Contracts And Nasty Clients-need Advice

TBiehn

A few months ago I was calledinto give an estimate on a home remodel and deck. After th guy recovred from sticker shock, he seemed ready to go. I did the usual stupid thig od playing middle man and getting things set up before the actual work contract got signed. Then the guy changed his mind and only wanted the deck. I drew up the contract he spent a month trying to get m to lower my cost. We finally settled and I started working. This entire timehe has been right next to me wanting to help, doing things on his own and insulting me. He complains about the cost, wanting only to pay $25 an hour instead of $55 (which is $10 less than my normal). He wants me off the job so his buddycan finish with him, I want off the job, how can we legally get out of the contract? Any ideas? I have never had a client like this.

AtlanticWBConst

Oh man, the key point is: What does your contract state?

(I'm sure that you already know, that you kind of shot yourself in the foot with this, beacuse of what you allowed)

Our contracts are loaded with specific wording to avoid all that crap.

A lesson we learned a long time ago, is that, when a HO get's into that kind of pricing BS, it's not a job for us. Especially, when they continually try to talk the price down after an agreement. All BIG RED flags...

We did a big remodel job last summer, and the guy across the street had us come in and price up a remodel. He was set on a much lower price, and started trying to talk about how he could get the price down. Now this was not a simple remodel....I never called him back.

Last time we had a situation like that (where the HO was being a tight-wad and also a Jerk)...we finished up according to contract, and told him we were booked solid and could not do any more additional or future work for the rest of the summer.....What a relief it was to get off that job....Never again!!

Maybe you could just sit down with him and iron it out. Get what's owed, pull off the job in agreement, and let him finish it. Now, on the other hand, if you pulled a permit and your name, or your company name is on it, then that's a different story all together....

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- Build Well -

Celtic

Write up a new contract terminating the previous contract...terms of the new termination contract would include:
- ALL monies due to that point - including money for any material not used but on site,
- copies of all prints
- revocation of your permit
- plus a fee for writing up the termination contract.
- etc.


If both parties agree to the new contract, there is no breech of the previous contract.

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AtlanticWBConst

....

Tho, you forgot a point: Last Point- Get the heck outa there and don't look back!

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- Build Well -

kevjob

I agree new contract and terminate the relationship immediately. Now revise your contract stating HO are not allowed in job site are when work is going on due to insurance. red flag for me when he starting barking about your price. take it or leave it.

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

DavidC

I might have offered a change order negating all work not completed with a settlement payment. But I like your idea much more. Seems much cleaner.

Good Luck
Dave