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free backframing

| Posted in Business on August 30, 2003 08:35am

Would like to hear how other G.C.’s and framing subs deal with backframe charges, specifically framing damage done by the other subs. Seems to me that this should be a seperate charge from the original bid.

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  1. User avater
    SamT | Aug 31, 2003 01:43am | #1

    Was it damage (bad sub) or was the frame member in the way of the subs material (bad framer/layout man)?

    Bad sub, then backcharge the sub... bad framer, eat it and learn from it.

    A good framing crew should have a pretty good idea of where the framing will be in the way of subs work, or count on the subs destroying a certain amount of framing and build that cost into your bid.

    All the framing jobs I have been on counted on having the pickup man go back afterwards and fix the framing (other trades don't know as much about framing as carps know about what the other trades need) there is also the relative costs involved...plumber=$120/hr, framer =$60/hr.

    When the sub destroyed framing that they could have saved, we back charged 'em.

    If you work friendly with the subs you can get them to ask/tell you when they have to move wood.

    SamT

    Be Brave, Be bold.
    Do Right, Do Good.
    Don't lie, cheat, or steal.
    Especially from yourself.

  2. RalphWicklund | Aug 31, 2003 08:18am | #2

    Seems to me that the GC should be on top of his job and assure that the structural framing follows the plans as well as the code and that the allowances for the incoming trades are already built in.

    If the GC is not the one to spec and design the job then he should know how to read and interpret the plans and initiate the changes needed to get it right, before the butchering begins.

    Therefore, on my jobs, if any trade decides to do it their way they come back and make it right. One example: During the pre-installation meeting I showed the A/C sub EXACTLY where and how I wanted the duct runs made and connected. I also showed the electrical sub where his runs were to be stapled and routed. The electrical sub did his job my way, without a hitch. The A/C sub routed his stuff right through the electrical work, taking down (leaving hanging) the fan boxes as well as mounting his plenum adapters BELOW the ceiling plane. Guess who had to come back, fix his own work and pay to have the electrical work redone.

    If I fail to do my job, defining the parameters unique to every project, then the buck stops with me and I get to eat humble pie and pay the bill.

    1. Bryce | Sep 01, 2003 05:45am | #3

      I would always meet on several occasions with each of my subs before they started our next house.  It was during these visits that we ironed out any possible miss-interpretations and plan discrepencies.  The only problem that I had on the street of 12 homes that I developed was when a rookie plumber cut through several of my top and bottem cords on my engineered floor joists. I discovered this friday afternoon before my Mon A.M building R/I inspection.  I called the owner, told him what his guy had done, went to the lumber yard and bought 4 floor joist to marry alongside the damaged ones, and then proceeded to cut out all of his plumbing that got in MY way.  He was charged for my time and materials only...no profit.  You need to keep a good working relationship with your subs because it is they who help make you look good.  Besides this was a mistake made by a lack of understanding not willful intent.  Hopefully you will have screened the subs that you let on your project so that you wont have to deal with deliberate butcher jobs...in which case i would charge for T&M plus the inconvience of having to baby sit these kids(it would be the last project they would do for me)  Communication is the key.  I always had a standing rule that if any person on my projects at any time didn't understand, that they were to always come and get me no matter what or when. This has saved my company huge $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!

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