Need help with the process of building a shed

Marian D
by Marian D
Handy Hometalker's - I have gotten myself in a pickle and need your help! I have been wanting to build a new garden shed and after months of looking at photos I began the process. Hired a licensed framing contractor that said he was up for the job and ordered the materials per his list. I work during the day and came home to find that day 1 construction consisted of building the frame for the floor. When I asked about the footings or foundation he seemed surprised and said we could pick up some concrete piers (which we did). Thought maybe I didn't know as much about construction as I thought I did and moved forward. A couple days later after noticing how much movement was in the frame I asked about support brackets and he said we can add them if you want them so I order about $200 worth of brackets to ensure we have enough. After expressing concern about the labor budget I am being told that these items were not included in the original time estimate (he is being paid by the hour- I am supplying all materials) and that he would have been right on time wise if I wouldn't keep adding things. What I am hoping you all might be able to tell me is am I right to be concerned about the job this guy is doing? Am I wrong to think that footings and the brackets are an integral part of the building process and should have been included in his original calculations and he is just trying to stick me with an extra 2 days labor?
  3 answers
  • I would contact the CSLB & make sure he is licensed - maybe even review the issues you have had with them (if he isn't licensed last I heard one doesn't have to pay). With that all I have to add is what does the contract & scope of work state? Should X have been included - I could easily argue it both ways. For your next project - http://thehtrc.com/2008/tips-for-successful-remodeling-project
    • Marian D Marian D on Dec 16, 2014
      @SLS Construction & Building Solutions LLC Thanks for the info - I confirmed that he was licensed prior to hiring him. Even if he wasn't it is not my intention to not pay him for the work that he has done so far, I just want him to assume some responsibility for the extra time this is taking. There was no contract just an email saying he should be able to do it in 5 days. In another paragraph he warns it could take a day or two longer. I was very careful to avoid any issues on my part - including having the materials delivered and moved to with in feet of the job site. I have asked him to give me a commitment to how much it is going to cost to complete - not an estimate but something he will stand behind. If I can live with it we will move forward. If not I will find someone else to complete the job.
  • Callie Wyrick-West Callie Wyrick-West on Dec 16, 2014
    You are correct in thinking that this guy should have known/considered this in his estimate on labor. The footing/flooring could be optional depending on the shed but the moment that you advised him that you did indeed want flooring (not just a dirt floor) then he should have immediately asked you what kind of foundation that you you were wanting (with careful consideration about your areas ground water-table) either footings or concrete slab, brick, etc., but then he should have advised you to get floor supports! I have never heard of anyone (well, anyone that will stand behind their work) that would not have "strongly" suggested that you use floor supports. I am not sure what this guy is trying to pull but it doesn't sound good to me. Can you tell that I have been around this my whole life as a contractor's daughter ;) Trust your instincts, Marian- you know more than you realize!
  • Marian D Marian D on Dec 16, 2014
    Thanks Callie - after several heated email exchanges earlier today the decision was made - he had to go. All I wanted was for him to assume a portion of the responsibility but he just came back with you hired me to build a shed not a house. What a schmuck! I don't consider this lightly but I think people need to be warned of this guys business practices. Now of course I have thousands of dollars of materials at risk due to the rain while I try to find someone else to finish the job. Too much drama!