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Need advice from you seasoned veterans. In January we started talking to several general contractors about adding a level (master bedroom suite w/ bath, walk-in closets, home office) to our ranch. We decided on one because of his attention to detail and fair (not lowest) price. In February we met with architect, discussed what we wanted. 3 sets of designs later (he didn’t listen to what we wanted) we finally got the detailed plans to submit to Building Department of our town last week — 3 months later. Now the general contractor has to give us the final estimate which should be in a week (we did add hardwood floors, fireplace). At this rate, the project won’t start until July; it’s expected to take 3 months. We thought the addition would be on by now since we started early. I know the good contractors and architects are very busy, but are we being taken advantage of?
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Thanks for your post. It adds perspective to hear the customers side of issues.
Likely what you don't see going on w/ your contractor would amaze you. Here are some of the things that may be keeping him from your house.
1. Sheetrock is delayed on his current projects because of sheetrock shortage or overextended sheetrock subcontractors.
2. His previous customers have doubled the size of their remodeling project.
3. He is working until 8pm to finish his current projects and is too tired to work on your estimate or even call you.
4. He's allowing other squeaky wheels to take up his time. People calling with "emergencies".
5. His tradesmen (plumbers, electricians etc.) are so far behind that they are not getting to his current project.
6. He is running short staffed because of his labor shortage.
Those are some of the reasons for delays. To really find out... ask him politely. If he will not articulate for you what he is running into then he may have personal or financial issues that he does not want to get into.
Hope this helps
Pete
*It is nice to hear from customers. Thank you.If the builder you chose is busy, that's a good sign. Anyone good at what they do should be busy all the time. Would you really want to hire a builder that was just sitting around looking for something to do? Good things come to those that wait.Good luck with your project.
*Sorry to add to it but any new project/jobs I am looking at won't start until at least september.My practice is to work on one job and then finish it before starting the next. My customers like to see me every day till I'm finished. I know some hate to wait but hate more to see me disappear for days at a time to do other jobs. Just wait until he can start and ask if he will be doing any other jobs at the same time.
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Need advice from you seasoned veterans. In January we started talking to several general contractors about adding a level (master bedroom suite w/ bath, walk-in closets, home office) to our ranch. We decided on one because of his attention to detail and fair (not lowest) price. In February we met with architect, discussed what we wanted. 3 sets of designs later (he didn't listen to what we wanted) we finally got the detailed plans to submit to Building Department of our town last week -- 3 months later. Now the general contractor has to give us the final estimate which should be in a week (we did add hardwood floors, fireplace). At this rate, the project won't start until July; it's expected to take 3 months. We thought the addition would be on by now since we started early. I know the good contractors and architects are very busy, but are we being taken advantage of?