Contractor did poor job pouring foundation ,is this a problem ?
REBECCA WELCH
last year
last modified: last year
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (7)
Mark Bischak, Architect
last yearVirgil Carter Fine Art
last yearRelated Discussions
Nightmare contractor tile job
Comments (74)Great little bath! Good for you! So did you check out how the shower was built for potential water issues? It can take some time for damage to become apparent. It would be unlikely that the underlying foundation and shower pan work was any better than what could be seen on the surface....See MoreHelp-Is this a poor laminate countertop installation?
Comments (47)So glad it worked out! Looks great, like it "should" look. Very classic. I'm just now seeing this for the first time, so missed being able to comment while it was going on. But just had to say that I was so glad things worked out. It's great that you were vindicated! And yes indeed of the nerve of people!! And that goes double for that blasted "KD"!! Could also not help thinking of your daughter and her situation. What a sad story of a bully wrecking havock on an innocent life. I hope she is on the mend in body and soul and I hope you can (or have?!) get some satisfaction or resolution in that area as well. I would be just livid and exasperated at that situation alone much less on the heels of your original countertop fiasco!...See Moresuccess with winter foundation pour
Comments (7)Concrete hardens and becomes strong by a chemical reaction between cement and water called hydration. That reaction is slowed by cold weather so it must be accelerated. What is often mistaken for antifreeze are the chemical admixtures that accelerate the rate of hydration so the desired minimum strength can be reached before the warmth from the heat of hydration drops far enough to stop the chemical reaction or freeze the mix water. There are additional ways to accomplish that task like heating the mix water, using Type III high-early-strength cement, air-entrainment and covering the work after the pour. Formed stem walls retain heat much longer than slabs so slabs need special attention or they should be poured later after the house is enclosed or much later in warmer weather. This is one of the advantages of basements....See MoreContractor wants rest of money before job is completed
Comments (25)Please don’t you dare pay the $1300 final payment. That would be a very bad idea. Let him scream and cry all he wants, threaten to walk off the job, whatever… Sounds like he is planning to walk either way. Keep the $ and if he flakes, you can hire a handyman to finish what is left on the job. This guy’s behavior is way off for a licensed contractor. They would not ask for final payment until the job is complete. That is standard practice. He is acting fishy and makes me bet he is not licensed. There are several things you can do, but it all depends on whether he is licensed or not. Is he a licensed GC? If so, your contract will have his licence number on it somewhere. If he is in fact licensed, you have options if he walks out on the contract. You can file a complaint with your states contractor’s licensing board. This is that last thing a GC wants. A GC also is required to have a bond. You can file a claim on his bond for the unfinished work and for not paying his subs. This would be so stupid of him. That is why I highly doubt he has a license. Although, if he really is licensed, one reason you don’t want to make the final payment is because I think that once you do, if he fails to pay his subs, then those subs can file a mechanic’s lien against you as the homeowner. But, it doesn’t seem like the subs could do that if they have not completed their jobs like backsplash tile, flooring, paint, etc. If they are not licensed, they might not be able to anyways if not allowed in your state. You can ask your GC why he would need to pay them if they are not finished? All this is very weird behavior. Now, if he is not licensed, that is a whole different scenerio. He could be in big trouble for contracting without a license. Some states are super strict on this. He could be fined and might even be ordered to pay you back all the money you gave him. I really have no clue because I don’t know what your state requires. As I was writing, my GC husband came home. I asked him about your situation and he said, “That sounds fishy. I would never ask for final pmt until the job is complete. This guy sounds like a druggy. I bet he’s unlicensed. Tell them they should be very careful. They probably shouldn’t let this guy back in their home.” Hope it all works out ok. Your kitchen sounds beautiful with the marble countertops!...See More3onthetree
last yearJoseph Corlett, LLC
last yearREBECCA WELCH
last year
Related Stories
REMODELING GUIDESContractor Tips: What Your Contractor Really Means
Translate your contractor's lingo to get the communication on your home project right
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESContractor's Tips: 10 Things Your Contractor Might Not Tell You
Climbing through your closets and fielding design issues galore, your contractor might stay mum. Here's what you're missing
Full StoryCONTRACTOR TIPSHow to Check the Quality of a Contractor’s Work
Make sure your remodeler lives up to promises and expectations before you make the hire
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNGarden Walls: Pour On the Style With Concrete
There's no end to what you — make that your contractor — can create using this strong and low-maintenance material
Full StoryARCHITECTUREKnow Your House: What Makes Up a Home's Foundation
Learn the components of a common foundation and their purpose to ensure a strong and stable house for years to come
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESContractor Tips: How to Install Tile
Before you pick up a single tile, pull from these tips for expert results
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNHow to Find and Hire a Great Landscape Contractor
Get your landscape project built on time and on budget by hiring a quality professional
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESHow to Hire a Contractor
Follow these 8 steps to find the right contractor for you and your project
Full StoryCONTRACTOR TIPSContractor Tips: 10 Home Areas That Likely Need a Pro
Safety, less cost and better aesthetics on a home improvement project may rest in the hands of an expert
Full StoryCONTRACTOR TIPS5 Sentences Your Contractor May Not Want to Hear
Want to keep your project on schedule and keep morale high among the crew? Try to avoid these comments and questions
Full Story
Mark Bischak, Architect