All Forum Posts by: Ricardo Meza

Hi @Mark Gallagher,

Yes, I do need him to finish.

I don't plan on using him again.  

Considering how long he's been dragging this project out, I'd say he's doing less than mediocre.  We're not at finishes yet, and his crew seem a bit sloppy.  I think the job could have been run better IMO.

He's asking for $10K.  

I have a contractor asking for more money because of an estimating shortfall on a design/build project.  

He's saying he underestimated the electrical and plumbing.  I'm not inclined to pay him more, but the project seemed more challenging for him than I initially thought it would be.  He seemed to have issues with the County inspector, not following the plans, jumping ahead of inspections, and piped into the wrong underground drain line.  I feel bad for my contractor, but I don't know why I would pay for his mistakes.  I've already given him more time to finish, and I did the HVAC for him (for free).  I'm just curious what's the best way you've dealt with contractors who've made estimating mistakes, and if you'd consider a bonus payment, at all? And why? 

I'm in contracting myself, but I still don't know how to squash all the emotion out of this business.  Any tips on keeping my blood pressure low would be appreciated too!  I found myself telling him no, but left the discussion open for future discussion.  I'm not going to bring it up again, but I'm sure he'll remember.  What would you do?

Thank so much!

Hi @Mike Cumbie,

The existing patio had arched openings, so, most of the structure is there.  What my contractor has done is framed in these openings for the new doors/window.  The addition is part of a whole house remodel, which included relocating the kitchen and a new floor plan.  So this is what they've been working on.  

I understand where you're coming from @Manolo D.  If it comes to that, that's what I would reluctantly offer, but I'm going to stick to my guns as long as possible.  But I know how that'll go, he'll inflate the price expecting me to cut it back.  I work in contracting too (HVAC), and if this was an unforeseen condition, I'd be more lenient.  Between him and the designer, in my mind, this should have been covered.  I'm just hoping professionalism wins here.    

I guess I have to have every nail accounted for in a bid.       

Thanks @Wayne Brooks, but we're 3 months into this project already.  

I have my personal home in remodel and we added an addition to an existing covered patio with a common roof to the home.  We're adding french doors to this room, a window, new framed walls, ect.  The slab is sloped to the exterior, because is was a patio.  The addition would require this slab to be level for the new flooring.  In my mind, this an existing condition the contractor should have been aware of, and any means to level it, his.  I asked the contractor if he thought he could float the floor, or if he'd need to install a new slab during the initial walk - he didn't have an answer at the time, but he has since mentioned it needed to be leveled.  

My question is, am I wrong in thinking this is not a potential change order, and it should be included with the remodel costs?

The contract does not go into this detail, and it's not specifically included or excluded.  However, my gut is telling me he's going to try a claim that this is extra work.  What are your thoughts?    

It would be unethical to cut the realtor out of the deal since the property is listed.  Therefore, any offer price you make would include the realtors fees with the Owner and likely the leftovers that would have gone to the buyer's agent.  There's to much risk involved to not recommend an attorney when making your offer. 

And before you do all that, make sure your deal is a deal with your buyer or have another wholesaler check it.  Good luck!    

<==Not a wholesaler, but I think you'll want to walk away as long as their agent is under contract, but keep the contact.  I suppose you could write a contract including the agent's fees, if the numbers still make sense.        

I believe what you're looking for is stated HERE - page 3, bottom of second column.

"persons who are seeking a reasonable accommodation for an emotional support animal may be required to provide documentation from a physician, psychiatrist, social worker, or other mental health professional that the animal provides support that alleviates at least one of the identified symptoms or effects of the existing disability. "

Hope that helps!

 It depends on the scope and perhaps the contractor's availability.  It's not uncommon for multiple trades to work side-by-side.  However, it's preferred that finishes, like flooring go in last, so as not to be prone to damage by other contractors.