Posted on 06/04/2020 4:35:38 PM PDT by SteveH
I have a minor construction project on my property. It's about $11k for one part and about $5k for a second part.
the job is for a retaining wall. I need it to be reinforced concrete with a brick façade. the concrete guys don't do brick and vice versa.
how best to specify the contracts?
should I be writing the contracts?
when should the second contract be signed relative to the first contract?
I am already taking the liberty of placing the two contractors in touch with each other-- at least giving them each the other's contact info.
I don't want, for example, a flub in the concrete to screw up the bricklaying. or a delay in the concrete with a lien from the bricklayer for nonpayment of the second contract.
I figure that this is not an uncommon situation so someone out there probably has an answer.
I could, for example, write into the second contract that the second contract is totally conditional, and totally void, unless there is a sign-off by me for all of the deliverables of the first contract. I could go so far as to ask for a sign off of the 1st contract deliverables by the second contractor.
alternatively, I could wait until the first contract work is totally complete before committing to signing a second contract with the 2nd contractor. however, if I did that, there might be a several week time lag in the work in which nothing is done (and my side yard would be totally exposed unless I rented a cyclone fence).
should I bite the bullet on the delay and figure on setting up a rented cyclone fence? (i'm not even sure where to rent a cyclone fence since this is a totally new idea to me)
I've had work done before, but only single contracts, one at a time, and fortunately all of them have been totally honest with me.
thanks for any insights.
Each contractor should write their own contract.
Are you really serious?
If you have to ask, you are in over your head already.
I’m serious.
Two contractors will point their fingers at each other if something goes wrong. But it will be you left with a costly problem. Find someone licensed and insured who can do the full job.
You are making it too complex. Write a contract with each. When one contract is completed to your satisfaction tell the other guy to start. The two can talk and coordinate with each other,too.
For a job that small you might not find guys willing to put up with a lot of bs in a contract.
That’s how I wanted to put it.
Almost asked his age, hey OP, what’s your age?
Then I would find on the Internet a contract that seems to be a good fit for such a project, and tweak the language to make sure it addresses all the what-if's (and also changing other things, of course, such as legal jurisdiction, compensation, etc.).
I would also expect the contractor to request some amendments before signing.
Never mind. I see that you are in kelifornia.
Too much local madness has rubbed off on your psyche.
The best thing you can do is flee while you still have enough of a brain to do that.
Try legalzoom.com
PS, can you actually get anything done for $5K there? Oh yeah, mesicans. Never mind again.
Have one contract
Single source of responsibility. A general contractor. ...bonded and insured. ....let him worry about the logistics.
Your engineering drawings tell the story.
Don’t forget about clean up, backfill, sod, etc.....restore property to original conditions. .... Yada Yada. ...
And mesican don’t do contracts, senor.
One contract. Let the Primary sub out the facing. Happens every day.
What coaster123 said
Sign one contract with the guy doing the bigger project, and have him retain the other as a subcontractor. It’s much cleaner that way. If they won’t work that way — and they may not because it’s a small job to go through all that — then you need to find a general contractor who can do the whole job.
Specify the goal of each project, and measurements that show how success of reaching the goals can be achieved or demonstrated to you. If they must work together/concurrently to meet your goals, specify that planning and work with the other contractor will be necessary for success, with the name and contact information if the other contractor...in each contract. Suggest that each contract specify that each contractor must have a successful review of their design and plans with you before they build. Both contractors may need to be present at both design reviews before either can build (the contractors may agree to that before signing each contract). Specify when any payments may be made (possibly one payment after the design review, to cover material purchase costs, and final payments after satisfactory construction and completion of punch lists, to your satisfaction).
Example of goal: “Sidewalk traversing from Point A to Point B at (street address of location) constructed of (type materials) that can handle (type of activity, such as movement of people weighing up to 350 pounds and wheeled equipment weighing up to 500 pounds) without suffering damage, in all seasons in the (geographic area), in temperatures between (extreme temperature range of the geographic area such as -30° F to 105° F). The material used shall be (color). The construction and materials shall comply with (Home Owner Association name) covenants, Codes for (County Name), and shall comply with (industry name) industry best practices.”
Hope this helps. Good luck!
Find someone licensed and insured who can do the full job.
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Only way to go. Licensed and bonded. They write a proposal which you can fine tune. You will be asking for trouble big time way you presented your alternatives.
I’m tired of sugar coating things.
Old men are cynical because they have seen and experienced enough.
By jove, you’re absolutely correct but their handlers do.
Already I’ve given this more attention than it can ever deserve.
“””Old men are cynical because they have seen and experienced enough.”””””””
You got that right.
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