All Forum Posts by: Alfred Edmonds

so.... a Contractor CONTRACTS! 

Contracts are negotiable. It is common practice here in Ma. to get a deposit, and to get paid on a schedule of work done. It is no song and dance @Cara Lonsdale. 

So many people want something for nothing here, Im not talking to the OP, or anyone else here per se, but how many times do people tell someone here to "just take a contractor" to a bunch of properties they don't, and probably wont own to "give an estimate" for repair costs. As if anyone would do that for a stranger based on their word that they will hire you if they get the property. Guess what? I already know you are either too broke to buy, or too cheap to pay what an actual tradesperson gets paid. I'm all for doing a favor for someone and I do it when I know they are actually in the game because everything is about connections. I'll do it for someone just because I like them too. I won't ever do it for someone who feels somehow superior because they call themselves an Investor. The folks here who do real business don't have any issue with a deposit, it may be different in other parts of the world but not here. The way I see it, if a person doesn't have a few hundred bucks or even $10,000 to show someone they mean it... they don't mean it. Meanwhile I've got a solid month booked for you? Get real. I'm not gonna be turning down work only to have you say one week before a job starts "oh I can't do it right now" or "my great uncle earl is doing it" A lien isn't squat if I never even got started because you don't mean it and I missed out on actual customers.

To the OP: I'm sorry that happened. There are people who will steal your money. Do your research and talk to people about whoever you hire. Small jobs don't usually need deposits and never 50%. 

I'm not trying to rant but I really do get tired of hearing all of the trash talk around here about contractors. Seriously, Do your homework, don't go for the cheapest guy who promises rainbows and unicorns for $20 and you will be fine. 

@JD Martin I can't believe Debussy is being quoted on BP! I'm pretty sure Miles said the same thing... hahaha... love it

It goes both ways. plenty of "Investors " are shady too. I don't know you, why should I trust you? That being said, on small jobs I don't take a deposit unless I get a vibe but I'm not gonna go broke if I lose a grand. I am gonna tell everyone I know about a deadbeat and everyone knows everyone in the trades. a contractor who can't front a few hundred in materials or have accounts at the lumber yard probably isn't someone I want to deal with anyway. On big jobs you need a little skin in the game so to speak so a deposit isn't crazy and it puts you on the schedule. Contrary to popular belief on BP no one is waiting around for your call and if they are, maybe there's a reason. These days guys are busy and don't really need your job, this will change but for now everyone is flush. I would say that 50% is ridiculous no matter what. there's also work that happens before a hammer is even picked up that homeowners never see. At the end of the day we all gotta trust to some extent but anyone who is asking 50% up front is probably out to take your money.

also...is it in use? hooked up to a furnace? Oil heat is common here in Massachusetts

not a problem. I think you are worried about underground tanks. basement tanks are standard and pose little problem

If you became hospitalized or list your job EVERYONE IS HOMELESS. Everyone in the house (adults) needs to be very aware of this. at the end of the day your only responsibility is to provide a safe life for your KIDS not the wife, not the aunt. I know by your posts that you know this but it would seem that you are alone. Tragedy strikes in the blink of an eye and most of the time we have 0 control over that. It is all adults responsibility to make sure that those kids are provided for. the aunt is an adult. If she were HOMELESS, I'm sure she'd figure out her finances.

If he's good and trustworthy 50 an hour isn't much. I know guys who move really fast but that doesn't necessarily mean they are good. When I do T&M I will give a not to exceed clause, so if I tell you 2 guys @50 an hour, 10 hour max then that's 1000 even if it takes 12 hours, but 8 is 800 and this keeps people on task. If the scope changes then we renegotiate but I always make sure people know this. On bid jobs I have had clients who endlessly change their mind so I feel like T&M is a good way to go on small jobs and indecisive clients. whatever you decide, don't burn the bridge because you may find you were getting a bargain. I did like the fact that you take some responsibility for your expectations because even though a job may seem like it should take X , it will take Y no matter who does it. at the end of the day, quality work deserves quality pay.

@Jose Castillo The flooring will depend on what type of flooring. hardwood, laminate, tile, carpet, vinyl, which one. Also other factors come in like condition of sub-floor, removal of old floor, or trim removal. It's always more than just cost per sf. If someone quotes your job sight unseen, with a generic sf cost, be prepared for overages. the paint is a similar deal, the amount of wall prep, trim and such are all factors. If a painter tells you a sf price, remember that price is for sf of the actual surfaces to be painted not sf of the house. A 200sf room will be more like 600 sf of walls and ceiling. also trim is many times bid in linear feet in addition to the sf of the walls. if you are in Greenfield give a call, you have my # good luck

@Kareem Arnold did you pull any permits for the work? I would do that if you are doing any work which requires them, plus the building inspector will let you know what how to proceed with that addition. unless it was shoddy construction there's a good likelihood that they will go easy on you because you aren't the one who built it. they could require it to be brought up to code but it's an investment because it will hurt the appraisal and potentially scare off buyers in the future. just be real nice and ignorant when you speak with the building inspector. they see lots of this and many times depending on ones attitude they can be a pain or pretty nice. If you plan on doing more work in that area, a good relationship with the inspector is essential, if they see you as someone who is doing shady things they will be all over you every chance they get

@Kareem Arnold did you pull any permits for the work? I would do that if you are doing any work which requires them, plus the building inspector will let you know what how to proceed with that addition. unless it was shoddy construction there's a good likelihood that they will go easy on you because you aren't the one who built it. they could require it to be brought up to code but it's an investment because it will hurt the appraisal and potentially scare off buyers in the future. just be real nice and ignorant when you speak with the building inspector. they see lots of this and many times depending on ones attitude they can be a pain or pretty nice. If you plan on doing more work in that area, a good relationship with the inspector is essential, if they see you as someone who is doing shady things they will be all over you every chance they get