consequences of firing contractor?

Hello.  My wife and I are in the process of remodeling our 2-family wood frame in south slope, starting with the rental unit downstairs and then finishing with our duplex.

The contractor we have been working with has been extremely bad about showing up.  He has let weeks pass multiple times without progress of any sort.  We have reached the end of our rope.

At this point the rental electrical is 90% complete, rental plumbing 50% complete, sheetrock 50% complete.  Our thinking is to give him the chance to finish the rental so that there is a relatively clean break between scopes.  At this rate it will give us a couple of months to get our ducks in a row.  

How would this complicate things with the Building Department?  Anything in particular we should do or be aware of?  Any advice would be appreciated.  Thanks!

anonymous

in Construction 13 years and 8 months ago

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eastbound | 13 years and 8 months ago

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Here’s how this works: If you have an architect – Typically, part of the architects responsibilities include some kind of low-level mediation / arbitration, where they will assign a percentage of completion to each trade. i.e. – If the electrical work is 90% complete in 50% of the buildings, the amount due to the contractor is that percentage. You have every right to notify the contractor (in writing) that unless they provide adequate manpower and show progress within the next 7 days, that they will be replaced and the contract will be nullified. You can approach the subs about working directly for you (although they’ll be hesitant to do so), or you can hire new subs to complete the work. But as an above poster pointed out, most subs will not sign off on other subs’ work, and they will be more expensive. If you do not have an architect, you can still negotiate a percentage of work completed with the contractor, then relieve them of their duties (in writing, with the requisite warning). If the contractor is refusing to cooperate, or is being unfair, you can hire an attorney to help you. Either way, your situation is not unique, and the Buildings Dept has seen this a million times. The existing permit will be pulled off, and any licensed contractor can then take out a new permit to finish the work. Just make sure you include a schedule (with milestones) in the contract with your next GC.

shahnandersen

in Construction 13 years and 8 months ago

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I assume that you do not have any serious problems with the electrical and plumbing subs except that they haven’t shown up because they have not been directed to by the GC.  I don’t know what the laws/regulations are concerning this suggestion, so I hope someone knowledgeable will pipe up, but could you talk directly to the current electrical and plumbing subs and see if they were willing to work with another GC.  If you are having trouble with the GC perhaps his subs are also having problems and would like out.  They might even suggest other contractors that they have worked with.

kidbklyn | 13 years and 8 months ago

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What I do know that it’s a hassle to another licensed plumber or electrician to sign off on someone else’s work. They aren’t going to put their licenses in jeopardy. It’s not worth it to them. They will charge plenty and want to redo much of the work to their own professional satisfaction.

anonymous | 13 years and 8 months ago

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initials are FW of the company MC

M | 13 years and 8 months ago

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can i ask his name? having similar problem with a contractor. He postponed my job for months as he is working on a renovation in your area.