Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Timothy Graham on February 1, 2012 at 8:23pm

An independant like myself with good references is usually the best way to go.  Supporting small business in your home town is a win win but I am a little biased being a small business owner. Subcontractors can ruin a relationship and the job unless they are managed (monitored) every step of the way. I think the independant company should be your first choice.  Tim

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by TonyP3rd on February 2, 2012 at 1:52pm

I agree with everything that you said. However, not all independents are created equally.  Please let me know if I am trying to split too fine a hair.

I hope you can appreciate that post-Katrina, New Orleans residents are very nervous when it comes to contractors who won't put the details into a contract.  He prefers that I pay as he progresses but he doesn't want to commit a payment schedule to writing.

For example, below is a copy of things that he is promising from an email message. I've asked for more details and he says that there are no more details needed.  I had to press him for this much and I specifically asked for a payment schedule but one was not included.

I really like the guy. But, there is one more thing that bothers me. He did provide a list of references and provided me with a link to a gallery of his work. However, while we were complimenting him on some of the pictures, there were at least three instances where he complained about the client for whom he did the work. What set my warning bells off was that all of his complaints were about clients not paying and having to fight for payment. This has me wondering if perhaps the lack of a written agreement led to challenges when the final cost was higher than expected.

-----------------

Prep and replaster med gray pool and fountain $xx00.00 (additional cost if pool has been plastered more then 2 times ) doesn't look as though

Move plumbing , add light niche and run conduit .pressure test plumbing $xx00.00 ( I supply materials)

Set equipment and start up. $xxx.00

Additional Suction and return $xxx.00 (I supply materials) You supply a 1 1/2 hsp pump

Install coping $xxx0.00 Remove existing materials $xxx.00

-----------------

* What level of detail should I expect in a written agreement?

* Am I being paranoid?

 

Thanks,

Trae
 
Timothy Graham said:

An independant like myself with good references is usually the best way to go.  Supporting small business in your home town is a win win but I am a little biased being a small business owner. Subcontractors can ruin a relationship and the job unless they are managed (monitored) every step of the way. I think the independant company should be your first choice.  Tim

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Tony C. monogramcustompools.com on February 20, 2012 at 6:16pm

as an independent builder, I can stand on a soapbox for hours and tell you why independents are better. but I can also tell you that 99% of customer problems are related to the builder not fully explaining what is in his/her scope. is a bonding agent include? what happens if it rains 1/2 way through the finish and it is damaged?

I'd check with npc (national plasters council). and find local members. I'd also check with apsp to find local builder members. follow your gut. if it doesn't feel right, don't do it.

ps. I have a room in my house that looks like bourbon street. pics are on my homes website below under the nightclub section.
tony c

www.monogramcustompools.com
www.monogramcustomhomes.com

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by John Kennedy on February 21, 2012 at 11:15am

Southern California www.southerncomfortpools.biz

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Lisa Coleman on February 21, 2012 at 1:29pm

Regarding the contractor that uses sub contractors. Ask how long the sub contractors have been working for him. Does the contractor "manage" the job site when the subs are on site?

We are a smaller firm that uses subs. We only use those subs that have proven themselves in the past. Any sub that exhibits below the line behavior is out.

Be sure to get everything in writing so there can be no finger pointing during and after the process. A handshake is nice but it can not resolve miscommunications.

Is your contractor a member of the swimming pool trade assocoation - Association of Pool and Spa Professionals?

Hope this has been helpful,

Lisa Coleman

Augusta Aquatics

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion