Ugh.... my contractor has COVID. We are wondering now what would be the best way

to go.

We stopped work for the holidays thank goodness and so he has not been in our house for at least 6 weeks. We are sorry he has COVID, and don’t like to kick someone who is down, but, as it happens we were less than happy with this contractor.

We are at a point where 99 pct. of the mechanical phase is completed, just waiting for electrical inspection. This might be a good time to switch to someone else. There are certainly plenty of people out there who can install floors, walls, tile, kitchens, etc. Do we have any obligation to wait for the contractor we already have?

markwalker

in Renovation 4 years and 10 months ago

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cate | 4 years and 10 months ago

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Unless something unusual is happening, he will be out at most three weeks. Not such a bad delay.

hkapstein | 4 years and 10 months ago

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If the rough is done and he can close the permits, and he can get out of any contractual issues, then probably yes. If it’s an Alt2 job, the architect can close the permits in theory so it might be possible. You don’t really need a permit to install most finishes, however I’m not sure how the plumbing final could have been done without the fixtures installed. The electrical permit is separate from the OT job, so that can carry on if he has a relationship with the electrician. But probably he will find it’s not so easy to close the permits out. One thing I can say confidently, if a new contractor is brought in, he will charge more than the old contractor would have to finish the job.

yudashasom | 4 years and 10 months ago

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There is a post like this once a month on the forum.

It is not as easy as you think (or as easy as the other posters think). It will surely cost you a lot more time, money – and you still have a contract with the first contractor.

You fire the contractor, he withdraws from the job and you have an automatic Stop Work Order – unless you have a contractor willing to take over immediately. Very few reputable contractors will take responsibility for someone else’s work at this stage. And if they do, I think you will have more problems with them than the original guy.

Stick it out. I don’t think it will be “months” before he is back to work. If it really is months, I would say he’s BS’ing you. Maybe has a different job that has taken priority, or you pissed him off.

MDR | 4 years and 10 months ago

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If he his not very sick and in the hospital then it is likely he will recover soon. Give him a chance. Besides, can’t other workers or trades continue in the meantime?

Lurker | 4 years and 10 months ago

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If you have permits pulled as it sounds then quitting and starting with someone new is a worst case last resort so long as this guy is willing to come back and finish. Finding another contractor who is reliable and willing to cover for their work, to deal with plumbing and all that–it’s a huge risk. I would finish out with this guy to get your inspections done.

hkapstein | 4 years and 10 months ago

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Do you have a contract and permits?