But I do have a list of work to be completed. And a general order that I want it done in - a sensible work-flow arrangement. And I sometimes have things that I specifically do not want done for one reason or another.
I find that verbal information is ignored, written information is ignored, and in some cases; work that was specifically not to be done - gets done anyway. I feel sometimes like they are talking about one job and I am talking about another. <g>
And also: I spell out payments terms. They agree in writing. Three days later they say: OK; now you owe me $1000.
Wait; you didn't do the work on The Work-To-Do List. And even after you do - the payout is $500. - not $1000. The other $500. is retainage - you don't get it until after the check-list is 100%. It was all spelled out in the the payment terms you agreed to.
But I did all this other work!
Why? I told you Not to do that. And you doing it has pissed away the time which should have been devoted to the work schedule we agreed to.
Well; I'm out of money.
<g>
stephen
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Originally posted by
@Martin Scherer:
I have a little different take, no offense intended. And this is not really ointed at you personally. I used to complain about contractors too that is until a very experienced investor told me that if I kept having the same problems with contractors the problem wasn't the contractor it was me.
First who hired the contractor? I did.
Who made changes to the scope of work? I did.
How did you find your contractor? Is he licensed? Or did you just hire the first person who gave you a price you liked?
Did you take into consideration that your change of scope caused the time and cost overruns? What to an amateur (first time flipper) seems like a half day change can take several days and may require inspections before closing up.
Did you consider your attitude when berating the contractor which you indicate you "had to do". Beating someone up rarely encourages their cooperation or considering your job a priority.
Are there bad contractors who disappear, absolutely but refer to number one above----who hired him.
I am not beating you up personally and the questions are rhetorical and it is not necessary to defend yourself. You completed the project and made decent money. That's great.
You are in process with another job now so did you hire the same guy? Probably not. Are you having he same issues? Are you going to have to hire some one new with the third and fourth project? Pretty soon any contractor who is really professional will have heard about you and will not even consider working for you. Flipping can be a very stressful process why add to your stress by having an attitude about contractors. Find a good one and treat them with respect and you will have much more fun and make more money.
I am glad that investor had the talk with me 30 years ago it has made a huge difference.