Replies

1. 
   FastEddie | Sep 28, 2005 06:26am | #1

   Try to do a search here.  This has been discussed quite a bit.  Lots of times the title has something to do with getting ripped off by a contractor.  It could be a difficult search, unfortunately.

   One important thing is to hire a contractor that you are comfortable with.  Price is important, but if you don't trust him, you're doomed from the beginning.

     And communicate.  If the first coat of paint doesn't look like the right color, don't assume it's just the primer.  Politely ask for an explanation.  I just finished helping a friend paint the insoide of a house.  The HO said to paint the trim white, so he bought white.  The HO was expecting a linen or ivory white.  They didn't like the color, but waited until we had applied the second coat to all thr trim before saying anything.  That caused some hard feelings, and took twice as long to complete.

    

    

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

2. 
   JeffBuck | Sep 29, 2005 08:25pm | #2

   make final decisions before they ask 20 times for them.

   pay attention.

   pay on time.

   stay outta the way.

    

   Jeff

       Buck Construction

    Artistry In Carpentry

        Pittsburgh Pa

3. 
   GregDi | Sep 29, 2005 09:14pm | #3

   Stay out of the way...I second that

   Don't hover...

   Don't change your mind unless you are willing to pay for it.

   Realize that EVERY change, regardless of how small YOU think it is, costs the contractor money. Be ready to pay for it.

   Nothing makes our job harder than dealing with HOs that don't appreciate the fact that this is our livelihood and it's a business. You wouldn't dare go to an appliance store and ask them to throw in a microwave just because you were there to buy a refrigerator. The price the contractor gives you is for a specific scope of work and anything beyond what's on that paper, is extra. Please don't expect it for free.

   Thanks

1. 
   hvdcman | Sep 30, 2005 12:54am | #4

   Sounds like most responses are in agreement on most points. We are trying to give as much information as we can upfront, and we are aware that changes will be costly, so we are asking alot of questions up front and trying to nail down what we don't know to try and make the major decisions prior to the beginning of construction.

4. 
   RW | Sep 30, 2005 01:52am | #5

   Pretty much agree with everything said. Best jobs I had I don't attribute to the work, but to the environment created by the homeowner. And believe me, little things were pro bono rather than a change order, everyone was happy and the work was on time. You often have a role to play in how well the job runs just by your reaction to all the elements of it.

   Don't bicker over cost. Ask questions that seek to understand details. I know, another way of saying the same thing, but where the conversation starts has everything to do with how it ends.

   A bad call on time is better than no call at all. A good call on time only happens when people communicate. Contractor shouldn't say monday morning we need X,Y,&Z decided now so the plumber can hit the supply house on his way here this afternoon. A little advance warning as to when things are going to be critical. And homeowners should make the best call they can with what they have and run with it. And if they want more, plan ahead and ask those questions. It's important for both sides to remember that nobody has ESP. Contractors forget how many details of what they do aren't "common knowlege" to the world. Clients forget the itemised 40 point list of very important things covered at contract signing.

   Clients who go to the supply house, the showroom, the design center and see with their own eyes what something looks like get what they want more often than clients who rely on the sub to provide a brochure and explain it.

   Chocolate chip cookies go a long way at 9am.

   "If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain

1. 
   calvin | Sep 30, 2005 02:27am | #6

   RW, you and I have to get together one of these days.  Your list could be a carbon copy of thoughts in my mind.  The cookies would have walnuts in 'em wouldn't they?

   I might add to the communication reference that timing is something to think about especially if there's a working contractor on this job.  Information should not become interuptions.  Pick a good time of day when you'd both be available and able to concentrate on the meeting.  Hard to keep track of decisions when your mind isn't 100% on it.

   So, where is it you live again RW?Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   Quittin' Time