Hello!
I would comfortably say that is up to the desecration of the contractor to answer this question. Usually when a job is accepted it is assumed that the entire scope of work will be completed by the contractor. However there are times when the home owner would like to add finishing touches, AKA paint or molding installation. I always like the home owner to endorse a completion of my project prior to this and remove all my tools.
Thanks!
I always encourage owner involvement. Some owners want the action and knowledge, they want to point out their involvement----If they want to be involved, I discount job scope from contract price. I counsel on best way, I review work completed and critique. No problem for me if they follow instructions, outcome although is entirely on them. Some want involvement some don’t. A little bit of contractor time to aid homeowner pays great dividends-----people see you care about their desires, and can lead them into success. You name is passed on-----Homeowner involvement is great, extremely beneficial----although, I have had those who got involved and their level was 6 or 7, when mine is 10 on 10. Those who want involvement are treated as “green”, if they want to do painting, I question as per step. They are looking to me as the professional for leadership, yet as an active player in the project.
I’ve had many assist, and I’ve had many reject involvement. Those who want to assist, I take the time to instruct.
I am working on a whole home remodel and when the client saw that the demo cost was going to be $10,000 they thought it was to expensive and wanted to do it themselves. They ended up doing most of it and saved themselves $6500. In this scenario I think it was a good thing. I hesitate to let a client paint or do finish work because it really can ruin the look of an entire project with a bad prep and paint job.
This is a very bad idea.
It comes down to Responsibility.
Study your Contractors License Law.
I try to avoid it when possible, except basic demo work. Owner involvement can complicate the project and create potential liability/accountability issues during the project.
I recently did a full bathroom remodel and the client wanted to paint themselves to save money. I figured painting was simple enough and agreed. I fully skim coated the drywall and sanded to a flawless level 5 finish…a perfect canvas to work with. Client tested their paint samples by slathering different colors on the wall in highly visible locations. My perfectly prepared walls were now blemished with brush strokes at eye level. They also got white ceiling paint on the grout joint where the shower meets the ceiling. Several spots have paint on them and it looks terrible.
I don’t like my work to be tarnished by others. I only work with quality subcontractors and employ quality workers. I try to avoid my projects becoming a DIY playground and a potential cause for disappointment. My clients expect top tier quality and expert service.
While I understand the desire to be involved–and generally encourage homeowners to become savvy with home projects–we don’t allow customer involvement in our work for liability and statutory warranty reasons.
