What is cheaper...Pay by the hour or by the job?

[cschin4]

The problem that I have found with contracting work is that there are often things that need done that you don't think of or realize until rennovations or underway. Or, you change your mind and decide you want something a bit different than when you started. I personally think it is best to contract for a particular price. That way, it is easier for you to get other estimates as well. But, when deciding upon a job, make sure you spell out EVERYTHING you want done. I always make it CLEAR that I want a finished job. That means, I don't want to do any priming, painting or anything left for me to do. I want the job done from A to Z. In the past, I had contractors that decided they didn't do the painting and on and on. So, if they will not do the COMPLETE job, forget it unless that is something i really want to do myself. But, if I am paying to have it done, I want it all done. However, when I remodeled my kitchen, I wasn't sure who was going to do the install because I was still working it up. I did pay my contractor hourly to tear out the old and found it reasonably priced. And, I checked on them frequently, and there was alot of work and it took a couple of guys to tear out and prep.

[SnoopyCool]

Invest some time and effort up-front to develop a written scope of work for the Contractor to perform.

DH was a construction project manager and I believe this is how work is run. Subcontractors get a scope of work to be performed, with which they send in a bid to the general contractor. This seems to be one thing that a homeowner could do to make things more clear. Granted, there could be hidden costs along the way.

[gamecock43]

yup- I was too trusting during the whole process, and now the immediate work is done. But we do have a few other big stuff coming due in a few years so I'll be anal then. And BTW- the $70 per hour was for 4 workers, not just 1 guy.

[snafu]

For home improvement tasks that are larger or more complex than we can DIY, we write out as many details as possible and check out prices for materials on-line or at HD. That gives us some idea of product costs. If you're at HD off peak times, there are usually staff there that can give you an idea of how much time the task should take. If you're paying $17.50 per worker you should be able to judge whether the contractor is being realistic. It's a good idea to get 3 quotes and tell the contractor that the job is out for bid.

Before asking for a quote, I call the Better Business Burea to inquire if there are complaints registered against the contractor. In the initial contact we ask if we are getting journeyman/experienced workers or whether the actual workers are learning on-the-job.

I ask the contractor to get the permits because I know the City won't give permits to grifters [they have their own black lists].

[irmanator]

what do you mean - grifter?