Normal to have anxiety about your contractor?
We’re just about to start a fairly significant renovation. The plans are drawn and approved and about to be filed with the city. Our contractor, who came recommended and we like, is starting to realize things such as: the electric needing to be significantly upgraded now that he has had the electrician come in to…
We’re just about to start a fairly significant renovation. The plans are drawn and approved and about to be filed with the city. Our contractor, who came recommended and we like, is starting to realize things such as:
the electric needing to be significantly upgraded now that he has had the electrician come in to actually look at the place.
arguing with the architect (who is now completely irritated) over whether a permit is required for the plumbing we’re slated to do.
This is making us nervous since we’ve not even begun. We expect and are prepared for overages and permit issues but didn’t expect this so early and after we just signed the contract. These seems like things that should have been thought of and worked into the contract.
Is this just pre-reno jitters and this is normal or sdoes it sound like we should find a new contractor since we already don’t feel comfortable?
Many thanks for any opinions…
If it’s NYKB, fire them and find new friends (because anyone who’d recommend them is a total idiot and your worst enemy).
Fire them all!
Hello – thank so much for posting your thoughts and experiences. I’ve never had this issue before so it’s very much appreciated. Seems like a meeting between the three of us is needed.
Regards,
OP
peoples finly agreed with ech otha. hollowlulyah.
Talk to your achiertect as to weather to give the contrator the hevho, hes not got a vensted interest other that to see his plan come to life in a good way.
imho, the problems you are having now will only intensify as the job progresses. you are seeing signs of who this person really is: poor communicator, not thorough, willing to cut corners, this stuff doesn’t change, if it bothers you now it’s going to make you nuts in a few months
i am going to give you the advice i wish i had taken: go with your gut and cut your losses (mainly time at this point) while they are still relatively minor.
Scrap them both. Follow your instincts. This is not how things are done and I am one that has allowed much too much room for both architects and contractors and paid the price dearly. If you did not do your homework (because of the recommendation), do it know. Take a week and call clients (not just the people on the lists given to you). You can google the work done by both your architect and contractor. Ask about jobs not included in their references. I’ll bet there are other things that feel off. Are they thorough in their paperwork? Go on a website about hiring an architect and a contractor and check the suggested contracts and modes of operation. Do not ever allow less than you think is appropriate. Expect them to be as thorough as you would be in theri job. I have done so much work and all I can say is that a problem like this will not be isolated. I know that I sound alarmist and trust me that I am normally very chill. There are so many awful people in this business. I would put it at around 90% for unqualified and inept people working as both architects and contractors. The stories I could tell you…
It might not be unique to feel uncomfortable with a contractor when you’ve barely begun-a case of cold feet can be normal. But how could he have priced electrical work without bringing in the electrician who should have had a very good idea what was involved. Of course things do arise that may not have been anticipated-but this seems like it could have been planned for in the proposal process. The architect should be able to address this with your contractor and be demanding if necessary. That’s what you’re paying him for. But all too often the sorry reputations of the contracting profession lead to a very negative preconception that may not apply where your contractor’s involved. Let your contractor know your concerns-and by all means be straightforward, but try to start off on the right foot and treat him as you would any other professional with whom you do business, with respect.
your architect should have figured both elec and permit thing out too.