Fire This Contractor?
Just wanted an advice. We have been using this contractor for the past 3 weeks to renovate our house. Before we signed the contract he was very nice and seem eager to do things extra things. Now after a week or so..we noticed he did a total 180 on us. Couple of things that bothered…
Just wanted an advice. We have been using this contractor for the past 3 weeks to renovate our house. Before we signed the contract he was very nice and seem eager to do things extra things. Now after a week or so..we noticed he did a total 180 on us. Couple of things that bothered me was that even though he promised me the day of that he was not going to install the new hardwood floors (let it accumulate), he did it anyway for one of the bedroom. His excuse was that 2 of his workers ran out of things to do. Second was that he said he was going to get concrete from a truck to finish our basement (800sq ft) but we then found out hes doing it manually..claiming that its better quality and his workers had nothing to do. Well the tip of the iceberg came yesterday when he showed me a couple of tiles. Originally he said they were going to be $1.30-$1.50 each.. now hes telling me its no more than $1. What would you do in my situation? I know some of you might say why we didn’t fire him sooner than later. The positive is that he is meeting our deadline for the completion of work. Many people say whatever time frame you tell the contractor..multiple that by 2..
you are an idiot… kiss your contractors asshole for not charging you more for being such a control freak
Ok, so it’s not a joke? Guess I was fooled. Listen, I have plenty of experience with contractors (it’s why I became a DIY guru). Trust me, consider yourself ahead of the game that he actually shows up!
The guy isn’t asking for more money- its not even a question of communication. Its a question of how rigid you want to be when basically the only complaint you have is that he is changing how he does some things and gave you a lower price on tile than he quoted before. Just ask the guy about the price difference- I’m sure he’ll be happy to get you more expensive tile and let his guys sit around with nothing to do waiting for the cement mixer. The bottom line is, is the work getting done and to your satisfaction. If it isn’t- complain and don’t pay him. If it is, pat the guy on the back and thank your lucky stars.
Communication is a 2-way street. In your example of tile, for instance, why not just TELL your contractor you want the more expensive ones? I cannot believe he did not think he was doing you a favor.
superlawyer: hmmm…tempting, but i’ll withhold the snark.
OP, if you follow my advice @ 11:15, you’ll smoke out whether the majority or superlawyer is correct about your situation without escalating things unnecessarily. No one can object with you wanting to take a little firmer control and get everyone on the same page. If contractor reacts badly, you’ll know you have a problem. If he reacts well, you’ll feel better about the job.
So it seems like majority of people think I’m over reacting. As I said earlier, I do not have experience with dealing with contractors. This is my first big renovation job. I just assume that if I’m paying some guy a ton of money, they should at least do what they are expected and communicate.. I guess that is too much to ask.
Thanks for all the advices.
I can’t believe the other posters here. I am dealing with a contractor just like the OP has now. It started with little innocent “small” lies which I just ignored, and now he basically thinks I am a fool and tries to get away with all sorts of $hit. You need to keep a guy like this on a very tight leash before it gets completely out of control. To start, I would go to a tiling store, find tiles in the price range you discussed and make him purchase those (assuming that is what he promised to do). Tell him you are not interested in his less than $1 tiles. I would definitely withhold a portion of the money at the end, pending a winter in which the floors don’t warp. Wood does need to be acclimated, often for much more than 1-2 days. I have heard 2 weeks is the right amount.
Also it’s the princiPLE not principal.
OP,this is ridiculous. I think if there’s any problem it’s with you (and your spelling.) You must be impossible to work for.
I think we need to have a client’s referral list so contractors could avoid certain people.
Fire him and I guarantee the new contractor will start complaining about what a lousy job the old guy did, tell you now he’ll have to do extra work at a higher price, and any problems – it’s the old guy’s fault. Stick with him or you’ll have much bigger problems.
And, maybe consider you offered your side of the story here and most people stilll think you, not the contractor is the difficult party to deal with. Maybe there is a lesson here for you to learn?