I would get rid of him ASAP. You've just seen the tip of the iceberg, in my opinion. And just the lack of communication would worry me, even without the issue of the old kitchen (which strikes me as more than a little shady, if he didn't make clear at the time of the bid that his price was lower because he would be able to recycle your kitchen and make some money off of it).

Can you arrange with the cabinet supplier to order now but take delivery at a later date, so you don't lose the "free installation" (which I take it the GC wasn't going to be doing, but the cabinet shop?) Did you interview other GCs that you could revisit at this point? I just think you're starting off on the wrong foot with this guy, and you'll find it hard to trust him (I would!) once you get going. In my experience, having complete confidence in your GC is critical to having a successful renovation experience.

Dump him-don't let him start the work when you already have bad feelings about him!

I hate to say it, but I think you've encountered your first two red flags. Have you paid him anything yet?

I would ditch him now either before any money changes hands or you're in even deeper. I know your timeline is now messed up, but I have a feeling he won't meet your timeline even if you stay with him (look how difficult it is to get a hold of him...that will only cause delay after delay). As to him selling your cabinets, he should have done the demo for free since he's making money on it...and, if he sold it, why are you being charge a dump fee (of course, it could be for other items being demolished, but I don't know)?

Maybe I'm overreacting because of my current problems, but I don't think I am.

What do others think?

I deal with GCs on a regular basis for my job. This one exhibits all the signs of being problematic. Please tell me you didn't give him any money yet. Get rid of him and don't think twice about it. He's there to do the job, if he isn't following through you don't need to feel bad about it. It certainly is the tip of the iceberg. Do you want someone that lazy installing your gas line to your stove? Maybe he'll just duct-tape the connections to save himself some effort. Do you really want to have to worry about that kind of stuff?

I agree with the other posters. This kind of behavior never improves over the life of the project, and is almost certain to get much worse.

As painful as it'll be to delay your start date (and maybe lose your free cabinet install), I think you'd be much better off with a contractor who conducts himself professionally -- and IMHO this guy does not. This dude could be trouble.

Cheryl,

I have to agree with the other posters. When you said you hired him...does that mean that you have already paid him some $$$?

I don't know what the legal issues are if you have signed a contract- but if he hasn't completed any of the tasks he was supposed to have done by now, then I would guess that that would give you a reason to negate the contract. It isn't the worst thing in the world to lose 'free installation'. (I totally understand your frustration- but you do know nothing in life is free, so if you're getting 'free installation', they're making their money somewhere else...:>) But, you could have far worse things in store for you if you continue with this guy as your GC.

RUN! And get any money back you can. Threaten him with an attorney. Call the police for fraud if you think you can prove it. Call your state home improvement commsion office, call the BBB. I had a horrible experience with a contractor 3 years ago while renovating my basement (we are still dealing with problems as a result) ans I thank God that I didn't have this guy do my kitchen.

Don't fret over the kitchen being delayed, etc. Don;t let him continue, just so you can get the ball rolling and not have more delays. You will end up regreting it.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

Ba bye!!! and good riddens -

1st it is obvious he is not interested in your job -

2nd the fact that this guy is selling your belongings is nothing short of criminal activity

I prefer to not have criminals in my home, let alone working on it

You'll have a much better remodel w/o this guy, make sure you ck the next one's references including site visits to existing projects as well as completed

good luck

If this man is this difficult NOW before he has even started your project, he will be a living nightmare close to done when you're trying to get those last few things from your punchlist completed so you can call your project DONE! RUN now while you have the chance!

Exactly what everyone else has said. At this point your timeline is moot because he's already made it abundantly clear he will NEVER meet your schedule.

So your choice is this:
1) be late with a flaky / unreliable / ethically challenged GC (this guy), or
2) be late with a GC from you whom you receive glowing recommendations and who doesn't leave you with a sinking feeling.

Our project was stalled about four months for a similar problem (nutjob KD) and honestly, I am so freakin' grateful! On its own, a kitchen remodel is stressful, but to have added working with her (or your GC) -- I'd have to be heavily sedated. I would so much rather be late but in a calmer, grown-up, communicative "relationship" with my GC than "on time" (but in truth, still late) with a crazy-making unprofessional lout (again, I'm referring to both our former KD and your GC).

You listen to that gut of yours!!!

I agree run and don't let him start. I didn't listen to my gut and had one issue after another and cried for a week when my project was finished. We ended up paying almost $3000 ABOVE what we were quoted and there were a TON of other issues. Trust me if he is doing this now, it is only going to get worse.

RM kitchen is right be late with a contractor that you receive the recommendations, even if they are more $, it will be SO worth it in the end.

PLEEEEEEAAAASE listen to what everyone has said AND trust your gut. I can only promise you that working with a GC who is not responsive to your needs and who basically has already exhibited dishonesty by selling your stuff behind your back will turn this into a nightmare.

I know you have put a lot of time and effort into getting started on time but you want someone who will follow through and get your project completed in a reasonable amount of time as well. There are some on here who are going on 1 yr, 2 yrs even 3 and are still not finished. Do you want to be in a similar position?

Wow! Remind me not to piss any of you guys off :) You're awesome! What a huge bunch of support!

Luckily we didn't give him any money and he doesn't do "the contract thing"... his risk, not ours...

We're interviewing other contractors as I type this, and my husband will give him till the end of today to respond (he's Nice Cop...). In my books, he's fired.

I thought it was awful to sell our kitchen and discount the price accordingly... glad to know I'm not being fussy...

Thanks everyone - will keep you posted. Don't know what I'd do without "my forum" :)

cheryl

The first situation you explained was bad enough. But the second scenario, HIM getting paid to install your old kitchen for another job???? I would think he wouldn't have charged you to take it out. That part makes no sense. And you didn't finalize your contract with him, that's good news because I think he's bad news.

I had a cement contractor like him once. That's why it's taken me a couple years to recoup and tackle a small kitchen job (granite countertops). I've read the first of two bids on my job and I'm thinking of adding in my own stipulation of having work done by such-and-such date.

Judge Marilyn Milian (People's Court) offers words of wisdom on her show. When she asks people about their contracts and their negotiations she says "If it's that important or if you made that stipulation why didn't you write it in?" I don't know if it'll fly or if they'll laugh in my face but I'm going to try it. I had a bad enough experience with the cement guy!

I'm worried that you're even giving him an opportunity to respond ... just be sure neither of you BUYS whatever he comes up with as an excuse (for the delays, the absence of communication, lack of professionalism and integrity in selling your cabinets without discussing that option with you and BEFORE even beginning work on your job, and the utterly unacceptable and unprofessional nature of his email response to you about them). Even if there were a genuine miscommunication about the cabinets and the bid figure (which I don't think there was!), the rest (delays, attitude, etc.) should be sufficient RED FLAGS to cut ties with this guy. There is no response he could possibly make at this point that ought to lift those flags from your mind... or your husband's. And you ought NOT move forward with those flags flying!! So just don't be tempted to!!

If you go with him...after his 24 hour reprieve, let me warn you...when you complain about him (and you will...he's a loser) these stupid GW people will NEVER forget they told you to run and you didn't heh heh (I'm included in that group). You'll be hearing "We told ya so..." for months on end. Sure we'll hug on occasion...but we'll whisper in your ear..."we told you so" as you weep on our sympathetic shoulders :oP

RUN NOW or listen to us forever...muhahahahahahaha

Ok, now I'm laughing insanely at my computer and my husband thinks I'm wierd... thanks Igloochic :)

I think you're all right - I'm not going to give him an opportunity to respond. We're actually talking about acting as our own GC, as we both have a great deal of experience/interest in this type of stuff, and don't mind delays - as long as they're my fault, not those of a GC... My husband's an engineer, we have tons of friends who are tradespeople to get ideas and contacts from, and my window guy feels so sorry for me, he's taken me under his wing and finding subtrades for me...

You guys are the best. I can't handle the I Told You So's... so, he's gone. It's that simple. I can't imagine months of your wrath :)

c.

Glad you are going to pass on him. Just think how awful it would be in several months with a totally demolished kitchen & him missing or hitting you up for more $ to finish.

It may not seem it right now, but you should consider yourself lucky he showed his true colors now. He "doesn't do the contract thing"? OMG. And he "sold" your kitchen? Ba bye! You dodged a bullet.

I don't know where you are, but in some places written contracts are mandatory. In my state any contract over a certain dollar amount for home construction or renovation must be in writing. The builder is legally required to comply with the law, which includes minimum clauses.

RUN, and RUN FAST!! Actually, if you have any skills, I vote you DIY too. I'm so glad we did between the money we saved and not having to deal with the drama of contractors.

My Daddy always tells me in situations like these "The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step...".
(or something close to that).
I almost always remember that - and it's never been proved wrong that if you start off on the wrong foot - it will continue to be painful to the end.
Good luck, & keep us posted.
---Boxie

Hahaha my daddy always tells me, Teri in times of trouble the main thing to do is keep calm and don't panic. Then he repeats it few times. Oh, then he follows by saying make sure you hit them on the way out toward the open door and never ever never wait until you get outside. It makes little sence on how I live my life but it always makes me laugh an lighten up.

Another vote for DUMP and RUN.

Don't let him in the house.
Don't let your husband play good cop.
Don't answer his calls (if he calls) or emails.

We fired him this morning.

We're going to strap on our hard hats and play GC ourselves.

Thanks everyone for all of your help! Couldn't handle the I Told You So's :)

cheryl