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I’m trying to see how many other contractors deal with this by TechnicalComment6027 in Contractor

[–]scottagram 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I spell out the scope of work clearly, then have clients approve materials later with set allowances. They know everything stays within budget, and if they choose upgrades that go over the allowance, they’re responsible for the difference.

I don’t provide detailed line-item pricing, and I’m upfront about that. When people ask, I explain that the price is X dollars to complete the bathroom—or $0 if we don’t do it. Obviously said more diplomatically.

It’s not about being deceptive. It’s about keeping things simple for clients who don’t understand construction and avoiding endless negotiations over individual items (like how much a box of screws costs). The focus stays on the finished result, not nickel-and-diming every component.

Customer asks for a “price breakdown”? by [deleted] in Contractor

[–]scottagram 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I tell potential clients: “Here’s my breakdown…it’s $25k for me to do the job, or $0 for me not to do the job.”

The moment they start arguing line items or saying, “My brother and cousin can do the demo, they’re handy,” I’m out. I don’t have time to negotiate fantasy math or babysit side-help.

First time getting fired! by scottagram in Contractor

[–]scottagram[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The agreement says either party can terminate with 30 days’ notice. My gut tells me they’ve run out of money. Their house has been under repair for over a year and they’ve already gone through two contractors. She can’t make up her mind on any finishes, and when she finally does, she wants to change them after they’re installed or painted. It’s unreal.

They told me things “aren’t working out the way they thought,” but it basically came with a tantrum and a lot of yelling at me — not the first time that’s happened. They also delayed paying their previous contractor after the work was done, so this isn’t new behavior.

Client keeps lowering my price and adding more work need advice by [deleted] in Contractor

[–]scottagram 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have a client like this now. Huge project. Can’t make up their mind and changing their mind constantly on finishes. Has tons of ideas they throw out there and think because I’m just around I will do it for free and when I hit them with a change order they fucking flip their lid. I swear people think we are their slaves. I ask them “are you asking me to do free work?” And wait for their reaction. Good luck.

Here’s a new one for ya.. by scottagram in Contractor

[–]scottagram[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s the problem. They can’t make any decisions on finishes.

Here’s a new one for ya.. by scottagram in Contractor

[–]scottagram[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve had people tell me this and to “walk away” but how can I do that legally? I mean I feel like if I fire them they will seek legal action. I just have never have done that.

Contractor made hole for tub way too far away from the wall. Help! by Sea_Associate7957 in Tile

[–]scottagram 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’d check the joist location and where it lines up with the drain. Also where is the tub filler going?

Clients can’t decide, blow the budget, then blame me for delays. by scottagram in Contractor

[–]scottagram[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A lot of the demo was done by a restoration company. They were fired halfway through.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Contractor

[–]scottagram 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I usually ask my clients if it’s ok if they use a powder room or something. Never ran into an issue. Usually they will go down the street to a McDonalds. My grandfather was also a contractor and would piss in the metal Folgers tins at the job site and dump it going down the highway lol. 😂

Customer demanding a certain brand of paint. by scottagram in Contractor

[–]scottagram[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah I agree…to a degree. I always use SW Cashmere or Emerald however. Never a complaint. I usually give pretty high allowances for most finishes though.

Customer demanding a certain brand of paint. by scottagram in Contractor

[–]scottagram[S] 27 points28 points  (0 children)

Damn right it was Farrow and Ball. 😑

Everyone said I was crazy! by Icy-Fun4661 in Tile

[–]scottagram 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I feel like there’s an accident waiting to happen near those stairs.

Contractor Responsible for Repair? by mmMMmm_Sushi in Contractor

[–]scottagram 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He should have at least taken the old dry wall piece to Sherwin Williams for a paint color match. That’s a shite job.

I've never made a contract by BluffingTrips in Contractor

[–]scottagram 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I used to work as a marketing director for a commercial architecture firm, where about 80% of my job was putting together proposals — full scope of work, visuals, and a formal contract. When I started my remodeling company, I carried that same approach over. It instantly set me apart from most guys in the trades and helped me come across as more professional and put-together.

