Contract time, nervous! WWYD

13 years ago

I like the GC with whom I've been working on my design. He will demo, make and install cabinets, fabricate the granite, run the electrical, run the hood ducting through the roof and create a "turn key" kitchen with employees (except for plumbing, which he subs out, and painting which we will do ourselves to save money). He will install things that I purchase (servo drive or utrusta for garbage pullouts, water filter, garbage disposal, faucets, soap dispensers, sinks, cabinet hardware).
The proposal breaks down demo (2200), electrical (2160), plumbing (1200), slab trenching, floor repair, carpentry and drywall (3000), cabinet hood fabrication and install (2050 not including liner - ouch), granite (5060 for 92 sq feet level 2), and cabinets (16700). Cabinets are full custom white shaker, soft close, with crown and some glass doors.
He has a good references from customers and other people in the industry, and I trust that he will do quality work.
I'm concerned that as the job progresses I'll think of things that should be added or tweaked, and wonder how the cost of those will be calculated. I think that before I sign/pay the design will be done - but really, doesn't everyone run into unexpected issues? How should our contract be worded so we both know how those will be handled? I do not have an unlimited budget, but my enthusiasm for beautiful, functional, GW ideas is boundless! What is reasonable if I decide I have to have an eye-vac and the toe kick has to be adjusted? Part of me doesn't want to sign a contract until I see Amanda's reveal! I know I could spend many more weeks going over every detail of the design...but I think it is time to move forward.
Advice, please?

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Comments (3)

LoPay
13 years ago
GCs accommodate change orders all the time. When you asked him how he handles them what did he say?
kksmama
Original Author
13 years ago
Haven't asked yet. I'd like to know what a "good" answer is, so I can evaluate his, and propose contract language that reflects it.
Reading about nightmares that people have with their GCs is like reading about the side effects of medicine - they all sound awful! I think there has to be an element of trust that everyone will be reasonable, fair, and interested in a win-win outcome. I can imagine that having a contract that is too specific ("install Blanco prÃÂ©cis large bowl sink" - and then changing sink models is a labor upcharge) or too general (kitchen remodel) would both be bad - how do I find that sweet middle spot?
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User
13 years ago
Definitely talk with the contractor about his change order process.

Also discuss what will happen if they discover something behind the walls they weren't expecting ... usually there is a conference while the GC explains the problem and the possible solutions.

Cost depends on when you make the change. Moving a light on paper, or while the ceiling is gone and there are no wires strung is easy ... moving it after the drywall is installed ... not so easy.

If you are still thinking of changing details, especially major things like in-wall vacuum systems, don't sign. Make sure you have it clear in your mind and will be satisfied with the kitchen that is in the contract, not the one in your head.

It's all connected. Height of toe-kick affects a whole lot of things, like finished counter height, can screw up window clearances, and maybe even plumbing.