Reasonable expectations from a Design/Build Firm?

Been renovating a townhouse for over 3 months now. Were told that it was a 10-12 week job. When we started things we’re moving smoothly and we met with them every week. We were told it’d be done in 10 weeks, no problem. After all we weren’t moving walls and really just designing and gutting the kitchen and 1 full bathroom. Walls were to be painted in the whole place and floors throughout sanded and finished. Things got dicey after a leak mysteriously appeared on the sanded wood floor. Staining got pushed back but it wasn’t that mere fact that caused problems. It was the response. We as the homeowners needed help from experts identifying where the water was coming from. No help was offered and in fact the response was rather – not my problem. For two people with full time jobs who just spent their life savings on a house this was not taken lightly. After all they were working all over the house- how was this not their jurisdiction? Or how come they didn’t understand that we’d need help figuring this out. Also the ‘not my problem’ response was 7 days later after the leak was originally noticed no workmen had showed up and all work got stalled. Since then there has been very very very slow progress (workmen when they come leaving at 3pm and sometimes just one shows up) and our design/builders have told us the bathroom will be done on Saturday for the last 3 Saturdays. Communication has broken down. No longer are our calls responded to and forget about emails. People keep saying this is what happens when you do work on your house. This is the business, etc. I’m curious because I just think the level of unprofessionalism, straight mismanagement of my expectations, and disregard for deadlines in an unabashed way just can’t be the norm. Whenever I suggest hiring more people it’s laughed at. What are my options at this point? I feel like I just keep getting lied to. Thanks for all wisdom and advice

yesbrooklyn

in Construction 10 years and 2 months ago

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neweco | 9 years and 10 months ago

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What does you contract say ? If completion in 10-12 weeks is stated, is there a penalty for work completed after the agreed upon date ?

redddd | 9 years and 10 months ago

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Hii.. So you are thinking to renovate your house… That’s great.. In this situation it is best to hire the professional builder who will provide you the best blueprint of your house and the best possible design for your home.. 🙂 He will plans, design, and oversees the construction of buildings. But before you hire a builder or an architect make sure he is licensed and professional. You can even head to various online sites to hire the best builder at affordable price. [http://www.masonrite.com.au/](http://www.masonrite.com.au/) [http://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect](http://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect)

yesbrooklyn | 10 years and 1 month ago

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In most businesses when there’s a misunderstanding or disagreement both parties try to work it out. It seems from stories I’ve heard and personal experience that this is not the case in construction. You’re tied to them with a ball and chain with their fickle moods and inconsistent communication. I found these folks on Sweeten, so buyer beware.

no-permits | 10 years and 1 month ago

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another week, another homeowner that pissed off their contractor (it sounds). from the way you describe, this isn’t a total renovation and this probably isn’t his responsibility. you need to hire a plumber. you have to understand it from his perspective.

Augustiner | 10 years and 2 months ago

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This can and does happen. But a good contractor will keep the conversation going to sort out the differences if you are not a total nutcase. It shouldn’t be a problem to replace the crew. Unless you expect too much For little pay (if you dropped your life savings on the property I guess moeney for reno is tight). I hope you paid them step by step and don’t have too much of s loss. Another approach would be to tell them that you will definitely pay everything concerning this leak. The blame game is normal, and the contractor might be a bit unmotivated right now if he feels you want to pin the cost on him on an already tight budget. You’re probably right to do so, but it obviously doesn’t lead anywhere. One thing is the same with good and bad contractors: in the end you end up paying for stuff you didn’t expect.

newtomehouse | 10 years and 2 months ago

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While construction can many times take longer than expected due to site conditions it does sound like you just ended up with a rotten firm. Seems like you are in the stretch run of the renovation and if so your best bet is to just put some serious pressure on them to finish. The only other option is to fire your current crew and bring in someone new but that will without a doubt end up costing you more money and time.