Q: We have a number of woodpecker holes in our wood fascia and corner boards and are looking for suggestions for how keep them away. The activity seems to be mostly in the spring when we often hear a loud rat-a-tat sound in the mornings. We’ve even caught sight of them in the morning. They seem to be downy or hairy woodpeckers, not the large pileated type. -- DH A: … [Read more...] about How To Prevent Woodpeckers From Damaging House
Construction Disputes
Is a Signed Proposal a Legal Contract?
Q: Last summer we signed a proposal with a local contractor to renovate our kitchen and two bathrooms within the existing footprints. The proposal totaled more than $50,000 not including the cabinets. Listed under the Scope of Work was all necessary plumbing (e.g., “Install shower drain and fixtures”) and electrical work (e.g., “Install under-cabinet lighting”). Now, on the … [Read more...] about Is a Signed Proposal a Legal Contract?
Is Our Contractor Overcharging Us?
How to Avoid Changes, Extras, and Surprise Charges on Your Next Job Q: We were hit with a $20,000 extra for changes in our new home after the framing was completed. We had a fixed-price contract. The changes including a revised stair layout (U-shape to to L), removing some windows, and moving a bathroom. The framing was completed, but no plumbing or electrical was done. Does … [Read more...] about Is Our Contractor Overcharging Us?
How Can We Fight a Mechanic’s Lien?
My contractor and I have an ongoing issue with the final payment of the contract and has filed a mechanic's lien. The contractor demanded final payment before all of the items in the contract were finished. Our main concern, among others, was the fact the contractor wanted final payment before they took all of the trash they piled on my patio for the duration of the … [Read more...] about How Can We Fight a Mechanic’s Lien?
Should We Pay Extra Charge for Soil Problem?
Q: We recently purchased at lot in a new development. While excavating for the foundation, our builder informed us: “We ran into a problem with the soil on the back of your lot. It requires over -digging the footers and installing gravel back up to the bottom of footer. Unfortunately, this was an unforeseen expense that isn’t covered per your contract. Obviously, there will … [Read more...] about Should We Pay Extra Charge for Soil Problem?
How To Fire A Contractor — The Right Way
Q: We built a custom home. Builder did not follow installation guidelines for siding, roof or paver driveway. We are withholding last payment which puts us in violation of OC. No ice shield, missing drip edge, wavy roof. The lists are long. Incorrect installation voids the manufacturer's warranty. We don’t want builder’s incompetent workers to “fix” issues. How do we move … [Read more...] about How To Fire A Contractor — The Right Way
Resolving Disputes Over Specs, Change Orders & Cost Overuns
AB writes: On a pretty large remodel job, the contractor has not abided by the contract terms he has written up. He insisted I was limited to a “discount” granite slab he had already purchased, and if I wanted to pick my own slab, there would be a $1300 extra charge. In the language of the contract, any item that is already installed cannot be rejected. So in effect he limited … [Read more...] about Resolving Disputes Over Specs, Change Orders & Cost Overuns