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Kitchen remodel - should I have a written agreement with my contractor?
Posted on 9/21/20 at 5:19 pm
Posted on 9/21/20 at 5:19 pm
This is our first time doing a major interior remodel, and it's a complete gut job of our kitchen -- floors, countertops, cabinets, moving a cooktop, the works....got 3 bids and they all came in around $50k.
The guy we selected seems reputable and said he wants to get started soon, but doesn't seem too interested in doing a detailed written agreement. Should I push for one? Should I run away?
The guy we selected seems reputable and said he wants to get started soon, but doesn't seem too interested in doing a detailed written agreement. Should I push for one? Should I run away?
10
Posted on 9/21/20 at 5:34 pm to TigerWerm
How did you find this contractor? Did he come recommended? Is he wanting $ up front?
Posted on 9/21/20 at 5:51 pm to ItzMe1972
If he doesn't sign one, have one made up for him and have him sign it.
All your specs on cabinets, wall finishes, appliances, counter tops everything. Have the final dollar amount agreed to after the list and timelines.
This is not building a hotel for Disney ....But you can't begin to imagine the crap that be pulled out from under your feet and the costs to "Fix" it.
If you aren't protected on the front end ....you can be nickeled and dimed to death. Change orders will cost you dearly.
All your specs on cabinets, wall finishes, appliances, counter tops everything. Have the final dollar amount agreed to after the list and timelines.
This is not building a hotel for Disney ....But you can't begin to imagine the crap that be pulled out from under your feet and the costs to "Fix" it.
If you aren't protected on the front end ....you can be nickeled and dimed to death. Change orders will cost you dearly.
Posted on 9/21/20 at 5:56 pm to TigerWerm
quote:
should I have a written agreement with my contractor?
Yes
Posted on 9/21/20 at 6:40 pm to ItzMe1972
quote:
How did you find this contractor? Did he come recommended? Is he wanting $ up front?
He came highly recommended by a family friend and his work samples seem good.
He hasn’t asked for money up front.
Posted on 9/21/20 at 6:53 pm to TigerWerm
quote:yes get a written agreement to protect yourself and to preserve relationships.
He came highly recommended by a family friend
Posted on 9/21/20 at 7:48 pm to TigerWerm
100% you need a written contract.
Posted on 9/21/20 at 8:15 pm to TigerWerm
Yes.
Posted on 9/21/20 at 11:46 pm to TigerWerm
Good luck
This post was edited on 9/21/20 at 11:48 pm
Posted on 9/22/20 at 7:05 am to TigerWerm
A truly experienced contractor will want one because it's not just protection for the home owner.
And because in writing is not only about him knowing what you want, it's also making sure everyone is on the same page, and that he feels good about the price (and getting paid). Think list of what you want, model numbers, the price, and when staged payments will be made. It should be detailed enough to insure you get the apples y'all discussed and not apples-2-oranges.
Sidenote: It's always good to ask if a change is going to affect price... because at some point one might and you'll never know if it's because of that one... or because of all the accumulated changes. It might be something as simple as adding another outlet too late... if it's time for primer or all walls have been closed.... and then again that change may not.
And because in writing is not only about him knowing what you want, it's also making sure everyone is on the same page, and that he feels good about the price (and getting paid). Think list of what you want, model numbers, the price, and when staged payments will be made. It should be detailed enough to insure you get the apples y'all discussed and not apples-2-oranges.
Sidenote: It's always good to ask if a change is going to affect price... because at some point one might and you'll never know if it's because of that one... or because of all the accumulated changes. It might be something as simple as adding another outlet too late... if it's time for primer or all walls have been closed.... and then again that change may not.
This post was edited on 9/22/20 at 7:07 am
Posted on 9/22/20 at 9:40 am to TigerWerm
quote:
doesn't seem too interested in doing a detailed written agreement.
Tell him you'll pay him once it's all complete if he doesn't want anything in writing.
Posted on 9/22/20 at 9:55 am to TigerWerm
quote:
but doesn't seem too interested in doing a detailed written agreement.
If he doesn't want to do it...you make one and have him sign it otherwise he'll be nickle and diming you for every little thing that comes up....and things will come up without a doubt.
Posted on 9/22/20 at 11:15 am to TigerWerm
I'd do milestone payments. That way you protect yourself if he bails or does shoddy work
Posted on 9/23/20 at 6:58 am to TigerWerm
God yes. Get a contract. I went through this with the brother of a friend. Got to the end and he quit showing up and I had to finish the job acting as GC and finding my own subs. Then the asshat showed back up and wanted his final payment. I finally called my buddy and he said “let me guess, my little brother ghosted you and now wants money.” I later found out he does this regularly and is completely unreliable. Can’t believe my buddy didn’t tell me. We didn’t have a written contract and the guy threatened all kinds of legal BS until I came over the top with my own lawyer. It would all have been simple with something written and signed.
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