One of my contractor’s subs makes my skin crawl. He stares and just generally makes me feel uncomfortable. I feel awkward making a fuss, but don’t like having this person in my home. Is it acceptable to ask the sub be left off the job, though he’s done nothing specifically wrong?
It is totally acceptable in not wanting anyone you are not comfortable with in your home. Do not get personal about it. This is a business contract you have with the contractor. It is unprofessional if the actions of the sub are making you uncomfortable. You need to notify the contractor immediately. Inform him of how uncomfortable he makes you from him staring all the time. Instruct him you do not want him in your home. You will have to understand it will cost extra to bring another sub in to finish, along with extra time added for delays. Now I believe you should see if he can be changed. The Contractor may have someone else he could use. Or the subcontractor may have other workers that can finish the project. Do not worry about making a fuss. This is a real concern as a Contractor and having to deal with employees in this industry. Employees are a dime a dozen and Homeowners are few and far between. So every Contractor wants to keep you comfortable while work is being done in your home. And for each person he allows into your home, its his responsibility that his workers respect your privacy and conduct themselves in a professional manner. Also, if he must let this sub finish, allow a compromise. Instruct the Contractor he must be with the subcontractor whenever he performs his work. And ask for a time schedule so you can coordinate not being there. I would encourage getting background info on the subcontractor. This industry isn’t full of college graduates. Good Luck!!
You’re the customer, and the customer is always right. It is all up to you if you don’t want a sub-contractor to do the work.
When you hire a contractor, you should always ask if there are sub-contractors that they are using. If there are, after signing or before signing, always check the subcontractors history just to make sure.
You should notify the contractor if the sub-contractors is not treating the house or you respectfully.
As the homeowner, you are completely within your rights to request, even demand, the person or company is removed from the job most especially in an occupied residence.
Our customers are provided a list of anyone working with us, or for us, especially on a resident occupied structure. The list is complete with their license credentials and a copy of their drivers license. We service an affluent clientele who demand this level of security but every homeowner regardless of financial position should be granted, and demand, the same privilege for the safety of their family and belongings.
A reputable contractor will have run background checks on their employees, only hire documented employees, and only do business with companies that share the same philosophy.
Yes you can. It is your house, your project and your money. Never be afraid to speak up to the General Contractor about changing or not hiring a certain Sub Contractor.
Absolutely! The golden rule of business is that the customer is always right. Therefore the leading contractor should do whatever necessary to ensure your comfort in the situation. In some cases, however, the contractor may only have one sub who can do quality work. In that case I would recommend you have a one on one chat with the leading contractor to understand all the ramifications of replacing that certain sub. A good, honest contractor will either make you feel better about the sub in question or will replace the sub with one who will not sacrifice the overall quality of the job.