All Forum Posts by: Jim Adrian

Thats why you save and budget for those things. This is where the 50%rule comes into play.

Pouring a concrete patio is cheaper than pavers.  I wanted to do pavers and it was going to cost me double. I ended up with 400 sf  concrete patio for $2000. It was done in a day! Dont get me wrong pavers look nicer! 

You will need a licensed electrical or fire protection contractor to install them. You will most likely need permit drawing as well.

its load bearing wall. BM1 stands for beam type 1.  You have 3 2x4 making a column on each side to support it.

He could be an architect with NCARB initials as well.   AIA only means he belongs to an organization.  Although AIA does differentiate between licensed (AIA) and not licensed (Associate AIA) members.

I would show up at this door step get my money back.  I would cancel the check.  He should have contracts or some type of forms to do business.  The blank piece of paper is very bad. He seams very shady.  I would also turn him in to the State Board for offering false services whether he is licensed or not.  The Board will go after people like this, at least in Nebraska.  Below are some links to the state website for Architects. 

You many not need an architect at all for plans.  The state may have squarefoot limit, like my state does.  Call the state, they can help you as well with what to do.

State Architects Board - https://btr.az.gov/

Search his name here - http://directorybtr.az.gov/listings/professional_registrant2.asp

NCARB - http://www.ncarb.org/Getting-an-Initial-License/Registration-Board-Requirements.aspx?state=AZ

I always start with a text or phone call to discuss the issue.  This way things can't be miss read or taken out of context.  I do tell them I will be following up with and email to document. Think of it as meeting minutes.  Text messages wont hold up in court and a phone call is a "he said - she said" which wont hold up in court. 

If someone wants the ac let them have. This will result in less damage to the property and less repair cost.  Yes they aren't cheap to replace.  Put a security sign up in the front.  These units can be bolted down when they are installed.

Be very clear on who pulls the permits.  It doesn't matter if the contractor or owner pulls the permits for the project.  Ask for a copy of the permits prior to them starting the work.  Some permits require inspections by the building dept.  Contractors can put this responsibility on the owner. 

 I dont to residential for a living. Holding the retainer is incentive to keep the contractor from no preforming.  At the end of the day you will still get the money. If not file a mechanic lien.  I deal daily with contractor that dont perform and it drives me nuts! Lol  

Stupid move on the seller! 

Have the seller show the value of the frig (say $2000) and let the buyer pick out a new one of equal value.