Contractor hell? Do I have a 'F#$k with me' sign

[rizzle]

Dude, I have to tell my wife every time we have something done, you know how it is when we deal with contractors. Just expect it.

They're not all bad, just most of them have no concept of time management or how to clean up after themselves. And they aren't good with making phone calls...unless they need money.

[AAlmeter]

I get to deal with them every day. Only another 50-60 years until retirement!

[kayak_rat]

Originally Posted by AAlmeter

I get to deal with them every day. Only another 50-60 years until retirement!

Beat me to it bud.......deal with them every day.

All I can say is document, document, document. I keep every email and log every phone call in my journal for each job. This sounds like overkill, but it is very usefull. Anything that I deal with on a job, I take 5 minutes to jot it down. This comes in handy when the "thats not what you said" is thrown out there. It also creates a timeline in case things are taken to court. I can almost guarantee most contractors do not keep records for every day stuff. This has been a life saver when we have had to go to arbitration.

Always prepare for the worst. Harsh way to look at it, but I am dealing with 5+ million dollar contracts on the low end. I recommend this whether it be a small home improvement or a large scale renovation.

Second, have a good lawyer on call. Contract law is different in every state, and as Max stated.....any joe blow can claim to be a pro. Again, seems like over kill and unnecessary, but can a price be put on piece of mind.


And for the record, I have dealt with contractors I wouldnt p*ss on if they were on fire and I have had contractors I contact when I know we have a large job coming up. There are good and bad....and for the most part, low bid is a bad idea.

[cort]

Need any electrical work done?

I'm your man.