Meeting with possible contractor/builders

Started by cselfrid, March 04, 2011, 01:31:33 PM

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cselfrid

Hi,
I'm new to this site so hopefully my question isn't off topic...

I bought some land last year; it has an old existing foundation that an engineer said could be used to build a cabin on, although it's huge (33x66) so I'm hoping to only use a portion of it for maybe a ~1000 foot cabin. I have some rough ideas for a floor plan. I'm not able to build myself, so I've started talking with a couple of local builders, and am meeting with one tomorrow. I've never done anything like this, so I'd be interested in any recommendations for what questions I should ask them, and what things I should consider when I'm picking who to work with... 

Thanks! 

backattheshack

after my wife insisted we use a contractor on our last commercial building. we got taken to the cleaners.took way longer than it should have.none of the subs got paid or suppliers.going to court was a joke,out 43,000 dollars . i would get references a contract and pay as little up front as possiable or even have them do just labor which ive done on other jobs.i know there are lots of good contractors out there but if new to an area you could be a easy mark. just do your homework


MushCreek

Ask for proof of financial solvency, and proof of insurance, too.
Jay

I'm not poor- I'm financially underpowered.

considerations

Another possibility when working w/a contractor is to insist that you get lien releases in exchange for issuing joint checks to all subcontractors and/or materials suppliers utilized. 

Example is: You agree to a bid of a total of $40K.  This contractor has his own crews to do some of the work, but hires out the roofing.  The roofer is a subcontractor.  Roofer does $2K worth of work and bills the contractor. When its time for the roofer to get paid, you create a check made out to the contractor AND the roofer.

The contractor gets a lien release from the roofer, and you get that document in exchange for handing over the check. The amount is deducted from the $40K originally bid (your documentation is that the check is made out to the contractor as well), and you get the assurance that the roofer got paid in full and therefore cannot/will not file a lien against your property.

Its a conversation best had up front with the contractor, who will likely buck and kick because he doesn't want to do this....just depends on how hungry he is. 

I did it with the house I had built in Oregon. The contractor didn't like it, but he needed the work.  I got through the project with no subcontractors or materials suppliers filing liens. 

ntexastom

I believe it depends on how far out of suburbia your site is. Mine was rural although not remote and it was a challenge to get good contractors there. My best advice is to ask closest building supply store for a list of references, and better yet find the main guy there who deals with the commercial contractors. This worked well for me, first choice contractor was too busy and my contact found a backup crew between jobs that showed up on time every day and did what they said they were going to do. good luck.
Patience is the companion of wisdom...