Front Page Forum: Contractor Hell in Bed Stuy
Dear Brownstoner, Like probably everyone who’s done renovation, I am having a pretty much impossible time finding a decent, timely contractor who is affordable. Two months ago I hired a contractor by the name of Randy Blair at the recommendation of Dalila at Smiling realty in Bed Stuy. We signed a contract for renovation of…
Dear Brownstoner,
Like probably everyone who’s done renovation, I am having a pretty much impossible time finding a decent, timely contractor who is affordable. Two months ago I hired a contractor by the name of Randy Blair at the recommendation of Dalila at Smiling realty in Bed Stuy. We signed a contract for renovation of two floors in my house in Bed Stuy, to be finished in 10 weeks. He required me to get all the materials needed for the job up front because he said he wanted to move fast on this project and didn’t want waiting for materials to hold him up.
Within that timeframe, he opened up huge holes in the exterior walls, one for a new window and one for french doors to the backyard- these were left open for two weeks. It rained a few times and damaged the inlaid mahogany wood floors. This is just the beginning: Three weeks after signing the contract, he left for a one month vacation. Before he left he originally told me it would be for two weeks and that he would have a crew working at the house while he was away. Instead, his brother-in-law did two days worth of framing total blaming the no show electrician. It’s been two months and several thousand dollars in supplies and 1/3 the contract price up front–and basically only 1/8 of the work has been done. Help!!! Hiring contractors is such a nightmare! Can anyone help me find a better contractor or give me advice on how to legally deal with the one I hired/get a lawyer to help me deal with this. I can’t afford to float the mortgage while no work is being done. Any advice at this point is desperately needed.
Signed,
Bedstuy Bedlam
BigBub,
I just spoke to Sam (I’m thinking about doing some work on an investment property in Queens). I asked him specifically if he requires deposits for big jobs. He says generally no. He did not want to touch Angela’s job with a ten foot pole, hence the large deposit request. He’ll also ask for a deposit if someone comes across as a general pain in the ass (maybe why all GCs you met asked for a deposit??). He says he gets deposits in about 10-15% of jobs. I guess you are not the smartest person in the world after all.
Angela – I truly wish you luck with your project.
Of course there are good, reputable contractors. Check that the contractor is licensed & insured, check references, see previous jobs. Sign a contract – AIA is fine and it can be amended by you and the contractor to meet the specifics of your job. A deposit is certainly customary and a good contractor is likely to ask for one because he doesn’t need to take the risk of starting a job without it. It provides cash flow for materials and the deposits that the GC has to make to the subs to start the job. Why should the contractor be putting out money from his pocket for you? While you may be wary that he won’t perform properly, he may also be wary that you won’t pay in the end – contractors have their own horror stories about the clients who can’t be bothered to make timely payments. 10% retainage is customary.
LOL, Hey Anon, I guess Sam is not so deposit-friendly after all.
Anyhow, Angela, I’m truly sorry to hear you’re having such a tough time. But, anon echos the point I made earlier, which is that picking up the pieces from a failed project, is about the very last thing most contractors want to do. In some respects, it’s like starting over cause the new guy has to figure out what the old guy did and they may not have done it to the same specs. Also, taking responsibility for the somebody else’s work is risky to say the least.
I find that contractors will intentionally price themselves out of jobs they do not want – either by bidding too high, declaring themselves unavailable for months, or by imposing onerous terms (such as a 40% deposit) that you would never go for. They never outright say “No way, I don’t want your project.” This passive-aggressive thing is pretty annoying, but seems to be the way of the business.
Anyhow, don’t give up. Good luck!
Seriously – you already fired one GC and fixing another person’s screwed up job is not a favorite acitivity for GCs – hence the request for a deposit?? Sam did one large job a while ago and and several small jobs for me since and never asked for a deposit.
Good luck with your little project – I would not want to be in your shoes!
Angela –
Maybe you are a little creepy and he did not trust you.
Hi Anonymous who recommended Sam at Athen’s Home Construction,
I had him come by yesterday to look at the job,
and he said he required 40% deposit up front.
I guess things have changed since 6 yrs ago?
Still Bedstuy Bedlam..
If anyone can recommend a good contractor, I am still looking!
Thanks!
What should a contractor show as proof of insurance and licensing?
BB –
I used Sam at Athen’s Home Construction (917-731-1820 about 6 1/2 years ago – no deposit required. He did fantastic work. Richard Somerby (718-260-8936) is working on my home now and he did not require a deposit either. Some I interviewed for these jobs asked for deposits. I might have used them otherwise, but I have no doubt I could have negotiated the deposit away. Have a nice weekend.
Anon,
You had me going right up until the comment: “…there are plenty of high quality, licensed GCs who do not require a deposit…”
Please name these heavenly GC’s. I think we’d all like to know who they are and I’m sure they would not mind the free advertising.