I want to replace the windows and doors on my house. A contractor’s bid lists requests half the payment up front and balance due upon completion.
Is it smarter for me to pay the contractor for his time and go to the home improvement store together, where I can pay for the materials directly?
Any other tips, suggestions, links that would help me?
Asked by:jbrandtc
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I would buy the materials myself, that way, if he poops out on you as some contractors have been known to do, at least you still have the stuff and can get someone else without laying out any more cash..with this method, you pay him for labor AFTER the completion of the job.
its a good idea if you are pressed for time to make an addition to the contract that there will be financial penalties if his crew takes longer that the time allocated for the project, this means he will make less if they drag their feet and thats good for you the customer…I have been there and done this..nothing more frustrating than a contractor who is johnny on the spot till they get the cash then never return a call.
A scam that many contractor’s use and the customers are never aware of…IF you give them the money down…many times they over buy or get more than needed or wrong things that cost more….this is so when the job is done they can return it and get a good profit back…and/or resell what they don’t use. The best thing to do is buy your own materials and make HIM responsible if he brakes it…then offer to pay half of the remaining balance and the rest on completion.
As a licensed contractor, I have written this into proposals myself. In my case, it is not a scam, just good practice. Most contractors will not allow you to buy the materials yourself for the same price. There is markup on materials which is part of the money we need to make on the job to pay our bills. If you dont trust this contractor, hire a different one instead of picking his proposal apart.
Just some general stuff to do when working with contractors.
Get references and call them. If possible go see the work. Even better is to get a reference from a friend or coworker so you can go to their house and see the work and get a no bs evaluation of the contractor.
Make sure that the contractor that you decide on is the one that shows up and not a sub contractor.
Buy the majority of the materials yourself or pay the contractor for the materials with a bill of sale from the store.
Try to get the materials paid up front and leave the labor payment until after the job. If its a big job then pay in intervals like weekly or biweekly. Negotiate with the contractor and try to find one that will work within your requirements.
Study the general way the work you are having done is performed. i.e. you are having a put in windows, find out what that is going to involve as far as insulation, framing and sealing. Then be there for at least some of the work and make sure that he is insulating properly, using the right caulk and is setting the frames level etc etc. You want to pay particular attention to them trying to cut corners.
The contractor works for you. Be his boss. Ask questions and demand a full response. Dont let him railroad you into accepting a shoddy job.
Check on permits require YOURSELF, regardless of what the contractor says. Chances are you will need a permit and if the contractor says you dont when you find out you actually do, do not let that contractor near your house.
It might be cheaper to let the contractor provide the materials. They can usually get a better price than you could. It is standard to pay 50% up front prior to work. Be sure that you have a well qualified contractor and check with the BBB. Also check out refrences!! Don’t forget to check out his license too! If they are reputable, there will be no problem, and they will be more than happy to give you any information you ask.
I also am a contractor, but do not agree with the 50 percent up front cost requirement. I think he should be willing to submit material invoices and then progress invoices for labor on a weekly basis as the work progresses. Ask to see his contractors license and request labor and material release forms with each invoice. This will protect you the consumer from having a lien put on your property by a supplier that was not paid….good luck..