Paying more for labor doesn't always guarantee a better job...

[Alan Asriants]

For most things in life, you get what you pay for — and that’s certainly true when it comes to renovations. However, I’ve seen many situations where people paid an enormous amount of money for work that would have cost me a fraction of that price, and the quality of labor was still very poor.

I often see this happen with larger companies that subcontract the work but don’t properly manage the project. The subcontractors get paid, rush through the job, and move on. That’s why it’s so important to make sure the work is being done correctly — and if you’re paying a premium, it should absolutely be done to the highest standard possible. Often times larger companies need to charge more to cover things like marketing expenses, warranty claims, etc... So I have found that reliable Mom and Pop, or sole owner contractors deliver the best results. 

I recently purchased a home that had roof and gutter work completed not long before I bought it. Immediately after moving in, I noticed issues with water management from the gutter system. The materials were new, but they were clearly installed improperly. The drainage wasn’t accounted for correctly — parts of the roof were overflowing, and water wasn’t being directed properly into the downspouts.

I also discovered that the roof, which was relatively young, had started leaking. At first, I noticed a leak over the porch. When we opened the soffit, we found that sections of the roof had completely rotted out. Nails were improperly placed, and the shingle spacing/layering was incorrect. A few months later, another leak appeared. When we got on the roof, we found the valleys were layered incorrectly, there was no proper edge material installed, and in many areas there wasn’t even underlayment — shingles were placed directly onto the plywood sheathing! An absolute scam!

It’s not always easy to manage contractors or oversee labor, which is why getting multiple quotes and reaching out to your trusted network is important. But most importantly, it’s valuable to understand what proper work should look like. You don’t need to grab a hammer and do it yourself to understand, but spending some time on YouTube, asking experienced colleagues, or consulting someone knowledgeable can save you a lot of money and stress. And most importantly - knowledge is power - contractors love taking advantage of people who don't know how things are supposed to be done. 

Trust me — the worst feeling is paying a premium price for low-quality labor.

[Richard F.]

Sad but true. Applies to Union work as well! I had a Client that bought a brand new construction $850,000 (at the time), high floor Condo here. I was shocked when I performed my initial inspection prior to offering for Rent. Paint was slopped on the chrome hinges, TP holder, bathroom mirrors and towel racks. The "utility" closet, where the AC unit was located, was unfinished, with exposed metal studs, and various wires for the thermostat, power, and other items draped around loosely. There was no filter on the dryer exhaust, so lint was blowing all over once the unit was occupied and the Tenant reported that issue. 

For all of those reasons, once you find quality contractors, Treat them like Gold! They can make you or break you.