This One Takes The Cake - So Far
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Old 02-12-2009, 02:38 PM   #61
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Re: This One Takes The Cake - So Far

My guess is he just doesn't know any better. Probably got a list out of some magazine about how to deal with contractors and get the best price out of them or something.

Try to do like KitchenSync said and educate them. If it doesn't work, sionara or whatever

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Old 02-12-2009, 04:36 PM   #62
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Re: This One Takes The Cake - So Far

He got as much "free" education as he's going to get from the first meeting and the few emails...right now it looks like adios amigo

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Old 02-12-2009, 04:42 PM   #63
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Re: This One Takes The Cake - So Far

Quote:
Originally Posted by J F View Post
Here's what I'm mulling for a reply...please feel free to critique, always glad to hear others' opinions...

"Hi ***xx,

Thank you for your recent email. After carefully reading through your attached renovation process, while we appreciate being considered as your contractor of choice, we are going to have to regretfully decline to continue to be involved in your vetting process.

I wanted you to know as soon as possible, to help you in your further decision making process, regarding both the design phase as well as the build phase.

We wish you luck with your project and hope it turns out to be a beautiful and useful addition to your home.

Sincerley,

me
my company"

I don't feel it would be of any benefit to get into the reasons why, as I think it would have the possibility of turning into a pissing match and I feel no need to vent or get into anything of the sort, at least not with a homeowner.

J
Perfect. I wouldn't change a thing. The "why" is none of their business, unless they want to pay for your answer
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Old 02-12-2009, 04:49 PM   #64
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Re: This One Takes The Cake - So Far

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Originally Posted by DecksEtc View Post
Perfect. I wouldn't change a thing. The "why" is none of their business, unless they want to pay for your answer
I just pulled the trigger on declining:



Hi ******,



Thank you for your recent email.



After carefully reading through your attached renovation process, while we appreciate being considered as your possible contractor of choice for either the design and/or build phase, we are going to have to regretfully decline to continue to be involved in your vetting process.



I wanted to let you know as soon as possible, to help you in your further decision making process, regarding both the design phase as well as the build phase.



Again, thank you for your consideration, we wish you luck with your project and hope it turns out to be a beautiful and useful addition to your home.



Sincerely,



me





I've sat on it since about 6:00 a.m. and have felt pretty much the same since then after chewing it around all day...so there she is.
I definitely appreciate ALL thoughts/opinions on this guys, always a learning experience
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Old 02-12-2009, 05:06 PM   #65
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Re: This One Takes The Cake - So Far

You are a true professional!

Nice job and very well done! The only thing I would have added is a sentence something like:

We understand your concern over price, especially in these tough economic times, but as you already know, when you reach a certain point on any project the only way to reduce the overall cost is to sacrifice the quality of materials, labor, or both. We pride ourselves on providing quality products and services to our existing clients, and cannot in good conscience lower our standards just to win your project.

Or someting like that.

Quote:
Originally Posted by J F View Post
I just pulled the trigger on declining:



Hi ******,



Thank you for your recent email.



After carefully reading through your attached renovation process, while we appreciate being considered as your possible contractor of choice for either the design and/or build phase, we are going to have to regretfully decline to continue to be involved in your vetting process.



I wanted to let you know as soon as possible, to help you in your further decision making process, regarding both the design phase as well as the build phase.



Again, thank you for your consideration, we wish you luck with your project and hope it turns out to be a beautiful and useful addition to your home.



Sincerely,



me





I've sat on it since about 6:00 a.m. and have felt pretty much the same since then after chewing it around all day...so there she is.
I definitely appreciate ALL thoughts/opinions on this guys, always a learning experience
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Old 02-12-2009, 05:11 PM   #66
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Re: This One Takes The Cake - So Far

Thanks Mike...if I started down the road of "why" I might not stop...

Then he'd be calling the bbb, channel 5 news, his mother-in-law, my mother...etc, etc.

J
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Old 02-12-2009, 05:12 PM   #67
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Re: This One Takes The Cake - So Far

Quote:
Originally Posted by J F View Post
I just pulled the trigger on declining:



Hi ******,



Thank you for your recent email.



