What do I need to know before agreeing to a $17,000 slab project?

[Kolesar]

We have two quotes and two good prices. One of the vendors is cheaper. Both have good references.

I have a hunch that we should ensure that the company is bonded (insured). Is there a checklist somewhere of essential items we don't want to forget before starting a project?

Each of the vendors said that we would meet one more time to turn the hand-written quote into a "detailed" proposal. That would be when I put in some construction details.

[Stinky The Clown]

1. What's the slab for?

For $17K, I'm guessing it is a house foundation.

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

2. Why don;t you post

the work proposals details and all.Than ask the questons. By the way I tell all the concrete guys I like bolts put into foundations because I hate drilling into concrete to bolt down the house! Plus I make them show me the bolts and than I test those bolts! The nut has to screw on just the right way! None of those funny threads! Than I tell them that the concrete will be tested for strength and I always like the concrete guy there when the test is being conducted!Sometimes that's a lie ,but other times it's not.I also check out the forms and the way the rebar is tied. Nothing worse than a basement that leaks water.Because a full basement becomes living space rather that is in the blue prints or not.Of course that's after it is all framed in.

[Kolesar]

4. thanks.

My details and minutia go off into a different direction of stair details and sump pits. And I have to manage this all with the BorealAvenger's "appropriations and aesthetics co-chair-person" in the middle of it.

[Kolesar]

3. Replace the basement floor. I found an article and a link at the BBB

Now I have to somehow get the contractor to put these clauses into the contract. Some of these don't apply. thank you

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Top Ten Clauses to Have in Your Contract-The Homeowner
The interesting thing about the contract from the homeowner's viewpoint is that many of the same clauses that I listed yesterday are just as important for the homeowner. For example, #1 is exactly the same:

1. ALL CHANGE ORDERS MUST BE IN WRITING AND INITIALED BY BOTH THE HOMEOWNER AND THE CONTRACTOR! Should I say it again? The change orders should spell out any change in the contract price and include information about whether the completion date will be affected.

2. The contract should clearly spell out the price for the job along with a clear cut payment schedule and a list of which aspects of the work must be completed before payment is made.

3. The contractor should indicate how often he will be at the job and who has authority to authorize changes orders. The homeowner should ask for that person's cell phone number and/or e-mail address.

4. There should be a complete description of the scope of the work and the materials to be used.

5. The homeowner should include a provision that will allow him or her to collect attorney's fees if he has to bring an action against the contractor for breach of contract.

6. The homeowner should include a clause about what constitutes breach of the contract and what the remedy will be if the contractor breaches.

7. Warranties should be clearly spelled out and include the items that are not covered as well as covered items.

8. The homeowner should decide whether he wants to include a mediation and/or arbitration clause in the contract.

9. The contract should include a detailed description of what constitutes punch list items and how to determine when the punch list is complete in order for final payment to be made.

10. The contract should clearly define unreasonable delay and what the penalties will be for finishing beyond the date of substantial completion. It should also indicate what will occur if the work fails inspection, is in violation of the building code, or is deemed substandard by a third-party inspector.

Remember, the best protection for the homeowner and for the contractor is a contract that clearly spells out how the job is going to work, and what will happen if problems arise.

Happy 2008 everyone!

http://andreagoldmanlaw.blogspot.com/2008/01/top-ten-clauses-to-have-in-your.html

http://www.bbb.org/alerts/article.asp?ID=521

Home Improvements
Planning Your Project ...continued at BBB link...

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

5. Replace the basement floor?

Really, that's interesting. Why is it you think you must replace the basement floor? How old is the house? Have you had the foundation inspected and tested?

What is the possibility of doing a poor over the existing floor?
Have you looked into self leveling cement? It is designed for old concrete that is off angled and cracked in all directions.

You used one of those words that sub contractors don't like, they call those five dollar words. Is It because you want the floor to look nice?

Excuse me, I am a general contractor and I am curious.

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

6. Where did you get the details, did you draw it up

think it up ,did you have a professional consultation? Do you know anybody that has had major remodel work done on their home or major additions? Sump pits are no big deal. The other question is , -is concrete just the first phase of your project? That question is directed to money management threw the verious phases of your project.And have you thought about a professional consultation ?It seems to me you really need to get to know somebody that knows something about the world of construction.