Big Problem With Homeowner

azee

I have spent the last 2 months designing a new home for a customer. I finally get it all bid out - and think I am giving them a good deal. They are picking everything apart. Want to know cost on everything down to the last coat of paint. I have had customers in the past concerned about every last detail, but this is over the top. I try to read these types of people up front and will pass on the work if they are going to be a p.i.t.a. They even went as far as to call my concrete contractor for a bid on my plan to see where it was at. My concrete contractor called and told me he was going to tell them that he does all of my work and any negotiating on prices would be through me and would not bid my plan for them. Not sure what I should do- either suck it up because the market is slow and deal with it- or run as fast as I can from this job because it has TROUBLE written all over it. They also have a realtor friend involved who is trying to micromanage everything I do and seems to think she is an expert on new construction.
Any Advice? Please?

jmic

RUN , as fast as you can and don't look back.

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___"Remember You Never Get A Second Chance To Make A First Impression"______________________
Joe

MBS

Run!
If its this crazy now, wait till you get into the job!

OCRS

Sounds like they want a grocery list so they can part it out with their agent acting as GC.

troubleseeker

Like they said...RUN. The only time a line item price should come into discussion, is if you are discussing a particular area of the job, usually an upgraded item, to try to bring the total job cost back within the realm of their budget. If they want to know the price of everything, let them get their own bids, and GC it. This is a NO WIN situation for you, every time you want a draw on the job, they are going to have found someone that has quoted them a cheaper price; and want to argue your price. If their realtor friend is such an expert, let them have him GC the job. This spells trouble times four, agents are always bottom feeders when it comes to paying for work in my experience. This has all the finger prints of real estate agent already... "Building is slow, he should cut his price if he wants the work"

Just for kicks, on your way out the door, ask the agent friend how much he has cut his commission during these slow times.

RizzoMaryland

I, too, would say run. But if you need the work, take back the reigns and reclaim control of this job. If you sit back and allow their minds to explore alternative pricing options/quotes they will. Being exceptionally firm with these folks is the only way.

Your way or the highway....and get it signed several times!!

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"An idea is salvation by imagination"
Frank LLoyd Wright

J F

If you haven't gotten the hint yet.....



RUN

firemike

Run like the wind.......

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-Mike-

kevjob

If you need the work politely tell them the bid number is the number on the last page at the bottom, We have all seen this before where they want breakdowns, looked at a kitchen the other day gave a bid and he called me 30 mins later to complain he didnt see any breakdowns for each phase, I told him that is really none of his business what I am paying for materials and labor. I think I will pass if he accepts.

Tell the realtor to get their license then GC it for them or mind their own business.


RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!

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Kevin
Basement Finishing Highlands Ranch Colorado
Littleton Colorado, Basement Remodeling
Kitchen Remodeling Denver

d-rez

Run. Seriously.

AtlanticWBConst

Red Flags, Horns, Fireworks, Neon Lights, strobes, Blimp in the air..... (all the signs are there).

Get the Heck out of Dodge!

It doesn't matter whether you need the money or not.....because you may NEVER see the money, with the likes of that wack-job group....

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- Build Well -

skyhook

Tell the realtor to butt out. If they want a breakout on everything, suggest that if prices vary, or you missed something, or s**t happens, they pay the difference. T & M is what they want. Prices are going up everyday. A firm price is what it is, a contract.

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chris n

run forest run

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azee

Thanks for all the response which seems to be clear-- Run!! Now how to get out of it without them bad mouthing me to every Tom Dick and Harry.

OCRS

People tend to hang out with like minded people so.....I wouldn't be too concerned with what they have to say. I have the feeling it wouldn't matter how this went, they'd still have sh!tty things to say. The old master/servant thing.

Tscarborough

No need to run, you just need your ducks lined up in a very good row. It is all in your contract, and your conduct, and since you know going in how it is, structure both to that end. And if you do run, send them a hefty bill for services rendered to date.

Who gives a ratz ass about them badmouthing you. If you think they are assholes, don't you think everyone they would bad mouth you to knows it as well?

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It ain't Rocket Science unless you are building rockets.

J F

Tell them you will be spending all your time on your new hobby......RUNNING!!!!

Tscarborough

If I ran from every ass I have to deal with, I would be staying at home a lot of the time, and would certainly be poor.

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It ain't Rocket Science unless you are building rockets.

AtlanticWBConst

T, Once you have been trapped working as a GC by an A-hole client property owner, there is nothing that will merit going thru the experience again, no amount of money is worth it.

Generally, by taking on such a project, your life becomes ruined for the duration.

99.9% of the time, you don't get all your money. What you do get, you have to fight tooth and nail for. Not only is there zero satisfaction, it is an experience that changes the whole way you do business, and leaves a bitter taste in your mouth that you NEVER forget.

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- Build Well -

Chris Johnson

If you don't have a contract yet, present one...over inflated so if they do accept it your more then covered. If they don't, what are they going to bad mouth you about..your overpriced...who cares...you charge what you charge and if they don't like it they can hire someone else

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Chris