topic Re: Contractors in Community Chat

Contractors

Peggs — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 00:55:36 GMT

I recently had a small addition put on my home - cost was $20,000. A problem arose as after the winter thaw the addition settled and had to be jacked up and reblocked (no expense to me) I'd like to give the contractor a bonus or tip or at the least include extra dollars in their final draw for the extra work they did. Any suggestions on how much? These guys (2) we're great.

Re: Contractors

hckynut — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 15:48:38 GMT

I personally would base it on a percentage of either their profit margin, if you might know that that is, or a % of what it may have cost them to do this extra work for you. Way too many in all businesses trying to "pass the buck/shirk responsibility" etc.

Re: Contractors

mousiegirl — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 03:37:11 GMT

I think the contractor should have taken this possibility into consideration so it could have been prevented. He fixed the problem because you could have sued him and most likely won. I am at the end of a very long construction project, and mistakes made are now costing me in delays and money. They ALL pass the buck, it was the architect, it was so and so, but ultimately, the contractor is in charge of the project, and the client should be informed of everything. In short, no way would I be tipping a contractor They charge at the get go overhead, etc., then add on to all of the subs work. My contractor estimated a certain amount for hardwood floors, and I found someone who charged half, and I know it was because the contractor added so much on for himself.

Re: Contractors

Kachina624 — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 07:59:18 GMT

It sounds like you propose rewarding him for doing shoddy work. Seems like he ought to be rewarding YOU.

Re: Contractors

NanaS — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 15:30:25 GMT

WHAT HAPPENED HERE FALLS UNDER THE CATEGORY OF "ACTS OF GOD".......THIS IS NOT THE CONTRACTORS FAULT. YOU ARE LUCKY THEY CAME BACK AND FIXED THE PROBLEM THAT WAS NOT CAUSED BY THEM. I WOULD SIMPLY CALCULATE HOW MANY EXTRA WORKING HRS IT TOOK TO FIX THIS......AND DECIDE HOW MUCH PER HOUR YOU THINK THEY WERE WORTH, PLUS MATERIALS.

Re: Contractors

mousiegirl — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 21:11:25 GMT

On 6/10/2014 NanaS said:
WHAT HAPPENED HERE FALLS UNDER THE CATEGORY OF "ACTS OF GOD".......THIS IS NOT THE CONTRACTORS FAULT. YOU ARE LUCKY THEY CAME BACK AND FIXED THE PROBLEM THAT WAS NOT CAUSED BY THEM. I WOULD SIMPLY CALCULATE HOW MANY EXTRA WORKING HRS IT TOOK TO FIX THIS......AND DECIDE HOW MUCH PER HOUR YOU THINK THEY WERE WORTH, PLUS MATERIALS.

As I said, this should have been foreseen. I just had an addition built, and a soils report, etc. was required, then a structural engineer, and on and on, all to prevent the addition from slipping.

Re: Contractors

Emma bunting — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 03:09:13 GMT

Hi Peggs! My husband's a scrupulous contractor....so I applaud you for wanting to give yours something a little extra. Foundations can be tricky sometimes....and through no fault of anyone, sometimes cracks or other problems develop.

It sounds like you're already paying them for the extra work....so how about a gift certificate to a nice restaurant in the area? That with a nice note would probably be really appreciated.