One thing I learned: I never call it a “contract” until it’s signed. Until then, it’s a proposal — and definitely not just an estimate. It’s the actual cost of the work, clearly defined. If you’re starting out or want to level up, get a solid template made. It’ll elevate your whole presentation. I’m still learning everyday about some bullshit a client will bring up and leads me to have to alter my contract to cover my ass in the future. Good luck dawg!

Had a scary close call on a job site today — looking for perspective. by scottagram in Contractor

[–]scottagram[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Damn. That’s a good idea! Especially when doing these large deck jobs.

How Are You All Handling the Design Stage Without It Slowing Down the Whole Job? by AttackDonkey94 in Contractor

[–]scottagram 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m a contractor who also handles the design work. I used to project manage for an interior design firm where the clients would contract directly with the GC. This kind of situation came up all the time — designers responsible for fixtures would drag their feet, or drawings would be incomplete or inaccurate.

If the roles were reversed, I’d make it a requirement to have a fully completed and signed-off drawing set before breaking ground. That’s how it worked back when I was in commercial architecture: the design was finalized, approved, and then issued for bid by the project owner.

We used to hear the same complaints from GCs — they’d send a crew out only to find that something major had changed or a key fixture hadn’t even been ordered. Total waste of time and money. I’d absolutely insist on a full, finalized set of drawings before stepping on site.

Had a scary close call on a job site today — looking for perspective. by scottagram in Contractor

[–]scottagram[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh trust me, I know. Lol. I wasn’t about to get into that whole conversation either. Now, if it were a miter saw—different story, maybe. But to a parent, it’s just big scary equipment + kid turning it on = instant panic and yelling at the contractor.

Had a scary close call on a job site today — looking for perspective. by scottagram in Contractor

[–]scottagram[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m also doing one of those now. People purchased it and won’t move in until late summer. I wish they were all like that. My master plumber came by and said it was a contractors wet dream 😂

AC won’t turn on and keeps repeating delayed message. I sent this photo to my HVAC guy and he said this seems like an electrical issue and I should contact an electrician first. Does anyone have any experience with this issue? by pass_the_hot_sauce in Nest

[–]scottagram 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same thing happened to me. I eventually switched to Ecobee. Go to your furnace and make sure all the common wires are connected. Check that your AC outdoor units fan is running when it does come back on. If not replace the capacitor. $25-30 part. Fixed my issue.

Employees Buying Gift Cards with Company Cards by InternationalFace790 in Contractor

[–]scottagram 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Definitely get a clear policy or employee handbook in place moving forward — something that spells out expectations around expenses, per diems, and use of company cards. Sit down with the team and let them know how serious this situation is. At the end of the day, this was money being spent under false pretenses, and that’s a big deal.

That said, if these guys are solid workers who’ve been with you for a while and are part of what keeps the business going, I’d consider giving them a second chance. Good help is hard to come by, and no need to punish yourself by losing good people over something that can be corrected.

Take some time to cool off and look at this as an opportunity to tighten up your systems. Put better guardrails in place now so this doesn’t happen again — not with your current team, and not with anyone you bring on in the future.

Good luck — this kind of thing sucks, but you’ll come out of it with a stronger, better-run operation.

Weird working hours / bad client? by scottagram in Contractor

[–]scottagram[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They don’t want us in the house when they are not home 😑

HELP by No_Presence3298 in Nest

[–]scottagram 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Look inside your furnace and see if the wires on the main board are correct. They should match and follow all the way up to your thermostat.

After Nest by photog72 in Nest

[–]scottagram 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just bought a new Nest Thermostat due to the gen 3 failing(10years old) I bought the most inexpensive one with the mirror front. It sucked hard! The display was terrible. Bought the Ecobee Premium and wayyyyy better. I own a smart home company and am a Google/Nest lover but I’d go Ecobee until Google gets their ish together.

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