Carpenter recommendation?

[mccoysintx]

-----Original Message-----
From: White, Heather L. [mailto:Heather.White@tellabs.com]
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2008 5:30 PM
To: info@mistletoeheights.com
Subject: Carpenter recommendation?

Hi, does anyone have a good carpenter to recommend? Mine moved out of state, so I'm needing to find another one ...

Thanks, Heather

Heather L. White
Technical Publications
972/588-7938

[ewing]

I wish I could recommend somebody. I haven't been happy yet.

But I have learned a few things:

1. Obtain all quotes in writing with a detailed list of what's to be done. Trust me, a detailed list is important
2. Obtain more than one quote. Take the time to compare what each bid is offering
3. Do not pay anything until some work has been done. Then don't be surprised if weekly progress payments are requested. Make sure payments are given in exchange for a receipt detailing what the payment covers
4. Do not pay for anything that is not "finished"
5. Make sure all receipts delineate labor vs materials. Material receipts need to be specific. I once discovered a receipt for red paint in a stack of many receipts ($200 worth of red paint). We never painted anything red and the paint was for another job they were working on
6. Inspect the work daily and point out mistakes daily (but tactfully). Make it clear up front you only want the work done right. Fixing mistakes as they go is more likely to occur then doing at the end when the contractor has moved onto the next job
7. After you perform inspections, keep a written list of what's left to be done. Tasks in writing will always get addressed first compared to tasks "remembered"
8. Do not count on the contractor to keep the floor clean, furniture undamaged, etc. as they do their work. Take the time to move furniture or supervise the move and to keep your own floors covered.
9. Projects take 2-3 times longer than the quoted time. Make sure you start early enough to finish in time
10. Deal with somebody you trust and does quality work. It's worth the extra "cost" in the long run
11. Buy material from Home Depot and Lowes. $2/sq ft carpet looks pretty dang good compared to $10/sq ft carpet from the contractor's favorite supplier. BTW, have the contractor pick up the carpet. They have the truck and people to do the job.
12. Plan ahead. There is nothing worse than the project needing to be finished and the toilet or faucet or front door knob not getting here for another 4 weeks

I hope this helps. I read similar advice before I started and didn't believe it. Trust me, it all matters

[donarose]

I am looking for a carpenter to build a wall of bookcases. If anyone knows of a reliable source, I would appreciate the information.

Donna Novak
donnagoesfishing@gmail.com