Can I fire a contractor after he pulled the building permits?

Can I fire a contractor after he pulled the building permits?

Real Estate Investor · Houston, TX · Member since 2015 · 54 posts · 7 votes

I hired a contractor to remodel an old home, a total gut/new floor plan job. We are about half way through, the first round of city inspections should happen soon. However, during the first phase the contractor raised his prices and his original bid was so vague that he adds new cost for specific jobs I assumed was to be included in other jobs he quoted. I have received quotes from other sub-contractors and if I stop using my original contractor I can save about $25,000 or 50% of what he will charge me, not including any "unforeseen cost" if he decides to raise the price a few weeks from now. (even though there should be no unforeseen cost because the entire home was gutted including the underground sewage pipes, everything has been replaced except the roof and exterior walls. If I fire him, what issues will I have because he pulled the city building permit? I was told there are 3 main building inspections: framing/structural, insulation, then final overview after drywall. He should be calling in the first inspection because we are ready for insulation.

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  • Real Estate Professional · West Palm Beach, FL · Member since 2012 · 23k+ posts · 13k+ votes
    10y

    We have no idea what your contract says, and it sounds like you had poor, vague contract.  You'll likely have to pay him for the work he did if you terminate, along with permit costs and your next contractor will have to pull new permits.

  • Real Estate Investor · Houston, TX · Member since 2015 · 54 posts · 7 votes
    10y

    He did not create any contract. Only an estimated invoice. Every week he asks for lumps sums and when I ask where is the money going towards, he states the whole job and does not itemize anything. The best thing about the situation is at least his crew shows up and works. But I feel like I am getting overcharged and given the bait and switch a few times. I've already paid him for the work he has finished or has started and he is asking for more. But I am considering not paying him more for future jobs because I would like to let him go and hire sub-contractors myself to save a ton of money and not worry about price changes. But I feel like I'm stuck because he pulled the building permit. FYI: I'm in the City of Houston.

  • Real Estate Professional · West Palm Beach, FL · Member since 2012 · 23k+ posts · 13k+ votes
    10y

    You'll need new permits, and usually those have to be pulled by a licensed GC.

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