Has anyone fired a contractor?
We’re near the tail end of a renovation that has been done very slowly and very sloppily. We still have one final payment left to make to our contractor and a ton of work left to do. He rarely shows up and when he does it’s one headache after the other. We’re thinking about firing…
We’re near the tail end of a renovation that has been done very slowly and very sloppily. We still have one final payment left to make to our contractor and a ton of work left to do. He rarely shows up and when he does it’s one headache after the other. We’re thinking about firing him and hiring someone else to finish the job but we’re concerned about how to handle the Department of Buildings approvals we’ll need to get when it’s done, since the original paperwork was filed with our first contractor. Anyone been through this? Thanks.
As for your DOB sign-off question, check with the architect who filed. As I understand it, but an archtiect will know better, contractor pulls a permit in order to be able to do the work. But it is the architect who must get your sign-off because it is the architect who files the plans. This may not be difficult if you are under Directive 14 (self-cert.). Also, it depends what work is left to be done and whether it is anything structural or just finish type issues (painting, door hardware and the like) which don’t need to really be done under a permit. But don’t take my word for it, check with the architect. If s/he’s ok with it, go get an estiamte from a small-time contractor or handyman for the finish and if the price is lower, you’ve got your leverage to fire the GC.
Assuming that your contractor is licensed, if you complain with the Dept of Consumer Affairs, if the contract is not fulfilled, you are eligible for getting back a lot of your fees already paid. That being said, I understand that is a long process but may be the only course of action in some circumstances.
If you are firing them, make up some excuse about why you need your keys back first. Then fire them and change all your locks. Never give a contractor money ahead of when it is due, that’s asking for trouble.
Had this problem a few years back.The contractor was forever looking for money without having justified the work.Finally when it came to the final payment he was way behind in his work.All of a sudden he was there day and night trying to finish so he could get his money.Of course he begged for it beforehand, but I steadfastley refused,as it was the first time since the beginning that I had a hold over him.Go over every little thing to make sure it is correct before you give him his money.Keep him waiting as well. Yes, it is a bit of a pain,and costly to bring another contractor in at this stage.All the gravy work will have been done, so he will charge you highly to do the punch list.Also not many contractors like coming in behind anothers back to finish off work.It’s a small world out there. My advice is stick with him but under no circumstances give him a final payment until you are totally satisfied everything is up to scratch.The only problem is, if he pulled off of the job now would he be ahead of the game? Sometimes contractors start acting up so that you’ll get rid of them before the final push.Usually you have given them more money than the work produced.
good luck