile and found a very close match. I gave them the name of the supplier and they sent someone to pick-up a tile. (2-4-9)

They started work immediately by preparing to remove the grout around the eight tiles. Their tool was an angle grinder with a concrete wheel. The wheel was thicker than the grout gap. It was the wrong tool and I chose not to object and I drew a picture of the correct tool for their background. They plugged it in and started to grind (no I did not leave out any steps like covering stuff). They used m extension cord (1-2-3-7-9). I did object to that and drew pictures of the tent that was necessary (they had no vacuum). They got some plastic tarp and tried to rig a tent more to satisfy me than to create a functional tent. I objected and the work stopped. (1-2-3-4-7-9)

We made a trip to the hardware store for tent materials (PVC pipe, tape and fittings, plastic). They had no saw to cut the pipe and I loaned them my hack saw. (1-3-9) They tried to hold the pipe and cut it at the same time; that doesn't work. I showed them how to support the pipe and cut it. (1-3-7-9) They used their tape measure; one of the three or four tools they brought.

The idea of dust barrier was new to them. But I was patient and showed them how to build it. It worked well. However, the plastic as not secured to the floor despite having put two rolls of tape in their hands. So, some dust escaped. I didn't object. The tent worked fairly well. They breathed enough dust to shorten their lives by one month each. I gave them a rag to wear over their mouths and noses. (1-3-7-9)

The second day they came ready to work at 8AM. I supplied coffee and a muffin. (9) They immediately started to chisel the floor as is necessary. However, they covered nothing. I objected and we used a plastic sheet I had bought to cover the furniture.(1-3-5-9)

The process of reinstalling the tiles was going well except that the thin-set adhesive had bubbles of dry adhesive because the only mixing tool was a brick laying trowel. I didn't object. They planned to lay the tile in the thin-set without first back-buttering the tile with thin-set.(1-7-9) I objected and they complied. A street vendor came by and I sprung for coconut drinks. (9)

I was feeling good like they could not possibly find a surprise for me.(1-9) So while I was lounging I heard them removing the sacrificial tile from the clothes closet. Later I went up to inspect. They had removed the tile and put it into the field as planned and replaced the closet tile with the new tile. Perfect. I asked them if the had used the angle grinder. Yep. I objected that it had thrown up dust. They said not a problem: they had closed the door on the closet when grinding. If my clothes could have talked they world have objected.(1-5-9) I walked away and I will wash my clothes after they are done. (1-9)

Clean up was simple for them. They swept the trash over the balcony. I objected and together we went down to pick up the trash. (1-5-7-9) They said they would return at 8AM the next day.

They returned after 8AM (1-8-9). I supplied coffee and toast (9). They then told be they could not work because that did not have the grout needed. (1-4-9). The left to get grout and said they would be back in the afternoon. Bellon is 10 minutes away and they had transportation. (1-4-8-9).

It is now afternoon and they are not back. When they apply the grout the process is to use a “float” that presses the grout deep into the gap between the tiles. Yesterday I drew a picture of one for them. They found me to be very entertaining and good at drawing but made it clear that a “float” was not in their tool set. (1-3-7-9). I did not object (1-9)

to be continued …

Conclusion

You should not hire work out to either Haitians or Dominicans unless you first have (1) and (9). Then only proceed if you can also supply (3) through (8).

If I were you I would have considered contacting the expat community to see if there is anyone retired here that has knowledge of the work you needed done. I'm sure they would do it for a fair price. This is a third world country and that means third world service.....in everything. So if you want first world efficiency you have to work with first world people.

Here is how I live in the DR. I try to deal with the locals as little as possible. Whenever a foreigner offers a good or service I will choose them over Dominicans. This is why my landlord is foreign and not Dominican. If they were Dominican the service would probably be lousy or I may have been robbed by now. So I always try to "buy and deal foreign" when here in the DR. German, American, Canadian, British as long as it isn't Haitian or Dominican service you won't have as many problems.

Another tactic I employ is using a veteran expat who has been living here for years as a go between me and Dominicans. This is a technique I use with my landlord. See, I know that tourism is slow here in the DR and I'm one of the few in this apartment complex that gives my landlord a steady cash flow each month. So I know he doesn't want me to move out. So sometimes I can "pressure" him and get him to deal with Dominicans rather than dealing with them myself. He has been here for years so he knows which Dominicans are a waste of time and who can be trusted. So I use him and he uses me. For foreigners who are new in the DR especially it is best to find a trusted foreign middle man or woman who can act as your go between so you won't be frustrated by dealing with Dominicans directly.

