Commercial Archives

Don’t charge ahead of the Inspector’s inspection

Posted by richardcartright

· July 17, 2020

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Sometimes contractors think they know what inspector’s will approve only, to be proven wrong. Over the years we’ve learned to appreciate inspectors. Here’s an example of why you don’t want to let contractors charge ahead of the inspector’s inspection. On one one of my projects, plans called for the electrical subcontractor install electrical conduit and floor outlets in an existing…

How much contingency should you budget for your project?

Posted by richardcartright

· November 26, 2013

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Contingency is a part of the budget set aside to cover possible project problems. Generally, contingency is there to cover ‘unknown conditions’ or conditions that could not have reasonably been known. Unknown conditions are a fact of construction and there is really now way to completely avoid them, contingency prepares you for them. How much contingency you put in the…

11 questions to ask before signing with a contractor.

Posted by richardcartright

· October 2, 2012

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Before sending out your bid package, talk to multiple companies to get more information about each. Give each contractor a quick call to conducting a short phone interview as you connect, or you can choose to include a questionnaire as part of a simple interview process. It’s up to you, as it is truly a matter of comfort. If you…

I’ve grown to appreciate Inspectors.

Posted by

· April 12, 2011

· 1 Comment

I don’t know about anyone else, but mention an inspector and my first reaction is cop! In my many years in the trades I’ve come under the scrutiny of different inspectors plenty. I really had to grow a lot not to take them personally. Imagine that, someone with the audacity not to accept judgments made by me. On the road…

Don’t Pay Contractors Up Front!

Posted by richardcartright

· April 12, 2011

· No Comments

I am constantly hearing stories that galvanize me to my cause. The other day, I was talking to a client who told me this…. My client’s elderly mother wanted to have the exterior of her house painted. So she contacted a local painter who had come somewhat recommended, and asked him to come take a look and please give her…