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April 8, 2008
TO DO LIST BEFORE HIRING A CONTRACTOR
Could you share which steps you would follow before hiring a contractor to do some major work?
I have checked a couple of references and visited some of his prior work. What else should I do? As I understand, they don't have licenses, is that right?
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!
Comments
For major work you definitely want a contractor who is licensed, insured, etc. If the person you have spoken to has told you contractors don't have licenses, well, NEXT.
Posted by: Putnamdenizen at April 8, 2008 7:15 PM
Get a rock solid contract that a lawyer has examined. Include finish dates and $ penalties for not meeting deadlines. Require written approval for all change orders.
Posted by: guest at April 8, 2008 7:56 PM
Department of consumer affairs has strict licensing requirements for home improvement contractors license.
The biggie is they will not give a licence to a felon.
They also take fingerprints as part of their requirment.
If a contractor tells you they do not need a license, they might owe court appointed child support, alimony, or maybe they are on unemployment or collecting workmans comp off another job.
Whatever it is it is all bad news and a hell of a con.
Posted by: Ysabelle at April 8, 2008 8:39 PM
7:56 -- I am about to enter into contract with my Contractor. He will renovate my kitchen and bathroom. The labor is $12k total. I am supposed to pay $4500 now, $4500 after the work is "substantially completed," and then the balance after all work is complete. I would like to take your advice and propose to my Contractor that penalties be levied, if the work is not completed timely.
What do you think would be reasonable? For example, would I propose the work be "substantially completed" within 3 weeks, and if it is not, then a penalty of $300/day until it is "substantially completed?"
Posted by: guest at April 8, 2008 10:04 PM
7:56 -- I am about to enter into contract with my Contractor. He will renovate my kitchen and bathroom. The labor is $12k total. I am supposed to pay $4500 now, $4500 after the work is "substantially completed," and then the balance after all work is complete. I would like to take your advice and propose to my Contractor that penalties be levied, if the work is not completed timely.
What do you think would be reasonable? For example, would I propose the work be "substantially completed" within 3 weeks, and if it is not, then a penalty of $300/day until it is "substantially completed?"
Posted by: guest at April 8, 2008 10:06 PM
Negotiate the dates and penalties and maybe incentives for early completion with him/her. they should be able to tell you how long it will take. This is a business deal. Set it up as a win-win. It doesn't have to e hostile, but penalties do have to be punitive to work. Ask anyone who's entered a deal like the one you describe and then found the contractor walked away after the 2nd payment, never to return. 12k may be better than 9k, but the latter may be enough if you only did half the job and have a better one on the horizon.
Posted by: guest at April 8, 2008 11:24 PM
12,000.00 to renovate a kitchen AND a bathroom? Wants the work done in 3 weeks and then a 300.00 per day penalty on a 12,000.00 job? I can tell you right now what type of job you're going to get. Perhaps you should post now for your second contractor reccomendations.
Posted by: guest at April 9, 2008 1:01 AM
You can have it fast, cheap, or quality. Pick one, maybe two but not all three. 12k is too cheap.
Posted by: guest at April 9, 2008 9:38 AM
OP was told it was only 12k because this is not a professional licensed contractor. It is a crook that will take the first 2 payments, breakup their tile, steal all the copper pipe they can get, and then disappear.
Posted by: guest at April 9, 2008 11:17 AM
Get their passports for collateral.
When the work is done give it back.
Posted by: Ysabelle at April 9, 2008 12:25 PM
Ysabelle, you think they have passports? For 12k, they might not even have green cards. lol.
As long as everyone's at it, why not take their jewelry and their children?
Posted by: denton at April 9, 2008 2:25 PM
Thanks for your comments.
And how do I check if he's licensed?
Thanks again.
Posted by: Ray at April 9, 2008 9:42 PM
Ysabelle?
Why would I give you anything, for collateral. DO THE JOB YOURSELF OR JUST LIVE LIKE A SLOB!!!!!!!
Posted by: guest at April 10, 2008 12:30 AM
To Denton
Most people have passports including americans and people from other countries.
You think people travel to the u.s. with no passports?
Posted by: Ysabelle at April 10, 2008 11:05 AM
To Denton
Most people have passports including americans and people from other countries.
You think people travel to the u.s. with no passports?
Posted by: Ysabelle at April 10, 2008 11:05 AM
To Ray
Check with department of consumer afairs for general contractors lisence. (hic#)
Check department of buildings plumbing division for their lisence
Check burrau of electrical control for electrician lisence.
information
If you are not satisfied with my information call 311 to discuss.
Posted by: Ysabelle at April 10, 2008 11:11 AM
To Ray
Check with department of consumer afairs for general contractors lisence. (hic#)
Check department of buildings plumbing division for their lisence
Check burrau of electrical control for electrician lisence.
information
If you are not satisfied with my information call 311 to discuss.
Posted by: Ysabelle at April 10, 2008 11:12 AM
To guest 12:30 am
It is about the Op making an informed decision that he can live with.
By the way guest 12:30 am
Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?
Posted by: Ysabelle at April 10, 2008 11:25 AM
Thanks Ysabelle.
Posted by: Ray at April 10, 2008 11:45 AM
To Ray
Your welcome
Posted by: Ysabelle at April 10, 2008 3:43 PM
Ysabelle what is BURRAU?????
AFAIRS??????
LISENCE????
Ysabelle, relax, take a break or even better take a hike back to high school this time look at the books.
Posted by: guest at April 11, 2008 7:19 PM
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