From anecdotes of others in my area (landscaping, cement patio installation, seasonal pool maintenance) That seems to be going around a lot. My hunch is labor related, but it’s the squeaky wheel that gets the grease.
Discussion
I've been squeaking since April. I even asked for my money back in cash, and he responded with "It will be done by Friday." Don't have the labor, don't take the job. If you had the labor and they left, let someone know what's going on. But, at some point you are either going to do it or not. Four months for 10'x32'' front porch rails....?
No disagreement from me.