I do small jobs–not building houses or complete remodels. I rebuild double-hung windows. I finished a job for a guy (eleven windows) and he says he wants me to look at another building. I look give him a proposal the end of April. The job is less than four thousand–but a good size job for me. The end of May he calls me up and wants to do it–I say great. The proposal says he pays me 1/3 to get started. He says he will mail check. I go to building and pull out four windows and board up. I bring windows back to shop–not really doing any work, waiting for check. I send him a email two weeks ago and he called–oh, yeah, he’ll send check when he meets with accountant on Monday. No check. No signed proposal. Yesterday he calls and wants to know what the progress of the windows is. I tell him I’m waiting for check–He says–he’s been carrying it around with him. And says he wants to think about putting new windows in and he’ll get back to me.
I think I should return windows and bill him for my time and materials.
Does that sound right?
Thanks,
Marion
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I think I should return windows and bill him for my time and materials.
Does that sound right?
Sounds fine to me. Your 'customer' hasn't kept to his side of the bargain and doesn't sound as if he's going to.
John
marion, you might want to hang onto the sash until you get the check, no use working anymore on this if he stiffs you for the time anyway.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
I think I might call him and give him a deadline, let him know that you want the check within X days or you'll drop the sash back off and pick up your plywood.... let him reinstall them himself. Sounds like he's having a cash flow crunch.
I like David's solution.
But you did screw up by starting without the check.
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
If the proposal says he pays 1/3 to get started, and you started without the check, I don't think you can bill him for work you decided to do before you got the check.
Seems like he's still trying to make up his mind. The check says "okay, start". No check? No start. You might ask him to compensate you for your time, but I don't see how he's morally bound to.
Ditto what the others said.
You screwed up by starting without the check.
And don't return the windows until you get paid. He's gonna get tired of looking at plywood sooner or later.
and, if you get the check, cash it before starting. They have been known to bounce!Woody
If it's ditto what the others said, then he hasn't earned any money yet and holding the sash hostage will be morally questionable. In fact, I'm not sure he shouldn't just return and reinstall them now. If the guy does call later, the price goes up!
If he wants new windows, sell him some!
Duh!
blue
I think I messed up by not getting check before starting work. It's not something I usually do, and something I won't do again. He called me this afternoon and wanted to go ahead--and delivered check. I don't worry about it bouncing. I want to thank you guys for words of wisdom.
Marion