Dreamer - You sound like you have my contractor! I'm in the exact same boat that you are, except I don't live on-sight. I feel your pain and know what you're going through. It sounds like we're almost at about the same point in our build. I wanted to general the build myself, but logistically I couldn't pull it off. I'm in the military and needed someone to follow the project through to completion in case I was deployed on short notice. Also, after getting bids back, I noticed that there wasn't a lot of difference between general contractor bids and those I was getting from subcontractors as a whole. So, I decided, in the end, I would hire a general contractor. I can't say I'm completly suprised at the slow pace (I had references tell me he's slow, but good), so I guess I can't complain. I guess I felt my options were limited and I was doing too much wishful thinking. I'm coming to the end of month three and for the most part I'm satisfied with the decision to go this direction, however the speed of the project leaves a lot to be disired. The general has one other major project he's working on along with other window/siding jobs that come along. Since the floor joists and rafters went up, he's had someone (lead framer) with helpers on-site working every day, but like you it's not a full crew. What makes matters worse though, is this other job is 100 miles away and when the general contractor is away for short periods (3 days every couple of weeks) of time he hasn't been available by cell phone. If I were in you shoes, I would weight the pros and cons and then decide if it's worth replacing the general contractor at this stage of the build. Are there other generals available to pick-up the pieces and carry on? Would you save money/time? Another consideration, and one you've brought up, is the legal aspect of the arrangement. I too wonder what would happen if I decided to fire him, because it wasn't addressed in my contract. I don't have an answer, but think it would be a messy divorce. This probably didn't answer your questions, but know that you're not the only one in these set of circumstances. Good luck!

When we bought our home, we had just moved to a new state and knew no one. Our house was a fixer and we DIY'd most of it ourselves, but when it came time to do the master bath, we opted to hire a contractor. We also had tough time finding someone and as a last resort decided to contract the job ourselves. Problem was, we were just as lost about how to find good people as we were when looking for a contractor. During a conversation with a tile salesman, I asked if they by any chance had some tilers they could refer to me. They did and that's what got the ball rolling for us. A few days later while I was interviewing the tiler (whom the salesman said was one of the busier ones) I casually asked if he knew of a good plumber. He gave me the name of a guy he worked with regularly who was a master plumber. So a few days later, that plumber came to quote the job and during our conversation, I asked him if he knew of a good carpenter. Same thing, he referred me to a guy he's worked with for years. The carpenter ended up being a licensed contractor with a small but busy business and eventually we hired him as a contractor to do our bathroom remodel. Before we did though, we had him do a couple of other smaller things to sort of "test the waters" and see what his work looked like. He's really good at what he does and now, the only one we call when we need something. I was asking these guys for referrals because I didn't know anyone locally to ask and the people I was getting from places like Angie's list were not a good match, but as it turned out, they were a really helpful and dependable resource. I asked the salesman who the busiest tiler was because to me that meant he was good enough to be in demand and when someone is good at what they do, it usually means they have a good work ethic as well. Maybe you can try a similar approach.

I put together 2 sheets - one I used as a guideline when interviewing contractors and another when interviewing their references. I didn't necessarily asked them every question. I can email you the finished sheets. Contractor: date Phone number: After hours No. Registered in MA? Contact: Address: Referred by: How many years of experience? How long in business? How much experience with historical homes? What is your specialty? What sets you apart from the rest? Tell them about my job: Converting 1820s house back to single Items contractor may do or my subs: Items we may do: How many renovations have you completed? How many completed similar projects? How many kitchen designs have you completed? What do you see as the important issues? License Type of work licensed to do: Where are licenses held? call the local building department to validate the number. Also, call the State Consumer Protection Agency to find out if the contractor had to prove financial stability, pass an exam, or just pay a fee for the license Check with your local building department or consumer protection agency to find out about licensing requirements in your area. Is the company bonded and with who? Can I have a banking and/or financial reference? Check financial stability. If the contractor is unable to pay for materials, labor, and overhead costs, the job could go unfinished. What insurance coverage do you have? At a minimum, contractors should have Workman's Compensation: Name of Co. and phone number general liability (including property and personal liability), Amount, Name of Co. and phone number: automobile insurance Name of Co. and phone number: Call the insurance agency to confirm effective dates of the insurance policies. What professional/trade organizations are you are a member of? Check membership standing in the organization provided. Have you taken any classes or attended any trade seminars in the past 2 years? Do you have any projects under litigation or complaints filed against you? Any judgments against the company? How do you handle this type of job? Who will be assigned as a project supervisor for the job? Will they be there every day? Do you have employees or do you use subcontractors? Will you be using subcontractors on this project? If yes, ask to meet them, and make sure they have current insurance coverage and licenses, if required. Also ask them if they were paid on time by this contractor How interested are you in this project? Are you available and have capacity? When can you start? How long do you expect to complete this project? Based on the project detail, what permits may be required? May I have an itemized estimate on the project that includes materials, labor, overhead, and a time frame? The estimate should be in writing in order to compare it with the estimates you receive from the other two contractors. What is your experience/track record with cost estimating or quotes? Questionaire for references: Contractor: date Phone number: Reference: What is your experience/track record with cost estimating or quotes? Â How did you find out about this contractor? Â How long ago did this contractor work for you? Â What was the quality of the finished project? Â Did the contractor recommend a contract, including a written estimate? If not, did you request a contract? Did the contractor balk at the idea? Â Did the project go over the original estimate? If so, by how much? What changes from the original project did you request? Did the contractor provide an acceptable detailed explanation? Â Did the contractor use a written change order form before making changes to the original estimate? Â Did the contractor stay on schedule and report to work in a timely manner? Â Did the contractor have a good attitude throughout the project? Â Did anything unusual or unsettling happen during the course of the project? Â How qualified were the workers and subcontractors? Â Did the contractor stay on-site to supervise during the project? Â How accessible was the contractor? Â Was the site clean and safe at all times? Â Would you recommend this contractor to your family and friends? Â Would you use this contractor again?

I agree, talk to a good HVAC contractor. Finding the good ones is the key point. I'd question if what you are asking for makes sense for your house (how new and how tightly, or not. is your home sealed). Do you want unheated/unconditioned air coming directly into your kitchen, do you want to stand under that supply of air when it is 32 degrees outside? Qualifier: I'm not familiar with Fantech products. What is used in newer, well sealed homes are devices knows as HRV or ERV (Heat Recovery Ventilators or Energy Recovery Ventilators). What these devices do is get any heat from air being exhausted from the structure (cooking, bathroom exhaust, clothes dryer exhausts, etc.), and exchange the heat to add it to air coming into the structure (some do exchange of moisture along with heat). In some areas, northern and colder climates and Canada, these devices are required by code. If your structure is older and enough makeup air comes in through door and windows seals, mail slots, screen doors, garage entrances, dryer and bathroom exhausts when not in use, etc., etc. then you don't want this arrangement. A good HVAC contractor will have someone on staff who understands all this stuff and can tell you what options make sense for your house.