Your Price

[hardworkingstiff]

I would call my buddy who does resi work.

 

[Teaspoon]

Sad But true.

 

[macmikeman]

That's exactly how the game is played. My bids are very specific and list the exact scope of work, how many switches, fixture boxes, etc. Most houses don't even have plans and those that do are never complete. Also never state in your contract "Per plan and to code", what plan? which code? Always itemize the scope of work.

NEVER EVER perform extras without getting a signed extra work authorization beforehand. General Contractors come directly from the Lumpenproletariat class and will rip you off if you don't. A receptacle or switch here or there are OK to do for free to demonstrate goodwill, but beyond that, get it in writing first.

You could of course bid the job higher in order to absorb all the little extras you know there will be, this way you could handle them graciously and quickly without saying a word, but we all know that the general contractor would be unable to comprehend why your price is higher, even if you explain the unknown contingencies the extra money covers.

Observe the general contractor. (Second from left)

General contractors only want a low price, years of substance abuse and poor education have dulled the general contractor's mind and his cognitive skills are so eroded that he cannot understand value. So if you plan on working for a general contractor, you MUST deliver the lowest price if you want the job. The general contractor will go out of business, usually within 18 months of starting his "business", so while he still has money, get as much of it as you can.

That was worth the year long wait.....:grin: