Contract considerations-what should I require from my contractor?
cotehele
15 years ago
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elizpiz
15 years agolast modified: 9 years agocotehele
15 years agolast modified: 9 years agoRelated Discussions
is what this contractor did legal/ethical? What should I do?
Comments (8)Annz, No... it does NOT state that he'd work my in around other customers. In fact the fine "standard" print states "will do the job proposed in a timely fashion. " His "defense" is that I delayed the project. Orignally signed contract 2/27 with plans to start mid March. I found out two days later that I needed surgery at that time... so we pushed it out to mid may start. He totally agreed to that. COntract had no start or end dates listed. Revised contract did state May 15th as start. He "blames" my delay now since he took other jobs. He also says that I didn't have all materials on time which caused delays -- NOT true and I have proof of delivery on them. Ran out of tile and needed to order more but other work here that could have been done at that time. One plumbing part that needed to be reordered.... since plumber drilled holes before confirming that the valve was adjustable. Again, not my fault and other work to be done. He IS licensed. We have already voiced the concerns in person and via email. I have set out an expected deadline (two more weeks) to finish this phase... tile mudroom, paint mudroom and tie up loose ends... and my desired start for next phase a month from now. He replied that he is tired of me trying to tell him how to run his business! What I paid the electrican and plumber so far is for work that they HAVE completed. however, I feel that the contractor should have paid them, not me... since it was in my bid amount ... and the amount that I gave him half down on! The contractor IS the painter also. He does that himself. He gave me the info to get his discount for the paint. Again, though something I had to go and do myself... and pay out of pocket! Thanks for your input... any other thoughts on my answers?...See MoreThe Contractor's Contract Bugs Me. Am I wrong?
Comments (16)My husband's a GC, and he'd NEVER write a contract absolving himself from damage done by his subs or him. If they damage something, they're responsible. That's why he carries liability insurance. And more importantly, that's why he's so careful! But as Plllog points out, some clients do try to pin everything on the contractor. Sometimes it's pre-existing damage and they're intentionally trying to mistreat the contractor; more often it's unrelated damage or normal wear and tear. Probably most often, it's expanding the scope of the job to cover a greater amount of work with no increase in compensation. The old "behind-the-wall or under-the-floor" issue. DH was renovating a small room for a client once and suggested as a last-minute add-on that he replace the old yellowed wall outlet and faceplate so it would look as nice and fresh as the rest of the room. $15 add-on. As it happens, the outlet was GFI, but the wiring wasn't -- wasn't even up to code. DH explained to the client that the wiring (which hadn't been touched) wasn't up to code, and that his professional code of ethics forbade him from replacing the outlet and switchplate - so he'd deduct the $15 from the contract. Client tried to insist that for $15, he had to replace the wiring and everything on that line, bringing it up to code at the same time -- all for $15, like it implied in the contract or he'd sue. And he was a lawyer. Very ugly scene... (DH refused, client didn't sue - but we had a heck of a time getting paid.) What sometimes CAN happen is that plumbing work 'shakes up' grit and grime in the lines that then flows downstream and clogs other pipes or fixtures. Or, slight vibrations on brittle pipes can cause leaks in other areas of the house. A good contractor will address these issues up front so the client can know what to expect....See MoreShould I believe the contractor about my 1910 home being a "tear down"
Comments (11)Cost per square foot for remodeling versus building new is always going to be skewed. Reason? To remodel, the existing structure must be disassembled to a point to rebuild. Double labor. New construction is simply building to finish. Single labor. The tipping factor where remodeling is more expensive than rebuilding varies tremendously. If the building requires plumbing/electrical/HVAC reworking plus structural changes, chances are building new will be less expensive. And may be faster. Minor plumbing/electrical/HVAC/structural is always less expensive. In your case, the tipping factor is how much you intend to do. Straightening walls/floors can be a major overhaul, especially when a complete roof is in the plan. Adding bigger windows is a major remodel, and is more expensive than simply replacing windows. Reason? Sheet rock has to be removed, exterior siding has to be removed past the dimensions of the new windows to allow proper framing of the new openings. New window costs, labor to tear out, and labor/materials to replace sheet rock/siding. If the siding cannot be reused(after being removed) new siding has to be bought/installed/primed/painted. Replacing four windows can easily require residing that entire side of the house. Leveling floors will require tearing out the old, repairing/replacing the joists. Same with the walls. Roof may need complete rebuilt to be right. Rip off all the old roofing/sheathing/rafters and rebuild from the top plate of the walls. Could all that be done without all that tearout? Not if it is done right.`...See MoreMy contractor wants me to pull the construction permit. Should I ?
Comments (6)***IANAL**** He wants you to pull the permits because he knows A) the government will want his license # to issue a permit and he doesn't have one, but often homeowners don't need a license to do work themselves on their own property; and B) he knows that if the government sees his name they're going to come after him. It has nothing to do with what's "easier," it's about what enables him to break the law and scroo you, sorry! Please just fire this guy and find an honest contractor (I know it's very difficult to do so, sorry, but you really need to--the thought of the work he's done on your home scares me)! Absolutely do speak to an attorney, and to your local DA's office; this man has committed fraud against you by representing himself as a licensed contractor and representing the work he's done as permitted work. You *may* be able to sue to get your money back, and the DA may want to pursue charges against him. I am so sorry this has happened to you!!...See Moreoverlyoptimistic
15 years agolast modified: 9 years agokitchenredo2
15 years agolast modified: 9 years agogrowlery
15 years agolast modified: 9 years agocotehele
15 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
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