J Scott "Not to be trusted" I recall adding a few more words in addition to this. If I generalized it, (which was not the intent), I would've included myself, no? The truth of the matter is, there are many good, professional and hardworking contractors and some (sad to say) are not. Since I grew up being around them more than half my life, I've seen a lot.
Due to certain market conditions, cities, municipalities and counties operate differently from one another. Home improvement services in NYC is no exception. On daily basis, there are hundreds and thousands of work being done in all trades at the same time. From commercial to government (city and state) agencies, non-for-profits, schools and residential all in one city block. Of course, with these major groups, subgroups exist. But, I'll just concentrate on a small scale on the residential side.
Let's start with the consumer. Between 2009-2011, there were a flood of major complaints by consumers who retained contracting services in all boroughs and surrounding areas. These complaints varied greatly from over-extended jobs, not finishing on schedule (talking months here, not weeks), over budgeting unaccounted for materials, to name a few. Many operated without an agreement and proper documentation. So technically, they can run off from the job and face no liabilities. Leaving consumers handing over thousands of dollars spent on a job that wasn't completed. By that time, these consumers have exhausted their home improvement funds. The Dept. of Consumer Affairs had to step in and set forth regulations and monitor certain criteria. (I'll get back to that in a minute)
On the building manager's side, some have also made contribution to some of these circumstances. Like contractors and everybody else, many are good and some not. People from all over the world come to our city because of endless opportunities and rightfully so. To a certain degree, some of the building manager's have created a slight "bidding war" among contractors who are newer in town and desperate for work. This is unfortunate, because they can be taken advantage of. In addition to that, it has been known that, building managers expect to get paid a percentage under the table at the owner's expense, compromising the value of the job and a contribution to other contractors being undercut. Not good.
This is just a small part of what occurred, which is why the city set forth regulations and requirements for obtaining licenses. Some need two licenses, an HIC and HIS (Home Improvement Contractor/Salesperson). Pass a written exam, be fingerprinted and photographed. The system is linked with the NYPD to verify any criminal activity or fines that may hinder us getting those licenses or when something occurs on the job, they'll know whom they're coming after. :-) Every job must be bonded or in a Home Trust escrow through the Dept. of Consumer Affairs. This helps to protect the consumer, in case a contractor cannot for whatever reason finish the job, the city would send a replacement.
The city has done a great job in all of this. I just feel terrible that these practices were done that led to it. Unfortunately, it's a big city and things still do happen. We just have to be committed in operating and conducting business in an ethical manner and look out for each other. In fact, it’s essential to create a cluster of great partnerships among our industry of GC's. It can lead to great things. With that being said, I have wonderful GC friends outside of my immediate area and they are amazing with the work they do. I consider some of them, my mentors.
So before jumping ahead and not knowing and understand fully what transpired (and justifying that by making a statement that's "ridiculous", simply staying with asking curiosity questions, or ask me to share an experience, you'll find out more information and all the pieces put together would perhaps make sense.
Thanks,
M
