new project- contractor increases costs- what to do?
Lana
4 years ago
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K R
4 years agoRelated Discussions
Work with General contractor???and project vs item costs???
Comments (6)It is not always cheaper to buy yourself, as your contractor will likely pass on his discount to you. One thing to look at is whether the subs will do the same. For example, the plumber my sub uses buys the fixtures at his discount (which it also happens I can receive through my mother as a designer), and then marks them up 10 percent. I bought all the faucets because of this, but he ordered the bathtubs (one was an expensive air tub) so he still got compensated. The tubs were something that were time sensitive so he did this. I am also purchasing all my appliances, mainly because I want to put them on my AMEX and receive the extra year of warranty. My builder is fine with this too. We are building a more expensive house so these small bits don't amount to a large commission reduction to him. One tip I can give you is to suggest the landscaping be taken out of the construction contract. My builder actually suggested this because he said there was no reason to pay someone to install it and for him to get his percentage on top of that if there was someone else on the job to manage the installation (we have a landscape architect involved who will manage it). Like any of us, I know you are just trying to get the best value for your money. As a particularly well heeled friend of mine said, I want the best and I don't mind paying for it, but I just don't want to pay the dumb*** price ;). I felt the same, and wasn't going to pay the plumber over 1000.00 more to order faucets for me that I could get quickly online . . ....See MoreNew Flooring Project - Costs seem right?
Comments (5)We used these guys at our prior house a couple of years ago, but for a much smaller job, and the flooring was pre-finished. Had no problems with their work. They have done work on several friends floors as well, but I think they all also went with pre-finish. The workers a fairly young Argentinians that have been doing flooring for years. They work like machines when they prep and start the install - it's actually fun to watch. When I check prices online it is hard to compare because there may be hidden fees....See MoreContractor Scratched New Wood Floor - What to do?
Comments (20)Thanks, everyone. I'm glad to know I'm on the right track. I think we'll take the contractor up on his offer to do the painting for us instead of fix the floor. It'll be a day or two worth of his time and he won't be cash out of pocket and spend a week like he would be if he were to refinish the floor. Refinishing seems like a huge headache for both sides and major expense for the contractor when the payoff is so miniscule. And like lukk and maybe someone else said, we'll soon scratch the floor ourselves, I'm sure. At least now I won't feel so bad about it when I do! When I told my husband this morning that this is the way I think we should go, I told him I want to make sure that not only do we walk away from this feeling good about the outcome, I want our contractor to feel good about working with us, too. I don't want him to feel like we had him over a barrel and took advantage. He obviously already feels just terrible, and I completely, totally understand mistakes. I make plenty of them myself. And to all those who said we have a "gem," I agree. We didn't have any of the very common contractor problems we've experienced in the past. None of my cats escaped the house, the guys were there when they said they would be, they communicated all the time, and their work is high quality. All in all I'm happy and would gladly hire them again. Thanks for the help!...See MoreHow do you thank a contractor when you decide against the project
Comments (9)I think I would listen to what Shaugn said as he is a contractor and is speaking from experience. I think the fact that you are even thinking about this is a very nice reflection on you- and I also think that anything you do will be appreciated because it is above and beyond any "obligation". With that said, my inclination would be a gift card to a nice restaurant(if there is a nice local one or even sometimes the AMEX gift card?) as suggested above, or something like that. I wouldn't try to match what the bill would be dollar for dollarfor his work, but just a nice gracious acknowledgment. Just my 2 cents....See MoreSJ McCarthy
4 years agostrategery
4 years agoG & S Floor Service
4 years agoJoseph Corlett, LLC
4 years agoci_lantro
4 years agomillworkman
4 years agoSJ McCarthy
4 years agoLana
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoHALLETT & Co.
4 years agoci_lantro
4 years agoci_lantro
4 years agoSJ McCarthy
4 years agoci_lantro
4 years agoSJ McCarthy
4 years agoLana
4 years agoci_lantro
4 years agoSJ McCarthy
4 years agoLana
4 years agoSJ McCarthy
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