Flip/Rehab a house while keeping day job?

Question

Hi, I am planning to buy my first house to Brrrr. i work from 7-4. I will hire a contractor to rehab the property but my concern is how would I be able to make sure that the contractor is doing his job while I’m at work?

I have heard stories on how workers steal stuff or don’t even show up and you have to be there to make sure its done right.

Am I being paranoid or is there any truth to it? How can I make it work?

I would really appreciate your suggestions.

Thanks

Matt M. · Answer

@Samer Abbas

I have been a contractor for 16 years. Never have I had anyone babysit me. Hire someone reputable, and go about your life as usual.

Samer Abbas · Answer

@Michael Coakley i will definitely keep that in mind! Thanks for the advise.

@Chris Ichter is there anyway you can please share a sample of that contract. It would really help me or anyone here at BP who is starting out.

August Olgren · Answer

@Samer Abbas I work a day job also, and although I do a lot of work myself,  I need to bring in contractors from time to time. As already mentioned,  don't pay until job is complete. If they need material,  either purchase yourself,  or let them pick out at home depot or something and you pay for. I usually have them give me a list, then I put it on will call at home depot for them to pick up. As for access, i put on a lock box and chang the code after they are done.

I go buy each day after work and evaluate progress,  discussing with contractors next step and any issues.  Although I have lost minor tools, like levels and squares,  I have yet to have amy issues. I suspect the tools I lost were mistaken for their own when they cleaned up for the job.

Aj Lee · Answer

@Samer Abbas start by only paying for materials upfront and Pay in chunks as the renovations progress. Don’t pay all upfront because they can just leave. Set the bar and let contractors know you are serious and Will not be taken advantage of. Ask for updates and try to stick to a timeline and push the envelope. Essentially they work for you But it is a people business so maintain Control But also make them want to work for you.

Samer Abbas · Answer

@Aj Lee thanks for the suggestion!

I just don’t want to be taken advantage of, where they would just keep buying the material and keeping it for themselves since I won’t be there to keep an eye on them.

Sharon Rosendahl · Answer

I would check as often as you can. Especially if you can pop up at unexpected times once in a while. I'd say the best thing you can do is hire a reputable contractor. Check the contractors board of your state to make sure they are fully licensed and insured. Interview and get references and view recent jobs. As others have said, don't pay for everything up front.

Brent Paul · Answer

They should be able to give you a timeline for how long the repairs will take.  Don't give them all the money up front.  It wouldn't be a bad idea to check on it weekly to make sure things are being done.  Or at the very least go on the weekends when nobody is there.  Once you get someone trustworthy you won't have to worry about that.  But that's not to say for example someone steals the windows they just installed.  Seen it happen too many times.  Your contractor should be able to give you a weekly update or at the very least call you with a heads up if he runs into a problem.

Chris Ichter · Answer

@Samer Abbas the way I handle this is by writing up with a contract with liquidated damages attached. If the contractor is not done by x date, they start paying you. This might sound crazy at first, however I do this with all my contracts. The amount of time you give them to finish the job and the amount of damages you seek if they miss the date can obviously be negotiated and should be reasonable for all parties. Best of luck!

Michael Coakley · Answer

@Samer Abbas have them give a breakdown of costs. Don’t do a lump sum. If they’re any good  they shouldn’t have any problem giving you that info. If they won’t, then i would think twice about them (and this coming from me as a General contractor). You want someone that you’re going to trust as you continue to grow. Also do some takeoffs on your own.

Samer Abbas · Answer

@August Olgren I get it now. Thank you!

Flip/Rehab a house while keeping day job?

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