Politely tell a landlord to go away

[Michael Niemeier]

we have been remodeling a 12 unit multi family with an office space and meeting room. So far the owner/manager has had us move the location of the walls 3 times Mass ordered sheetrock that can't be put up between units because of fire code regulations. Outsourced subcontracting to a number of younger family members who are not license to do construction work in our area. Told us to use the sheetrock that had been put up and torn down as soundproofing around the meeting room. And just generally micromanage every aspect of the remodel which would be annoying but fine if they knew the industry but they don't. we had to tear out all the sheetrock so the city inspector could check the wiring this week. I am trying to find the balance between telling someone they need to trust the people they hire or optioning the fact that it's their money and their choice. Anyone have advice on ways to deal with this. There have been several times when it's been tempting to walk away but we really aren't the kind of crew to leave people high and dry.

[Chris T.]

@Michael Niemeier

I would approach the owner with a bill of what you/your crew has already done so far. Tell the owner that because of all the issues and changes, it's creating more work for you and you crew and this is not part of the SOW that you've originally quoted.

So either the owner pays you that to walk away, OR you guys negotiate the rest of the amount of the work to be done to your level, per the SOW. So that both parties are happy. 

Of course, it all depends on what is on your contract with the owner as well.