Contractor Advice / FAQ

7 years ago

Hi all,

I am embarking on a major remodeling project and before I get in too deep I was hoping to find some advice about selecting and dealing with a general contractor. So far I've met with someone and discussed general idea. They've prepared an initial blue print that I've paid for, but that's as far as I've gotten. Additional, more detailed blue prints, will cost more, and I haven't yet selected subcontractors or committed to the overall project.

Before I do that, does anyone have any tips of red flags or good signs when evaluating the potential contractor? Are they any kind of major terms that I should be sure to include in the ultimate contract if we proceed with the project, such as when and how funds are disbursed, or penalties for going over budget or time?

I'm also curious about where the contractor expects to make a cut as a middleman and what is considered standard. For example, they told me to go shopping for the kitchen appliances I want and to let them know the make/model so they can plan for the dimensions. But when I talked to the appliance salesman he also gave me "contractor pricing" which was a good 10% off the listed price. Would the contractor expect to buy the appliances from the store at that price while charging me the listed price, and if so am I going to run into issues with them if I buy direct to keep the savings? A similar thing happened when I went shopping for windows and asked that vendor for pricing. They asked who my contractor was and said they'd reach out to them directly.

Thanks in advance for any help on these issues!

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Comments (5)

PRO
Michael Menn Ltd.
7 years ago
First and foremost, hire a licensed contractor and one that has insurance. When it gets that far and you are under contract, make sure you are named as additional insureds on the contractor's policy. Lastly, hire a professional, use this link: https://www.nahb.org/en/consumers/homeownership/home-maintenance-and-repair/how-to-spot-a-contractor-scam.aspx
J M
7 years ago
What Your Contractor Can't Tell You is a fantastic book for understanding the whole process. I highly recommend! https://www.amazon.com/What-Your-Contractor-Cant-Tell/dp/0979983800/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549395977&sr=8-1&keywords=what+your+contractor+can%27t+tell+you
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User
7 years ago
You're paying a contractor to design? Are you going to pay a designer to create it then?

You've got your roles reversed. Hire a designer for design work. Then hire a contractor to build it.

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/10-tests-for-you-and-your-contractors-first-meeting-dsvw-vd~5332686?n=90
eatlikeandy
Original Author
7 years ago
No not paying the contractor to design. Contacted a GC who brought in an architect. The architect is doing the plans.
Cyndy
7 years ago
We made it clear to our builder from the start that we were providing the materials for most of our build. We dealt with a local lumberyard and got the pricing that our contractor would have gotten because of the scale of our project. I researched the heck out of things and made informed decisions. I had to stay on top of everything and make sure they had the materials they needed when they needed. There were a few hiccups, but mostly this worked out well.

Now things like counters and drywall, we are hiring out and contractors will be bringing materials with. They can get discounts I would never be able to get purchasing just for my home. Just make sure you are 100% clear on expectations and everyone communicates well if you plan on being in charge of any/all materials.

Your example of appliances - I would not expect a builder/contractor to purchase those at all. I would just state you are going to purchase, and what date does he need them in the home. Arrange for delivery close to that date.