Contractor Problem

[TheProfessor]

Neighbor of mine hired local contractor to constuct a single car garage. Asked for all money up front. Left town never to return. Elderly couple. Had to hire another contractor and pay again for new garage.

Different types of constructions are mentioned here. Log homes, large commercial parking areas, etc.

As a general rule for the homeowner, money is paid when materials are delivered. And a payment plan should be set up. A signed contract should be mandatory if this project is time sensitive. And a penalty should be added if time requirements are not met. Bad weather and machinery breakdowns should be considered. But for most equipment most contractors can borrow/pay from other contractors for down time of any large equipment. Never pay more than what is already done.

If this is a modular home then read the contract from the retail seller of such and make sure you know exactly what you are getting and what you are not getting.

[tis]

Good luck getting a small contractor around here to agree to a penalty for work on time. There are lots of good contractors though.

[crowsnest]

Dont give your money to no one till the job is complete or 1/2 when 1/2 is complete there are to many scum bags out there.
If the home owner burns the contractor he will know where they live.
If the Contracter burns the home owner the chase is on
Always use some one who you know that has been around

A good contractor will not need money to buy stock he should have good credit
Just my 2 cents

[BroadHopper]

on my experience with contractors, sub-contrators, builders and carpenters. What it really boils down to is call your lawyer first to C.Y.A.

The only person who makes out on this whole ordeal are the lawyers!

[tis]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

on my experience with contractors, sub-contrators, builders and carpenters. What it really boils down to is call your lawyer first to C.Y.A.

The only person who makes out on this whole ordeal are the lawyers!

I could write a book too. RLW is right. There are bad contractors and there are bad homeowners. And amazingly a contractor can go on and on and on getting new jobs even though they do shoddy workmanship and /or don't pay their bills. Also, certain homeowners never want to pay so they find excuses to not pay for the work they have done. Eventually though, the bad ones lose.

[RLW]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

on my experience with contractors, sub-contrators, builders and carpenters. What it really boils down to is call your lawyer first to C.Y.A.

The only person who makes out on this whole ordeal are the lawyers!

You my friend appears you didn't do YOUR HOMEWORK before hiring (lots of investigation) or you would not have to call a lawyer. That is the very last person I would want to call. Maybe and just maybe small claims court, but no further than that unless your building in the million dollar or more range.

[RLW]

Originally Posted by crowsnest

Dont give your money to no one till the job is complete or 1/2 when 1/2 is complete there are to many scum bags out there.
If the home owner burns the contractor he will know where they live.
If the Contracter burns the home owner the chase is on
Always use some one who you know that has been around

A good contractor will not need money to buy stock he should have good credit
Just my 2 cents

Question: Why should the contractor put your materials on his credit as there are just as many customers out there that do not like to pay also. Pay for the materials and then part when he completes to a predetermined spot of the job then the rest at completion.