After carefully reading through your attached renovation process, while we appreciate being considered as your possible contractor of choice for either the design and/or build phase, we are going to have to regretfully decline to continue to be involved in your vetting process.



I wanted to let you know as soon as possible, to help you in your further decision making process, regarding both the design phase as well as the build phase.



Again, thank you for your consideration, we wish you luck with your project and hope it turns out to be a beautiful and useful addition to your home.



Sincerely,



me





I've sat on it since about 6:00 a.m. and have felt pretty much the same since then after chewing it around all day...so there she is.
I definitely appreciate ALL thoughts/opinions on this guys, always a learning experience
Good on ya' JF. Now watch this jaboney chase you down.
I'll bet he thinks you saw something glaringly wrong about his project, his approach to contractors or himself. Or all of the above.

And not knowing exactly why you passed will be a burr under his saddle.
You're a stand-up guy!
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Old 02-12-2009, 05:25 PM   #68
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Re: This One Takes The Cake - So Far

...well...maybe if he sends me some chocolates for valentine's I'll change my mind...
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Old 02-12-2009, 05:28 PM   #69
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Re: This One Takes The Cake - So Far

I wonder if I'll even get an email back from him...nobody likes to get that dear john letter though...

He'll probably write me back saying I received that pdf in error....that I wasn't even in the top 10 for consideration....ah, the agony...
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Old 02-12-2009, 08:19 PM   #70
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Re: This One Takes The Cake - So Far

Got his email reply...

"No problem, I appreciate the heads up. Thanks for the participation to date and we part as friends."

Not too shabby.
Last edited by J F; 02-12-2009 at 08:33 PM.
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Old 02-12-2009, 08:27 PM   #71
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Re: This One Takes The Cake - So Far

Quote:
Originally Posted by J F View Post
Not that it matters a whole lot in the general scheme here, but here are some samples of what they would like to see in the basement...

....and use surplus materials and keep it under 2 grand.
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Old 02-12-2009, 08:51 PM   #72
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Re: This One Takes The Cake - So Far

... and they all lived happily ever after.
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Old 02-12-2009, 08:52 PM   #73
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Re: This One Takes The Cake - So Far

Can't you use poplar and make it look like quarter sawn white oak?
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Old 02-12-2009, 08:54 PM   #74
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Re: This One Takes The Cake - So Far

Quote:
Originally Posted by J F View Post
Got his email reply...

"No problem, I appreciate the heads up. Thanks for the participation to date and we part as friends."

Not too shabby.
Right on, at least he understands.
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Old 02-12-2009, 08:55 PM   #75
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Re: This One Takes The Cake - So Far

Quote:
Originally Posted by J F View Post
Got his email reply...

"No problem, I appreciate the heads up. Thanks for the participation to date and we part as friends."

Not too shabby.
He's got some balls sending you an note like that!
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Old 02-12-2009, 08:59 PM   #76
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Re: This One Takes The Cake - So Far

Quote:
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He's got some balls sending you an note like that!

Its always about the genitalia with you isnt it .......................
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Old 02-12-2009, 09:00 PM   #77
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Re: This One Takes The Cake - So Far

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Its always about the genitalia with you isnt it .......................
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Old 02-12-2009, 09:01 PM   #78
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Re: This One Takes The Cake - So Far

If I were you, I'd offer this guy a comission based project manager position. Bid the job at $200K and give him $10K for every $25K that he brings the job in under budget. Set the budget at $100K. Make sure you disclose that the first $50K of his comission will be held in escro until all release of leins are signed and the contract is satisfied. There should be a performance clause in his contract that he will personally be liable to bring the project in at or below budget. The penalty should be 75% of the cost overrun for the first $50K at which point the remaining overrun will be covered 100%.
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Old 02-12-2009, 09:04 PM   #79
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Re: This One Takes The Cake - So Far

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Old 02-12-2009, 09:21 PM   #80
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Re: This One Takes The Cake - So Far

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Its always about the genitalia with you isnt it .......................
You do a little ball-sack talking yourself now and again
And Who wants a hug??
http://www.contractortalk.com/f11/he...x2/#post600832
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