Struggles with a Columbus Contractor as a Remote Investor

[James Luctamar]

Hi BiggerPockets Community,

Im reaching out to this knowledgeable and supportive group for some guidance on a situation I’m currently navigating as a remote real estate
investor.

I'm a remote investor who's recently encountered a challenging situation in Columbus, Ohio. After a successful rehab of a multi-family property, I gave a larger project to the same General Contractor. Unfortunately, the GC's responsiveness has dropped significantly, and communication is sporadic, though he does stay in touch with my realtor occasionally. We're about halfway through the project, and there's a $30k He has for work that's not yet completed (the 30k was given because he completed work prior but once he received the 30k communication diminished drastically right as winter came around! .

This situation is not only frustrating but also time-sensitive due to the looming loan deadline. I'm seeking insights from those who have navigated similar waters, especially in remote investing scenarios. How do you manage contractors and ensure project progress, particularly when
you can't be physically present and under tight time constraints?

Your insights and experiences would be incredibly valuable and much appreciated. I'm eager to learn from this community and find a way forward in this situation.

Thank you for taking the time to read and share your thoughts!

[Caroline Gerardo]

Time to take leave from your family and job and go there. Cambria hotel is $78 a night make a deal with them. Do you have his home address? Show up at his house at 6:30 AM in the snow with your boots on ready to work with him to complete. A breakfast burrito for him in your hand. He's going to stammer and be embarrassed and have excuses but you married him, time to get him cooking bacon or if he is mortally injured to release all liens and get someone else started today. 

Others suggest an attorney - sure spend $70000 and waste time in court, that avenue is going to take thirteen months. You cannot leave the subject property half completed. Bad guys will break in and wreck everything. Have Amazon send you security cameras and some dummy ones to the hotel so they are there when you arrive. Borrow a ladder from your GC and install them and practice the app with your phone. Let him know you have someone coming daily to monitor progress and you have eyes on the driveway as well. IF he is dishonest those cameras disappear when you leave town. 

Interview new sub contractors at Modern Builders on 5th/ and Columbus Builders on 3rd/ and Home Depot on Hamilton Rd. The $30000 might be gone for now BUT you MUST get completed. Your Realtor can recommend an honest person to be your project manager- the job requires a notebook, cell phone and to go to the subject property for 30 minutes at different times 7 days a week. This person logs who is working, what supplies are there and texts you - progressing yes or no daily. You are going to have to pay the person by venmo or something weekly to keep them reporting and taking photos. 

The cost to extend your loan may be in the thousands. Carry costs, liability, theft, and weather are against you. It's 54 degrees there today so bring warm casual clothing, work boots, rubber boots. 

Don't respond that you cannot go there. You chose this and you have the guts to see it through. Do it.