I've Been Closed For Construction

I haven't been able to post very often because I have had construction going on around my house for a month and a half.  I had let some things go around here, so I decided that while repairs were being done I would have some other work done for esthetic reasons.

How did I start?  Well, as usual, with three estimates from reputable construction companies.  I researched companies using word of mouth, the internet, the Better Business Bureau and my county's Consumer Affairs Office.

I wrote and printed out exactly what I wanted done.  I not only did a walk around with the company's representatives, but they received the hardcopy.  It was amazing how different the estimates I received were.  Even with the hardcopy I gave out one company didn't include the most important work that I wanted done.  And their estimate was the most expensive!

One of the eternal varieties I learned from this project is that it will take double the time you think it will.  It will take double the time the construction company thinks it will.  I have spoken with friends and neighbors and they all agreed that this is true.  My job was supposed to be completed before Christmas, but this week the last task will be done.

My new driveway will be poured tomorrow and I am ready!  In a few days we will be able to park in our garage again!  Yay!

The Type of Driveway I Am Getting

The other big thing I learned is that even when I thought I had made myself clear about how I wanted something to look it wasn't always so.  I wish I had created a scrapbook of ideas by cutting out pictures from magazines or printing pictures from the internet.  A picture is worth a thousand words is absolutely true.  It is also necessary to check on the work often.  Several times I was able to catch a problem in the early stages just by walking around the house a couple of times a day.

I have promised myself that from now on repairs will be done when needed instead of letting them build up.  We'll see how I do with this.  By keeping on top of things I could have saved myself some money and a lot of hassle.

God bless,
Pam

Hiring Workers For The House

Over the years I have hired people to do work that I or DH were unable to do ourselves.  But, recently, I have had many more experiences hiring handymen and landscapers as I got my mother's house ready to sell.  Actually, it is DB's and my house, but I always refer to it as mom's.

The biggest two problems I have had hiring workmen is:  Weeding out the people that just want to make a quick buck and have no intention of finishing the job or doing an adequate job, and miscommunication which results in the job not being done in a way that meets my expectations.

The first problem is fairly easy to fix:  references, references, references.  Talk to your neighbors, call your county Consumer Affairs Office, or check to see if your community has a list of recommended workers (condo or homeowner associations).  I will say that it is possible for the worker that did a wonderful job for your neighbors and relatives to suddenly hit a bad streak when you hire them.  That's where the remedy for the second problem comes into play.

The second problem is communication.  I remember walking around a home with a well recommended handyman telling him what I wanted done and how, while watching him take notes.  When he said the job was done I returned to pay him and found that about 30% of what I had asked for was not done.  This went on three times before I would pay him (big rule: don't pay in advance).  He was a nice man and I finally figured out that he was hard of hearing.  He only did part of the work because he only heard part of the instructions.

Before you hire someone to do a project write (print) or type out in detail what you want done.  Include a date for the job to be completed.  If the worker doesn't provide a written estimate, then include the cost.  Also include the condition the work area is to be kept in (clean up at end of day, sweep for nails at end of day, where to store supplies).

Have two copies for both of you to sign and date.  If the worker balks, then they may not be the person for the job.  When the work is "done" walk the site with them and check off the list.  Make the worker complete the entire list before you make payment.  This may sound harsh, but it provides a great incentive for them to finish the job correctly.  If they offer to write your entire list, as is, on their company's estimate sheet; fine, as long as everything is there and you get a copy.

Now you have a document (contract) that you can take to court should the worst happen and the worker has a list to refer to when doing the job.  Trust me, a little effort will save lots of heart ache.

God bless,
Pam