Let’s talk today about dealing with contractors on a home remodel. They can make the process of completing a home remodeling project totally pleasant…or they can make it a total nightmare.
One way to save money is to act as your own general contractor and work with the subcontractors directly (although be prepared to handle lots of associated headaches). You can beat the bushes for reasonably-priced, high-quality skilled labor on your own. For example, I learned that our hard-working maintenance gardeners were also competent at simple fencing, plumbing, irrigation, grading, and brickwork. Ask around through your network of friends and neighbors, or see whom you meet at the local home improvement store (be sure to ask for references).
However, I wouldn’t suggest doing it this way on large renovations or new construction–it’s just too much for an amateur to handle. But it can work for the relatively simple updating, upgrading and enhancement projects that I focus on.
Beware, however, that if the workers you hire are not licensed, bonded and insured or if they are not legal residents, you might run the risk of getting entangled in legal or liability issues–not to mention ethical questions. If you hire unlicensed workers, be sure to check out the laws in your state. For example, in California, any contractor who is paid more than $500 for a job technically must be licensed by the state board. Also, unlicensed contractors are not covered by state worker’s compensation. The California Contractors State License Board (www.cslb.ca.gov) recommends that homeowners get at least three bids, ask to see their license, and be wary of door-to-door solicitors.
Here’s something to keep in mind when working with a contractor. Try to avoid paying in advance–for construction materials or anything else. There is nothing worse than having a contractor start the demolition stage, but then leave your project idle for days at a time because another (ostensibly more important) client needs him to do a new project or repair an older one. You won’t be in a position to fire him and bring in someone else if you’ve already paid him a chunk of money upfront–and all the while your house remains a shambles from the demo.
In other words, don’t give him all the leverage!
I had an experience recently with an electrical hookup for a new portable spa. The guy who sold me the spa arranged for one of his regular electrical contractors to run a 220v line to it from the main breaker panel. Not a big deal, right? Well, the contractor was busy, so he sent over his unlicensed apprentice after-hours to do it. This nice young guy told me that he had done eight spas and that he knew what he was doing. And he thought it would cost less than $500.
Well, he really didn’t know that much. He ran long, serpentine lengths of the grey 1″ electrical PVC pipe along the eaves of the house (although it is primarily intended for burying in the ground). The PVC ran down into a new “disconnect” subpanel that wasn’t even needed, and then down along the ground to the spa. Keep in mind that copper prices are quite high these days, so the extra lengths of heavy copper wire he used were quite expensive. After four evenings of work, it still wasn’t operational, but he still handed me a bill for $800!
So we called in another contractor who had done hundreds of spas. The new guy tore out all of the old stuff and replaced it with the more attractive 3/4″ steel conduit, and because the main breaker panel was within 100 ft of the spa, there was no need for the big ugly disconnect box. After only two hours, the new contractor and his 2-man crew had ripped out all of the previous guy’s work, installed a clean direct line, and had the spa heating up–and did it for only $450.
This was quite a lesson in the risks of using unlicensed contractors for seemingly simple projects.
By the way, if you haven’t downloaded my free special report, “Essential Tips Before You Buy, Sell, or Remodel a Home,” I encourage you to do so now. Simply follow this url: http://HomeUpgradeIdeas.com.
Seek simplicity, comfort and value!
Tags: contractors-on-home-remodel, unlicensed-contractors, working with contractors
[...] have written about dealing with contractors on home remodels in the past (e.g., http://transformyourhouse.com/blog/?p=10). In fact, I could create a blog dedicated entirely to contractor problems, tips, and advice on how [...]