Builder Woes! Any Advise?

billderboots

Ive been framing for about 5 years now for a very nice well spoken christian builder. he has very fundamental values in dealing with all his subs. just a real nice guy. Ive been doing the framing, roofing, siding, interior trims, and sometimes paint work. I had a 8 man crew untill work tappered off this fall. anyway quesion is this man has always paid well usually within days of completing a job. but with the recent turn in economy he has fallen back as far 120 days out on some bills. just recently i been pushing him pretty hard and now we are 60 days out. Now im starting to feel the bite of this money laying out close to 12k.
I know 12k isnt alot of money in todays world but this has been dragging me down for the last 6 months slowly. now im behind on my bills house payments, truck note, heck just last month they shut my electric off.. no kidding . im trying to work with the man the best i can you know trying to be tactfull about the money. and he keeps bugging me for more on the job time on my part and my 2 men. you know its hard to prioritize him when he so far back. am i being greedy in wanting my money paid up? i kind of feel guilty every time i pick up the phone to request another check. and he chips away at the pile and i get further behind. I just would like to know if anybody else has had this and should i just stay the course untill times get better. sorry for the long thread

rbsremodeling

How do you post about your problems with no power??

You have a battery operated computer??

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GregS

Why do you keep working for him if he's not paying you?

If it's because you think he'll get someone else to do it.. then fine.. Let him not pay the new guy either.

I was in this situation with my builder a while back.. told them no pay, no work. They eventually coughed it up. If they didn't, then I would have just liened the house and they wouldn't be able to close on it.

Tscarborough

Are you his framer or his banker? If the former, do no more work and collect what he owes. If the latter, charge him for using your money.

His religious beliefs, haircut, or the color of his truck have nothing to do with money owed for work performed.

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Leo G

I have been dealing with the same situation and about the same $$$ amounts, mine was a few thou higher. My time delay has been about 45 days. I wrote them many emails that I received no response from. I ended up playing a little guilt game with the wife, who was in charge of most of the project while the husband was normally away working. The emails I sent were very business like and inserted a little bit of guilt about the upcoming Christmas holiday and how my family would like to have a nice Christmas day. And then wished them a happy Christmas. I had also contacted the husband by email and asked him why the emails to his wife had gone un-answered. And when payment was forthcoming. That last email to the husband seemed to do the trick. She called the next day and said the check was going to be put in the mail, actually offered for me to come up there and get it but I was not at the shop at the time of the call. She also left me an email confirming what she had said in the VM. So the guilt trip worked and in theory I will be getting my money.

I just hope that you can find a solution to your dilemma. I know how it sucks.

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Ed the Roofer

Secure your interest in each one of the projects by recording a perfected mechanics lien on each and every one of the.

Business is business.

Someone will have to pony up the funds eventually, but if you lose your rights due to not filing within your states time frame, you will be SOL.

Ed

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rustyjames

No deal is better than a bad deal.

neolitic

One of the symptoms of a company about
to go under is getting further and further
behind on payments.
Get it now, or get in line.
I could not be concerned about the well-being
of a guy who owes me money when my family
is hurting.

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billderboots

I had the electric turned back on the next day I used my generator for the time in between. You do get the jist of my problem dont you?

neolitic

boots, the question is do you?
If you wait long enough, there won't
be any money to get from this guy.

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billderboots

Thanks guys for all the posts. I definately am getting a real feel for what needs to be done. It comforting to know others out there have had this same problem. Im thinking im too nice of a guy (not to pat my own back) but this isnt the first time Ive kinda felt stepped on in the past. Sometimes and im sure there other fellas in my boat , I bend over backward to help people out. Now it is biting my backside.

Seems most of you think I need to put my foot down. And i definatley like the guys idea of the builder getting some one else NOT TO PAY, I like that.
I had kicked the idea of interest around because he is a penny pincher. He has already asked me not to order materials too close to end of the month wait till the new month kicks in etc..
I like most of you have worked years to aquire the trucks, tools, equipment, etc and am getting a little pissy with thought of this fella bringing me down.
What is legal and acceptable as far as interest is concerned?
thanks again

WilsonRMDL

Just let him know that if he doesnt pay up your going to possibly lose your home, your vehicles, and eventually equipment to run your business. This might make it clear to him that if he doesnt pony up he's going to be out a contractor and probably have some liens on his projects.

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