Question on dealing with contractors

[mbperrin]

6. Tell him the oops belongs to him, and he will need to eat that.

It's minor, since there are multiple jobs as you move along, and he can do it or walk, and truly don't care which.

I was in the remodeling business for 15 years, until I wore my shoulders out, and not on any job, small or large, including a 2600 square foot house built along the Colorado River, did I ever take one dime up front for materials and labor. I quoted a firm price, and when the job was done to both our satisfactions, we got paid the agreed amount.

Truthfully, anyone who can't front their own materials is too small-time for me to trust my home to. If they're that short, how can they buy insurance or account for errors? If he does not agree to stand by his original bid, I'd run him off, and we'd be even right where we stand.

Otherwise, it's the camel's nose. I can't tell you how many jobs I finished up that others started over the years we were in business. And I enjoyed the work, but when I could no longer do it, we had to release about 18 months' scheduled work for some really nice people.

Many may find my position extreme, but it's really just expecting him to abide by his own expertise. If an honest error, he'll learn, and it certainly won't break him. If a dishonest scheme, you're better off without him.

Just my 2 cents.