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Directly across the street from me is an historic gristmill that is open only in the fall as a cider mill. Just about 6 months ago a couple of young go getters purchased the mill with some big ideas. They’ve had a guy, that I assume is a family friend, doing some remodeling work and it all came to a screeching halt due to a stop work order.
To make a long story short they would like me help them get the necessary permits to continue work. During our hour long conversation on the phone he never once asked me about rates and I’m glad because after considerable thought I’m still not sure. This is new territory for me, as I’ve never worked as just a consultant before. I don’t like working on T&M but I feel this has got to be a by the hour deal and by the rate at which I would charge any work.
Any input would greatly be appreciated.
Scott R.
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As long as all you are doing is enumerating the steps they should take to obtain permits you should be in and out in 15 minutes. If they want you to pull permits under your license then YOU are going to be the one held responsible. That means the people doing the work are your employees with every headache that goes with it, or you are subbing to licensed, insured contractors, which will put you in more of a PM status but still with the same bullseye on your forehead. If you are a proper one-man-band, and the work is something you can do and want to do, then you might be better off handling them as you would your regular customers.
*Scott, This seems to me like they started the project without any permitting or desire to be permitted and now they want you to help put out the fire. Oh what a unique situation...that almost never happens (HA!). Ralph's input was very good especially the part about if the permit would be in your name or not. If you just do all the hand-holding for them and help them get drawings, engineering stamp, get the permit (in their names) and stuff like that, I'd plan for a few hours and maybe $50-100 an hour depending on what others in your area might ask. If they want you to do all the work for permitting and then not have a part in the other work, I'd pass altogether. Too much liability for it not being "your" job. The part about them not asking about your rates scares me as its been my experience that when folks do that, they assume since you are not swinging a hammer, you are not actually working and therefore don't expect to pay anything. Sure, I'm skeptical but I've had more than a few people keep me on the phone for 20 minutes here, an hour there helping resolve their issues with our local building department only to act like I was asking for a kidney when I mentioned compensation for my time. Remember folks only want to pay an attorney for verbal advice, contractors advise is assumed gratis. And I almost forgot...You said the word "historic" and this could open up alot of other legwork (read that possible "can o' worms") with any historical society in your area such as making modifications to an historical building, etc. Plan for some of that in your time spent as well if historical preservation is big in your area.Mike
*You bet nothing will be under my name or license. They don't have a single clue what is involved so they just want somebody with the info or knows where to find it. They have another business and just don't have the time to educate themselves on the process. As for being compensated I don't see this as a problem since "Is this something we could hire you for?" was one of the first things he asked. I just want to charge fair market rate.This is defiantly going to be more of a task then they realize. What they got busted on was tearing off some rickety old 1800's 10x10 addition and attempting to rebuild it. I believe were talking architectural stamped drawings and your right Mike historical commission approval is a possibility since the building is registered.Thanks for the input!Scott
*My advice would be free.....(how long does it take to explain the precudure for obtaining permits?)...my name on the permit would mean I was the GC and therefore I'd want full control over the project and my usual % of the cost of the job.If I was to GC the job....before signing anything...first thing I'd do is to contact the building dept. and talk to (whoever) about the red flag....and what is needed to continue with the remodel..... Let the dept know you plan on following their guidelines so at least you can start on an even keel.
*Scott, Consulting is a nice offshoot of our profession. You get to use and get paid for your knowledge without having to go through the back-breaking work part of it. Setting up the proper agreement, I would do it. The proximity of the site to you might be something to think about. Best of luck.