Anyone ever Fire their home builder? Need advice!

[Buck Shot]

I hired a contractor to build a house on my property. The contractor and his wife spent a lot of time with us during the quoting phase, up and until the slab was poured. There have been some personality conflicts (every sentence out of his mouth is a smart-azzzzz remark) which have added to the tension, but the bottom line is, he has ignored several questions, concerns, requests, etc.

We're about 1/3 thru the project and at this point I've decided it's not working out and he needs to go. The bank is financing construction and I'm going to contact them tomorrow, but I have a few concerns.

Has anyone ever fired their contractor mid way through the job? If so, what steps do you recommend my wife and I take?

I think I need to notify the lender first, and hire an appraiser to put a value on the amount of work done. Who normally would inquire into where the money has gone? Should I consult an attorney or will the bank handle all this???

I'm also considering contacting the sheriffs office to see if they can dispatch an escort so that no damage is done to my property, the house, my cattle etc etc.
Any input is appreciated.

[east tx hoghunt]

I would say Contact a lawyer also just in case.

[mrc]

I can't answer those questions, but is he a local builder and are you a local to the area? And in my experiences a new builder will run down a previous builders work and charge you out the rear to fix his mistakes.

[Buck Shot]

Thanks.
Yes, I plan to contact a lawyer.
The contractor is from a different county than where the property is, and I am in the county where the subject property is...

[tigerscowboy]

1st refer to the terms of your contract agreement.

[Bullseye07]

Look at your contract. It will detail the only options to terminate the contract. Being a smartazz and personal conflicts are not one of the reasons though.

Hiring someone else to finish will take longer and you can expect to pay a lot more.

[Backwoods101]

I looked into it while building our home 6-7 years ago. Don't remember all the details but i do remember it wasn't going to turn out pretty from a legal standpoint. The contractor and I got through the rough patch and he was even scheduled to build another home for us but I found our current place on the market at the last minute. Long story short, building a home is very stressful and a wise man once told me that you and your builder won't be friends at the end of the project.


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[enewman]

It's going to be a pain in the butt. To get another contractor. But hell yes I've fired contractors.

On my house I did the contracting. But I ran off to concrete people. I ran the plumber off that one almost got physical. The insulation company I used that was recommended had no idea what they where doing.

So yes I've ran them off. And if your contractor is a smart *** and you don't care for it. Then two things happen. You ask him to stop or you remove him.

I don't know if you need a lawyer or not. But you do have to go to the bank and you do need to get it apprised on what work has been done.

[Lonestar_HOYT]

I would try to have a come to Jesus meeting with him first. If that didn't work, then start the removal process. It's going to be expensive to get someone to finish what somebody else started.

[DJM]

I would try to have a come to Jesus meeting with him first. If that didn't work, then start the removal process. It's going to be expensive to get someone to finish what somebody else started.

This,there's a time and plae for smart comments and this ain't it.I'd tell him if he can't answer my questions and act like a profesional then you're going to replace him.Tht alone may get things going the right way.Good luck to you.

DJ

[tps7742]

[QUOTE=Backwoods101;12602900]I looked into it while building our home 6-7 years ago. Don't remember all the details but i do remember it wasn't going to turn out pretty from a legal standpoint. The contractor and I got through the rough patch and he was even scheduled to build another home for us but I found our current place on the market at the last minute. Long story short, building a home is very stressful and a wise man once told me that you and your builder won't be friends at the end of the project.


All home builders are not the antichrist as some people are making comments on them like they are. It is very stressful no doubt and very frustrating at times. We just finished our second home build in the last 10 years to this day We still have good working friendships with both builders. We did have disagreements but on more than one occasion we had to step back look in the mirror at ourselves so to speak and listen to reason from the builders.
I am not saying this is the case with your situation but imho y'all would be way ahead to try to have a sit down and work things out. As example have you confronted him about his SA statements you commented on? Obviously you chose the builder because you trusted him at one point. I am not a home builder either. Good luck!

[Stick-Launcher]

That sounds like that would cost a bunch of extra money... I would have a come to Jesus meeting with him 1st.

[WItoTX]

1st refer to the terms of your contract agreement.

This. Number 1 mistake owners make is not following the contract during termination.

Based on contracts I have read, being a smart *** isn't helpful but also not grounds for termination.

Now if the contract has submittal requirements, and providing answers to your submittal requests, then you have something to work with.

Good luck, its a tough, expensive road to go down if you do terminate.

[muzzlebrake]

He who controls the purse strings should be in charge.

[barnett77859]

I believe the best thing to do is try and work it out and get along with the builder he could tie the place up for a long time maybe he is just trying to be funny. he could file a lean against the house and place be a real pain in the rear.