How to BEAT a crooked Contractor

[@seejanedrill]

Your dream home is just a masterclass away! Register for my free masterclass and learn how I can help you create your dream home sjdmasterclass.com

[@Yarugue]

As a handyman 99% of my work is wood rot and creating an estimate for that is always the hardest part of the job because you never know what is beneath the surface. I always include in my estimate a statement that says if the substructure is rotten a new estimate will have to be provided, but the customer must pay me for the work that was already done because if they do not agree to the new estimate I need to be paid for my time for what was started.

[@stldweller]

1. How long have they been in business? 2. If the are insured and licensed. Ask to see insurance documentation and to see license documentation is in good standing. 3. Ask for references. 4. Details and scope of work specificity and detail about quality of materials. 5. Request high quality material that will last long vs budget quality material. 6. Specify start time of work, end time of work. 7. Estimate total price with materials and labor. 8. Ask about Deposit required and payment schedule. Don't pay a upfront. 9. Ask about possibilities of overages in estimate. 10. Ask about warranties and guarantees. 11. Ask about cleanup and if cleanup is extra costs. 12. Ask about permits and who will submit to city or county. 13. Addendum in Contract to your benefit that defines actual start and finish dates and what would happen if over finish date or incentive for early finish time. Addendum should also define material, ie: cedar vs pine 14. Attorney to look over contract. 15. Get the actual name and contact number of the contractor and or Company they report to

[@mattiusg]

Neighbour hired the worst fence contractor, and never checked for licences. Took three weeks of chasing, and he was always asking for more money to pay for things that were never listed in the original contract. Even after he finished the fence is 12ft short(!?) So now we have to waste time chasing them through court, for contract violations. I just feel sick every time I even think about the new fence.

[@LolitaWilson-d7q]

Leah!!! I don't know what I'd do without you!! I'm also glad I work at a Civil Law Office for 34 years.

[@jerryodell1168]

Wish you both were in our area. As a Family with concrete contractors, we agree fully. Although, most of the Family's work is municipal and the contracts are set in stone, things come up from time-to-time. Usually related to subcontractors and home owners and businesses along side a job site who want to " bend " the code. Contractors also need to follow these suggestions when hiring subcontractors who do good and safe work and not hide problems to please someone.

[@jerryodell1168]

@@twofeathers5145Yes, each his own and I won't judge; - Personal opinion is dry concrete only works at the surface and stays marginal below. You can sit there with a stick and mix below but then you might mix dirt in with the concrete. Why not get a tub and just wet mix and pour????? Just as much work either way.

[@performa476]

A worthy contractor will be happy to provide that information. Responding negatively to these simple questions is a BIG red flag.

[@seejanedrill]

I absolutely agree

[@lechatbotte.]

Ask to see it is right. It’s ok to ask for these things. Good contractors will readily provide them. Make sure they’re getting permits. No permit no work. Excellent advice Leah.

[@CrankyPantss]

Thanks, Leah. It was nice to see little brother Dave. That sounded like all great advice. I hope all is well you both.

[@seejanedrill]

We are doing well, thank you.

[@sterlinghawk_g20]

My contractor left me hanging. Convinced me to use MDB board for the trim. Would not show up when he was supposed to. Wanted an advance so I gave him 500. Then drunkenly called me one time because he wanted more. He did do a good job on the fence when he showed up. I watched him build my neighbors fence and I liked it. Where I live you cannot find handyman or contractors especially if you are small. I live in the NW north of Seattle. There is so much building going on, business and houses. They do not have time for you.

[@Clandestinemonkey]

They have time for you but apparently you don't have money for them. That's the only issue here.

[@sterlinghawk_g20]

@@Clandestinemonkey True but who would pay 20k for example for a 500 job. I get what you are saying and you are not wrong. I have even tried handyman on FB or Craigslist. I will say I have watched more videos on how to to learn.

[@Mike-q8u8p]

See Jane Drill always gives quality information !!!

[@ginacirelli1581]

I love that you said, "... that contract that he, or she presents you with". We need more meticulous ladies in the building trades! The problem I'm having right now is that my jobs are too small for any contractor to want to take on. Some things I just can't do myself due to body strength, like taking out my old cast iron bathtub.

