Here’s a question I’m pondering over. First, a brief over view. The real estate agent who sold us our lot has highly recommended a general contractor to build our home, along with another person who works in the building department. The concern is that this contractor will be my next door neighbor. I have briefly talked to the neighbor on the other side of my property and she said he does good work and has had him do some things for her. She also stated that the guy who did the deck stairs on her home for the contractor was made to take out the stairs and do them over because the contractor didn’t like the way they were done. From our discussion with her, she said that he is always this picky. This can be a blessing. Our, I have seen the same type of situation on other jobs turn into a major blowup between contractors and their subs. I have been in construction myself for the past 20 years and done almost all phases of construction. I am not a master of all trades, but I know when something is not right, or should be done differently. I just can’t do the physical work any more because of 5 surgeries and 2 more to come.
My wife is concerned that we should not use the contractor next door because if a problem arises later, whether our fault or his, it can make living next to them very uncomfortable for may years to come. My feeling is that since he does live next door, it can work to both of our favors. It might even mean that he even does a more thorough job because of us being neighbors. Also, I feel that it might put us in a awkward situation if we don’t even give him a chance. In the past, when I have done work for neighbors, I go out of my way to make sure there are no bad feelings and if there is, I make it right, no matter whose fault it is and at my expense. By the way, they usually get a better price too. I do realize that this is not true for every contractor or subcontractor. This is especially true for a lot of the contractors in the area that we live in now. Way too many of these guys flying by the seat of their pants, doing poor work and using unskilled labor, up to their eyeballs in debt, or way behind schedule, etc.
Here’s the question. What is all of your opinions on this matter and would you use the contractor next door if it was your home being built? This is being asked on a professional and ethical(moral) basis.
Thanks for your responses in advance.
Replies
The choice is a chance to use the most highly recommended builder in town and he happens to live right next door....
or
to risk offending him by not using him while living right next door to him...
no brainer.
sign him up
Excellence is its own reward!
You have been in the business for 20 years, so obviously you know a few contractors yourself. Ask around and find out who this guy is and if he deserves the applause he has been given. Neighbor or not, this is a business decision.
Although if I was to build the house next door I'd be putting a little more effort into the construction process mostly because I wouldn't have to drive across town to do it. My trades would be a little more careful because I lived next door and I certainly wouldn't do anything that at some point would embarass my wife or my children.
Of course the house next door would never look as good as mine, but that is another matter.
Turtleneck
Its not a smile- its a cramp
I do work for firends and family on occasion and have always had success.
Couple of things to remember, This is business treat it as such, be blunt, tell him to be blunt with you, have a contract with a detailed scope of work ect, don't think this is being pesky. If he's good, he's just as concered about a negative outcome as you are, probably more so.
If he's highly recommended i'd say go for it, start with something small if your still uneasy, just remember robe clear about everything upfront, He'll respect you for it, and will understand your concern.
Cheers
I have a contractor right behind me. we used to get along well enough untill I found out that he'd never done a timber frame and still expected to do mine..
Since I started he's done everything he can to sabatoge me. Several times he's come over to complain about things.. things like I'm taking too long, or making too much noise or parking in the wrong spot..
Guys who will be friendly only if they can profit off of you are no real bargan. My advice would be to have a talk with the guy and lay your concerns on the table.. If he's really good you'll know...
If he's the kind of guy it sounds like then you'll be glad you used him. I have a lot of friends that began as customers. If you deal with him honestly and he treats you the same way you'll both be happy that you did business together. Look at it from his side too... he's taking a chance by dealing with you ... as a neighbor. Be considerate of him too, and you'll be rewarded with a quality job and a close relationship with a neighbor to get you started in the community.
Talk to him!
Tell him what you told us.
Be honest
Namaste
andy
"Understanding yourself is like trying to bite your own teeth"
Alan Watts
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
If this guy is first class, then go ahead and use him. Hey he's got to live some where!!
My nextdoor neighbor told me, after I fixed and corrected work done by others for him, he felt there might be a problem with living so close..............I told him don't worry walking the 50 feet to his house was good for me and just 'cause its next door it won't affect the quality of the work. Besides the only jobs that go wrong cost $1 in materials and $20 in gas to get there!!!
dont leave anything to assumption. check back five yrs. to three diifrent jobs ie. 5yrs., 3yrs., 1 yrs. see if theres any variant's. check for COST OVERRUNS, the condition of job sight after the job, was the punch list towards the end check off at a timely,efficient pace. were the subs there on time any money problems. were they used on all or most of the jobs you checked if not why. and were the jobs consistently the same quality.
asked with the right finesse and without confrontation you'll get your answer to your questions. it's really not any earthshaking advice, just dare i say it common sense. have fun , and keep things in perspective. when the work begins. keep some rules between you and your wife . and allow some free time for yourselves. dont stumble on the problematic. keep an eye on the end product. it's pretty stressful, but with the right GC he'll be able to divert alot of that stress slainte' ..bear