Job takeover questions for a GC residential remodel

Status
Not open for further replies.
C

CustomElectricLLC

Member
Location
Midlothian Texas
Occupation
Electrical Contractor
I have a GC that I have a good working relationship with asking me to take over a remodel job that he had to give to another EC because I was busy at that time, EC did extra work tried to bill for it etc so things went sour and he was told to pack it up. Residential remodel has permit pulled etc. Problem is its at trim stage all rock is on and painted so dont know the integrity of the wiring. I have seen the EC around town and he's a 50/50 on quality and customers saying good thinks so im skeptical. (IF) you were in my position and had to take on something like this any recommendations? I am looking to have my small business attorney write something up that the GC and I will sign to release me from liability of any wiring not installed by me. Ive already spoken to AHJ and will have to do a permit transfer. Any work to be done by me will be on T&M basis. I appreciate any tips and info if anyone has had to be in this position.
 
Are you too busy now?
That would be the easiest way to get out of it. If your asking here there are doubts and you don’t really want to do it..

If you go that route, can you tell him a high ballpark price so there won’t be any misinterpretations of scope or hard feeling when billing time comes?
it’s probably going to take a couple of days just to figure out what’s going on with wiring installed now before you can even start..

Smart about the attorney, but if I could get out of it, I definitely would.
 
Since you have a good relationship with this GC and he's paying you T&M just tell him that you're going to check everything that Slim Shady installed which may require making some holes in the drywall. This way you can inspect and repair what's not up to code and when it's all said and done you can sleep at night knowing that you did it right.
 
CustomElectricLLC said:
I have a GC that I have a good working relationship with asking me to take over a remodel job that he had to give to another EC because I was busy at that time, EC did extra work tried to bill for it etc so things went sour and he was told to pack it up. Residential remodel has permit pulled etc. Problem is its at trim stage all rock is on and painted so dont know the integrity of the wiring. I have seen the EC around town and he's a 50/50 on quality and customers saying good thinks so im skeptical. (IF) you were in my position and had to take on something like this any recommendations? I am looking to have my small business attorney write something up that the GC and I will sign to release me from liability of any wiring not installed by me. Ive already spoken to AHJ and will have to do a permit transfer. Any work to be done by me will be on T&M basis. I appreciate any tips and info if anyone has had to be in this position.
Click to expand...
Just thinking out loud...

Release is a good thing for sure. Depending on how big the house is, tell the GC you want to remove some drywall in a couple areas for a spot check on quality. That with a Release should give you a better feeling.
 
Hv&Lv said:
Are you too busy now?
That would be the easiest way to get out of it. If your asking here there are doubts and you don’t really want to do it..

If you go that route, can you tell him a high ballpark price so there won’t be any misinterpretations of scope or hard feeling when billing time comes?
it’s probably going to take a couple of days just to figure out what’s going on with wiring installed now before you can even start..

Smart about the attorney, but if I could get out of it, I definitely would.
Click to expand...
I am busy not months out but I do have plenty of other work going on. Yeah I really dont want to do it, and if I back out that'll have GC searching for another EC, and I know in our area everyone is booked up etc so he's gonna get screwed. Its not my obligation to care and help out but as stated we do have a good relationship so I would like to help out, granted Im compensated well and my rear end is legally covered, which basically im tryin to figure out how that will exactly looks like.
 
hillbilly1 said:
Trim out would probably give you a good idea of what quality is behind the walls, I don’t think I would bother with tearing out Sheetrock. Was the rough in inspected?
Click to expand...
It was inspected yes, but on a remodel things were fished in etc. I also found that some 14 gauge circuits are on 20amp breakers... In the panel the the wiring is 12awg then it must transition in attic or (worse yet in walls) to 14awg. One of GC employees did mention to be that the HO did like to DIY stuff... so thats also a concern
 
CustomElectricLLC said:
I have a GC that I have a good working relationship with asking me to take over a remodel job that he had to give to another EC because I was busy at that time, EC did extra work tried to bill for it etc so things went sour and he was told to pack it up. Residential remodel has permit pulled etc. Problem is its at trim stage all rock is on and painted so dont know the integrity of the wiring. I have seen the EC around town and he's a 50/50 on quality and customers saying good thinks so im skeptical. (IF) you were in my position and had to take on something like this any recommendations? I am looking to have my small business attorney write something up that the GC and I will sign to release me from liability of any wiring not installed by me. Ive already spoken to AHJ and will have to do a permit transfer. Any work to be done by me will be on T&M basis. I appreciate any tips and info if anyone has had to be in this position.
Click to expand...
If the work was already inspected, you won't be liable for the other guys errors. You can always give a number to trace everything out and then do the rest on T&M. Write up an agreement stating that no work completed by the home owner or the last EC will be, in any way your responsibility. Have it signed and have the GC add you as additionally insured on his policy.

BUT, if you have a check in your spirit about it, decline the work with respect to your client.
 
Sounds like your choices are to either take the time to check everything now, a definite time expense, or risk the possibility of doing some troubleshooting later, after the power is on.

Definitely agree on a T&M for corrections in any case.
 
LarryFine said:
I feel like it depends on whether it would better for the client for me to be the one to make it all right.
Click to expand...
An inspection by you would allow you to present all the work necessary to make the installation complete and the home safe,.. with a cost. Be good to yourself because it is always take more time than you expect. If it's too much for the client, walk away with no issues. It would most likely make your work relationship better as long as the GC understands the huge favor you will be doing for him. Don't look like the pushover that can't say no. Make him see your thoughtfulness on this not weakness. Plan your schedule with this project in mind or it will eat you up timewise.
 
CustomElectricLLC said:
It was inspected yes, but on a remodel things were fished in etc. I also found that some 14 gauge circuits are on 20amp breakers... In the panel the the wiring is 12awg then it must transition in attic or (worse yet in walls) to 14awg. One of GC employees did mention to be that the HO did like to DIY stuff... so thats also a concern
Click to expand...
DIY homeowner is a big complication. If you do this job, you need to write out clearly what you work on. Homeowner may try to nail some issue on you since you were the last to work there, or authorities may if a fire occurs down the road.
 
What I've been trying to say is that he's going to have to hire someone to finish the job. As long as I get paid what I'm worth, better it be me than an unknown entity.

Of course, I must be thorough for myself, the GC, and the eventual homeowner.
 
I took over a job under similar circumstances.

I told GC if there's any way for the original electrician to do the finish, that is fo sho preferred. Not an option

Our agreement was bid price for install of finish trims and devices, then T&M for troubleshooting and repairs.

There were makeup problems, missed wires, no layout for flat panel lighting in bathrooms with wires behind sheetrock, switches and receptacles behind barn style doors, etc....it was a mess, and I knew it would be.

I had minimal drywall damage to get wires in where they were missed, and I guessed correctly on lighting layout with some input from GC.

Bottom line was 22 hours after everything was installed.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top