 

[Dark_Scorpion]

Speaking of the US comparison, I see it every day with Dominican handymen and so-called trade specialists. When a Dominican comes to my apartment (sent by the landlord) to do any type of work, I tell him to go home. I don't want to be aggravated with the same nonsense over and over again. I've been at the wrong end of "Dominican craftsmanship" too many times to not understand what I'm going to get.

I had these two dingleberries attempt to work on a wire I was trying to run. All I wanted was to plug in a router from the kitchen (where the main phone line is) to my bedroom. The line was run twice, once with the wrong wire, which was actually the right one, and another with the right wire which turned out to be the wrong one only because these guys didn't know what they were doing.

The phone wire needed to be shortened and the plastic connector needed to be taken off and a new one put back on, and that's when the party started.

I figured since they both did this for a living, everything would be cool. No. Homeboy couldn't get the wire to work, possibly because he put the snap connector on wrong. He did this five times before he gave up. He then proceeded to tell me how they don't use this type of wiring anymore, that I now need to run the original wire that I didn't want in the first place. He leaves after a couple of minutes of terrible work that solved nothing.

The other guy has been promising to run the wire for me for months but can never get to it because he's a raging alcoholic who only thinks of drinking the second he gets out of work.

Needless to say I'll be finishing this project, and others, myself.

I prefer to use foreign middlemen for everything here in the DR.....even for finding chicas. Thats why when I first arrived I would go to clubs like CMP or Passions and avoid street girls. After the clubs closed the very first street girl I brought home I caught her trying to get to my wallet. Never had any problems or theft with girls in the clubs. The reason is because the owner screened them. So no matter what service you're paying for here if you're smart you will go through a foreign who has been living here for a while and who knows which Dominicans are a waste of time and who aren't. Experience is a harsh teacher; better to use veteran expats who have already been through the school or hard knocks then to have to go to that school yourself.

Numerous things have broken in my apartment since I moved here. More things will break in the future. For me there are no headaches because all I have to do is shoot an email over to my landlord and he knows which Dominicans to call up for the job. For me it is stress free. The guys who come to the DR and struggle are the ones that try to deal with Dominicans directly, nope not me. I always use middlemen. Because the middleman will screen out the Dominicans who are worthless. Every time I go through a veteran expat to get a service here in the DR the service is always good. When I go to Dominicans directly, as I did with that street girl, big surprise I catch her going for my wallet. I don't hire Dominicans for any service UNLESS they have been referred to me by a trusted veteran expat that has lived here for years. If I needed a Dominican lawyer guess who is the first person I'm emailing? My landlord. He owns property here which means he knows which attorneys are crap and which ones are not.

 

[wrecksum]

It's no good getting in a gringo company with all the kit and knowhow.
You would miss out on the "true Dominican experience" and never become a fully qualified expat.

I love the way that the tape measure becomes a badge of honour and a true 'craftsman's emblem.It's usually the only tool he has but is wielded with swagger and pride.

It's like a clipboard in a factory.

 

[PapiGonzalez]

Just wait till they learn about the pencil behind the ear!

 

[Lando calrisian]

This was the funniest thing I've read all day. BRAVO!

LC

 

[DR_Guy]

Funny stuff, but so true. Stay positive!!!!

 

[Dan Spinnover]

You can't blame the three workers for being late, they stopped and asked directions to your house.
They were given wrong directions, it was not their fault.

the landlord of the property sent them over. If he does not know the address, or cannot communicate it clearly.... Well, it wouldn't be the first time. :cheeky:

We've had pretty good luck with a lot of services. My problem has been trying to find a good plumber. Out of the five or so we have had come to the house, none of them came with a snake. They would just go to town using our plunger to try to unstop the blockage.

I suppose that is because in San Cristobal - a poorer area, the only thing that qualifies as 'plumbing' in the majority of houses here is a pipe sticking out of the ground with a faucet on it. Toilets and the plumbing involved with those - are a rarity, it seems.