Random Thoughts

Regarding Contracts...

I spent time and money up front to have a lawyer draw up contracts and lien waivers to use when subbing out the work. I'm glad I did this because I now have them in case I need them. But I haven't used them much. I've had a few subs sign lien waivers when I paid them, but I haven't had anyone sign one of my contracts up front.

I've gotten two or three people to sign lien waivers, and each one looked at me like I was from another planet. The roofer looked shocked, hurt, and offended. Looking back on it, I'm glad I got him to sign it because he seemed a bit cagey. But the plumber is a fine upstanding guy who has worked in the area all his life. There's no real need to have him sign them.

I think if you hire someone who is new to the area or someone you have no prior knowledge of, the formality of the contract and lien waiver is a good idea. If you either knew of the contractor through some prior experience, or even if you know they've been well established in the area for years, then it's not as necessary. That's just my amateur opinion. If I got burned once, I'd probably turn that opinion around. But for now, that's the way I see it.


Regarding contractor clean-up vs. doing it yourself...

On a semi-related topic, the contract template I have talks about the subcontractor having to clean up after themselves. It's great if they do, such as in the case of the insulation with all the sticky overspray, but I personally enjoy going over and picking up inside the house and around the yard. And sometimes, you don't notice some detail about the work that's been done until you bend over to pick up that piece of debris.

Clean-up and Prep Work

Today, it was HOT! I went to see the new Indiana Jones movie and then I was off to a graduation ceremony for my friend Barrett's daughter. Afterward, I met up with my parents who were already at the house. We cleaned up the sand, mortar, and sawdust on the floor, and my mom continued her quest to purge every leaf and piece of debris from under the wooden walls.

I also went around to every anchor bolt and made sure they were tight. These are the bolts embedded in the slab that attach to the floor plates for the walls. Almost every one of them was loose. I think it's because the wood has dried and shrunken a bit. But they're all tight now!

Some things are starting to disappear, like the blue painter's tape and a plastic bottle of wire staples.

I'm going back tomorrow to make a final checklist of things that need to be done before the insulation and sheetrocking. I'm still waiting on the electrical & framing inspections also. On Monday (Memorial Day), my dad and I will go back to take care of some other preparations.