So how do you guys handle job site problems when you can’t identify who caused them?
Like a mysterious hole in some drywall, or a key box that someone must have changed the combination on and now no one admits it so its garbage, or things that get damaged or materials that go missing?
I know I always have contingency money in the job for these but it sure is irritating that folks can be so irresponsible sometimes. I send out reminder emails and talk to the subs but wow, the lack of attention to things sure does get to you sometimes.
Replies
the lack of attention to things sure does get to you sometimes.
yup.
My problem today: Homeowner doesn't like the threshold on the Pella door I just installed. I mean take it out its unacceptable doesn't like it. The thing is like 2 1/2" high, a real tripper. Its ridiculous. Pella says its their newest "improvement", really keeps the water out. (this door is under a patio roof, no weather issues - maybe when they hose the patio off?)
I have the door in, and the foam/chicken wire around it ready for brown coat. I'm ready to sheetrock and stucco...well, I was ready. 5 weeks out on a replacement with their "handicap" model - low clearance threshold for wheelchairs.
Funny they didn't mention that option when I ordered - since the room addition is for h.o.'s handicapped son in a wheelchair, which I told the salesman (who doesn't work there anymore).
So now the h.o.'s negotiating with Pella to replace it for free, or he's threatening to sue them. I'll let them battle it out, but man it sure has thrown a wrench in the gears. Ruined my day. Oh yeah, and a Pella 3'0" x 8'0" door has 31" in the clear. Yeah, the 36" is the outside width of the door and jamb. H.O.'s not too happy about that, since wheelchair clearance is an issue - but I guess he'll have to live with it.
And then the inspector shows up and goes over my job with a fine tooth comb. Writes me a correction notice for no washers on top of the slotted 3" washers, so that'll be a fun project, since I had to notch several studs and fit them over the anchor bolts after the fact. I guess I did pretty good, since she went over the plans and the job with a microscope (I think she thinks she's Callie on CSI or something), and couldn't find anything else to write up. Even had to make a phone call and discuss the job with the other inspector we've had before she could decide what to do.
And then my sparkie shows up to add a switch and a porch light as an extra for the h.o. (afterthought) - he sees the inspector, says Hey, the inspector's here - and starts re-doing the wiring. What an Einstein. Naturally, she freaks out, took me ten minutes to calm her down and convince here we were just adding a simple switch and box, that's it.
Some days I just love this business.
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Edited 11/18/2008 8:37 pm by Huck
I had to learn that strange quirk about Pella door sizing about 15 years ago, after I had the opennings all RO framed normal. I think they build for DIYs who don't know any better, so pros have to learn to do it the stupid way.But - to be fair, it IS out job to read the specs first.
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the spec's call it a 3'0" 8'0", as does the invoice that came with itView Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Nuff to make ya crazy, aint it?
I chalk it up to being in business, and fix/clean/deal with whatever...But I agree it's frustrating.
The funny thing is, when subs HAVE told me of something getting damaged/ scratched etc., I can't think of a time that I've actually backcharged for it, even if I went into pocket for something, cause I was so so durn appreciative that they told me at all!
I've thought about going thru the house on sort of an inspection day by day, but honestly, I do that already, and my subs are concientious, and still stuff pops up once in awhile.
Funny story: Did an addition for a nice couple, very few issues on a pretty invasive re-do of the whole downstairs of the house. He had some issues with some scratches and marks in the paint job ( interior ). The morning I stopped by, he was showing me the scratches, and we hear a brbrbrbrmm noise. It's his 4 year old son, walking around the new downstairs, "driving" a matchbox car on the wall as he walks. Can you say "gouged paint"?
I smiled and said, "Any other concerns here, John?" He shook his head, and said "Nope. I guess that's it." He never mentioned it again.
Bing
hole in the wall can be carelessness, unless you made someone mad, but messing with keys and missing materials sounds like you have somebody who can't be trusted. That bears investigation and a tighter reign until you catch the SOB
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!