I can remember moving to the Sacramento area back in the early 90’s into a new home. The completion date kept being moved back, and we were struggling with the builder to get the home finished. Problems kept popping up daily.

 

One of the problems involved the subcontractors. We were promised that we would be in by Thanksgiving, which would have been great having the family over in our new home. The tile contractor grouted the kitchen tiles with a Forest Green grout; however,we picked a beige color. The subcontractor had made a mistake, and this set things back. We were told that is we left this color in, we could be in by Thanksgiving still. No thanks!

 

While the General Contractor may have been reputable, the subcontractors created all sorts of problems for the home buyers in our neighborhood. Our home had already sold, so we had to find temporary housing. This was very frustrating for a contractor like me, but we survived. We finally got in the week of Christmas!

 

So before beginning work with a general contractor, find out if will be using subcontractors. If so, check them out just as you would the general contractor. A little homework before the start is better than regretting your choice later.

 

 

 


 


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Specialists in Dry Rot and Water Damage Repairs

 

 

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Tom Arstingstall
Tromler Construction
General Contractor
Specializing in Dry Rot and Water Damage Repairs

916-765-5366
 Water Damage Repair in Sacramento Dry Rot Repair Contractor in Sacramento

E-mail Contact

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11 Comments on A Good Contractor Can Hire Bad Subs

NOV
09
2011
112,819 Points

my family's business is general contacting, and you are SO SO SO right.

Unfortuntely, end of the day, the workmanship and integrity of the job falls on the contractor....
9:08am • #1
589,877 Points 56 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Tom, This is so true, and I remember being burnt back in 2003 when I started buying some investment properties to flip. The General contractor that I hired used a bad sub-contractor to do the painting, and it cost me dearly. Those were some hard lessons to learn back then.

 
9:17am • #2
514,425 Points 20 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Tom,  Good point, I have seen this happen with a builder out here that mess up and put the closing of for 4 weeks.  Have a great day!
9:17am • #3
601,529 Points 36 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

Tom, I've heard so many stories of the problems people have when buying new construction. We have a wonderful builder here in Shasta County, Ochoa & Shehan that do wonderful work and guarantee their work. Life does have a way of having that schedule get delayed. Everyone in our Industry trys so hard to not have people homeless between transactions. You give good advice here that has been learned the hard way.

I really like you Animoto Video. Very nice! Have a beautiful day!
9:49am • #4
155,778 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

The other little realized problem with subcontractors is the potential lack of, or ineffective, job-site supervision. An on site supervisor colud have 'caught' that colour mistake soon enough to be corrected, on schedule.
5:52pm • #5
779,231 Points 97 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Absolutely right Ben, that's why the contractor has to be deligent in checking with those he hires.

Jerry, sorry about the lesson learned my friend. I think that working with a contractor has to be a relationship that is built on trust. That in turn will carry over into his employees and subcontractors.

Ouch, delays do happen Will, but if can be avoided everyone would be happy.

In our industry a guarantee doesn't hold much water Jeanean. I liked the fact that you said, "They do wonderful work", that's the winning ticket. Prove it to your clients that your guarantee is good, that's what we need to do. I can say a lot of things before the job starts, especially build up expectations!  Oh.. I love the video too, I won it as a Grand Prize. Seriously. And it just keeps changing for the better. Check out this link...

How to Create an Introduction Video: Step Two
8:52pm • #6
779,231 Points 97 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

You are absolutely right Robert. In my case that problem should have been caught by at least three different people not counting the subcontractor.
8:53pm • #7
NOV
10
2011
213,407 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Tom: Doing homework upfront can be tedious and take a lot more time. However, checking out the subs is a great way to reduce stress, disappointment and aggravation down the road.
5:33am • #8
779,231 Points 97 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

If everyone has the same objectives, (contractor, subcontractor, owner), the project will be a lot smoother Anne.
8:28am • #9
DEC
02
2011
177,110 Points Outside Blog

Objectives have to be different.

 

Homeowner wants the best job at the least cost.

Contractor and subs want to maximize income.

So, hopefully, all dedicated to quality.
10:10pm • #10
DEC
03
2011
779,231 Points 97 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Quality is important to many of us in the construction industry. Not all can be included in this group Erv.
3:00am • #11


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Tom Arstingstall - An Uncommon Contractor (Tromler Construction): Builder-Contractor in Placerville, CA

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