Did our deck contractor cheap out on us?
emily928
13 years ago
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sierraeast
13 years agoemily928
13 years agoRelated Discussions
Advice from those that did NOT use a general contractor.
Comments (24)I agree with all the comments about time and sequencing of trades. That has been our biggest problem. Biggest positive aspect is that the kitchen is truly the way I wanted it - all mistakes are my mistakes. Good design is my good design, etc. The designer/finishing touches have been quite difficult for me but I'm mostly happy. Not sure I saved money. May have cost more money. Biggest issue for me has been confronting workmen when I think they have made a mistake or when they misunderstood my directions. (Try to put all directions in email or at least on paper). I don't think my personality is a good fit for this type of job, no matter how good the workers. We are coming down to the end. Our electrician who I like very much is slowing us down because of side projects he has. If I had it to do it over again, I think I would not be my own GC. I didn't get much help from my husband and all workers, no matter how nice seem to get to a "burnout phase" as they work on your project and they are ready to move on and the quality of their work begins to diminish greatly, no matter how good. That has been our experience, anyway. I think a GOOD GC would have kept workers in line better but then I wouldn't say I'm 100% confident that was true. Good luck. I think it's a crap shoot which ever way you go. May depend on what part of the country. Here in Texas on the Gulf Goast, good quality labor is in high demand so be prepared to wait in line for anyone good....See MoreOur contractor filed a lien and he's not even done yet!
Comments (12)Is this illegal? I mean, how can he do this? Does he indeed have to be finished with the job before he can file a lien for nonpayment? This job was supposed to take 6 months and we started back in Jan 2006. We have never said "we are not paying you" or anything. We simply want the things that need to be fixed done right. He keeps saying this is warranty work and he deserves the full payment now. In our eyes, if we paid them all of it, then he would take forever. We have to hold this money over his head or the work won't get done. Now he put a lien on the house like we are not willing to work with him. UGH! Am I right this is not to be considered warranty work when he is still on the job finishing punch out stuff? To me, warranty is something after the job is completed and paid in full. Putting a deck on top of a septic should not be considered warranty work. My thought is he is trying to word it as warranty work because then he can say the job was complete. Sandy...See MoreContractor Did Not Pull Permit for Deck Replacement
Comments (13)You have to submit drawings indicating this is a direct replacement. Show existing footings to remain, indicate what materials were used and submit them for approvals. When you get your permit call for final inspection. Being this elevated deck they can inspect subframe from underneath and all of the connections i.e post to the footing, girder to the posts, etc. We do this all the time when a homeowner gets caught with a deck that was done with no permit, or when the house is sold and there is a deck but there is no record that permit was issued, etc. In some cases, if the deck to low, they will ask to remove a few decking boards so they can inspect ledger and make sure everything is proper flashed and hangers properly attached. Good luck...See MoreWhat window flashing did contractor use???
Comments (23)Its really pretty much pointless to guess about your window flashing detail but here's a possibility: When installing window flashing before the water-resistant barrier (i.r., housewrap), a sheet of plastic or housewrap (shown as material #1) is installed and later integrated into the weather resistant barrier (#6). If this is the case, the question is whether or not the sill pan flashing (material #2) was installed. If it was black, it would have been difficult to see. Installing the windows before the wrap is preferred by some window manufacturers and approved by all of them. Grace Products makers of Vycor flashings recommends installing the windows first. Someone probably has some photos of the house being built. I photograph everything on my site visits and require contractors to take them before covering up work. Photos have saved the day for all concerned many times in the past....See Moresierraeast
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13 years agoemily928
13 years agometaxa
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13 years agolbpod
13 years ago
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emily928Original Author