My House Painter Was a Convict

by Keri
(West Palm Beach, FL, USA)

My house badly needed a painting job and I am not very skilled in that area. So instinctively, I opened up the phonebook and called around for quotes.

Being a woman, I guess they thought they could run off with my life savings since each quote was more ludicrous than the last. I sighed, thinking that my lime green house (yes, lime green) was doomed to look like a lollipop forever.

My friend from work, Lily, told me about a wonderful house painter named Joe who does excellent painting work. He came to the house, gave me a modest quote and began working right away.

Joe was mannerly, swift and very handsome. Around midnight, Joe explained that he was half done and needed a $1,000. “That was not the original agreement” - I explained angrily. He refused to leave and threatened me. I slammed the door in his face and called the police. The police explained to him that he had to leave my property.

The officer pulled me aside and asked if the painter was licensed. After pulling up his information, the officers found that he had warrants for a violent crime.

I learned a valuable lesson. Always check references and licenses. Also, don’t hire convicts and always write up a contract before starting a job. Although, I’m glad he didn’t hurt me, I’m severely angry. Before, I had a house that was lime green… now I have a house that is lime green and blue, great.

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