Contractor Problem

shania · 09-15-2005, 08:18 AM

I feel that contrators should get paid for materials that are needed to start the job and have no problem paying for them,but in my case over half was due upfront and no materials where required as it was clearing the trees and digging a foundation 10,000. is alot of money for gas and oil to run the equipment and I still trusted them and paid the money.Now I'm starting to deal with plumbers and electricians. 2 plumbers with the exact same job and both local and using the same boiler etc has come back with a 2 very different quotes one is 1500. higher.It makes you wonder....

Paugus Bay Resident · 09-15-2005, 08:43 AM

Let me offer something from a contractor's (builder's) perspective in terms of deposits. I see deposits (and contracts) as evidence of two parties' committment to move forward (not to cover the costs of materials). Because of our unpredictable building seasons, we often have our work scheduled 6 months (if not more) in advance. If someone backs out of a contract close to the start date, we're left scrambling to get another job to fill in, which, based on timing isn't allways possible. Also, it usually has a cascading effect on the other subs that were scheduled (which we have contracts with). So, at least if a deposit is collected under a contract, there is some money to mitigate our loss. Sure, I can sue for non-performance (been there, done that), but that often leads to someone who is judgement proof.

Certainly the behavior Shania metioned is deplorable, but those of us that are honest and ethical need something to protect us as well. Trust me, we see similar behavior on the consumers' side

One good thing to do, is to check with the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of New Hampshire (which is the local chapter of the National Association of Home Builders). HBRANH The directory lists all types of contractors who are members. There are also mediation processes if problems arise.

Sunbeam lodge · 05-14-2012, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shania

I feel that contrators should get paid for materials that are needed to start the job and have no problem paying for them,but in my case over half was due upfront and no materials where required as it was clearing the trees and digging a foundation 10,000. is alot of money for gas and oil to run the equipment and I still trusted them and paid the money.Now I'm starting to deal with plumbers and electricians. 2 plumbers with the exact same job and both local and using the same boiler etc has come back with a 2 very different quotes one is 1500. higher.It makes you wonder....

Were u happy with the plumbers? How big was the job. I am looking for an experienced plumber?

09-15-2005, 08:43 AM	#2
Paugus Bay Resident Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Gilmanton, NH Posts: 754 Thanks: 136 Thanked 93 Times in 51 Posts	Let me offer something from a contractor's (builder's) perspective in terms of deposits. I see deposits (and contracts) as evidence of two parties' committment to move forward (not to cover the costs of materials). Because of our unpredictable building seasons, we often have our work scheduled 6 months (if not more) in advance. If someone backs out of a contract close to the start date, we're left scrambling to get another job to fill in, which, based on timing isn't allways possible. Also, it usually has a cascading effect on the other subs that were scheduled (which we have contracts with). So, at least if a deposit is collected under a contract, there is some money to mitigate our loss. Sure, I can sue for non-performance (been there, done that), but that often leads to someone who is judgement proof. Certainly the behavior Shania metioned is deplorable, but those of us that are honest and ethical need something to protect us as well. Trust me, we see similar behavior on the consumers' side One good thing to do, is to check with the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of New Hampshire (which is the local chapter of the National Association of Home Builders). HBRANH The directory lists all types of contractors who are members. There are also mediation processes if problems arise. Last edited by Paugus Bay Resident; 09-15-2005 at 09:04 AM.

09-15-2005, 08:18 AM	#1
shania Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 21 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I feel that contrators should get paid for materials that are needed to start the job and have no problem paying for them,but in my case over half was due upfront and no materials where required as it was clearing the trees and digging a foundation 10,000. is alot of money for gas and oil to run the equipment and I still trusted them and paid the money.Now I'm starting to deal with plumbers and electricians. 2 plumbers with the exact same job and both local and using the same boiler etc has come back with a 2 very different quotes one is 1500. higher.It makes you wonder....