[@lauriet5987]

Had an exterior paint job done by a licensed commercial contractor, warranty, cleanup, etc. They did a terrible job. One wall, it looked like they used 2 different shades of paint (from the same bucket 😲) and could see the spray paint path. They didn't sand or prep the decking, so the paint started flaking off within 2 weeks. The trim is flaking off now after 2 years. This paint should be the 10+ year stuff. It was too late in the year (the job was "done" in a late September) and they wouldn't look at the issues until rainy season. 😔 I told them I would pay them for everything except the messed up wall... hoped 2k would be incentive for them to finish the job. They said we were first in line for the next painting season. Despite regular reminders throughout the spring and summer, we were pushed back. Then I gave them an ultimatum... they finish by September, or they're fired. They call 2 weeks AFTER the end of the ultimatum (2 weeks before rainy season) and I had to put my foot down. I refused the final payment, paid for the $500 new paint (they bought AFTER my FIRING THEM already) and told them they weren't touching my house again. Certified or not... even had terrible plumbers that over charged and made a mess of the pipes. 😢 We pay these people premium for expertise and saving our time and not having to learn a whole trade. 😭

[@seejanedrill]

Sorry to hear that

[@blth14]

And that's why you should always have penalty clauses in the Addendum. Like it or not, the contract is unfortunately always the first line of defense. It incentivises the contractor to not screw you over, sets out each party's resposibilities clearly, and makes it easier for the court to work out the party at fault should it come to litigation. But with a good contract, litigation can usually be avoided, because no one wants to waste legal fees on a fight they can't win.

[@bethprice9702]

This is such a great video. Excellent advice and great highlights. We rehab Ed a house and did this. The project went off without a hitch. We had another house hit by a tornado. We had to deal with insurance and contractors. There were contracts but it was a mess due to our needs not being considered! We had to get ugly with all parties but finally got the job done. Do yourself a favor and listen to Leah!

[@Paulie1232]

All good advice. The on this I do, I never pay anything up front, I pay when the job has been completed 😮.

[@ocdtechtalk]

I hope you tell the contractor that before you asked them for a bid.

[@dosadoodle]

We had a contractor provide a bid for a full tear-off, resheathing, exterior insulation, and new siding. They didn't break anything down by materials and labor, and ultimately, felt like they were hiding costs in a bid that came back much higher than we expected.

[@cathryng3849]

Wish I had seen this five years ago when I had an attic built on top of my garage! Thank you for the valuable information!

[@Nrscathy60]

I love you, Leah, and have learned so much over the years from you. Your brother is luscious, and looks like you. We have had so much work done in our 1974 home over 8 years. We still need things updated. I spoke to my son today about how i would love to expland the house. Out of the cosmos, i get a random call from a contractor doing work in my area an hour later! Is it a sign, or a call from hell? Now days, its a cold call, a card, an entry in Angi's list, ect.. You are so right. We've had bad luck. Beware people, be smart, and Listen to Leah!❤ Great Video!!

[@rogerk1710]

Very good advice Leah! I hear of too many good people being ripped off by so called contractors or handymen. As a licensed and insured contractor for over 20 years I hate to hear those stories. For the poor customers and me not getting a potential job because of a crook. Thanks!

[@nuthinbutlove]

Thanks for this vid! The contractor scam isn't new, it's existed for ages. I've seen so many people in court suing contractors but losing their cases either because they didn't have a contract or they had a contract but then added verbal agreements instead of getting the addendums in writing. In courts, most times if any details aren't included in the four corners of a contract they don't exist. The only exception is if and when the contractor is truthful and that never happens. Get everything, everything, in writing folks!

[@SawdustmakerLori]

Great info Leah!!! I'm keeping a link to this video in my "Repairs" file so I can refer back to it whenever I need to hire a contractor or handyman. It was nice to see your brother in this video!

[@autophile-cv621]

Jane, You made some very important points but,There are just two points that I wanted to make. When I hire a contractor I always have them pull the permits. My reason is that in my area the building department always seemed to have some "contractor type" questions that I couldn't answer. Second is that I always write a contract that covers not only the cost of labor & materials, start date and completion date. And with the completion date I include a clause that spells out a penality for each day they go past the projected completion date. Of course I take into consideration weather and availibility of materials. I have experienced cases where because my job was a "small job" the contractor went to start another job that paid more. and left me weeks with a half finished job. Love your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@debiolivetree24]

Great info, Leah... thanks so much! Also, you, and your brother, look SO MUCH ALIKE!

[@valeriezendiver263]

This was super helpful, I learned what questions to ask that I hadn’t thought about before. Thank you!

[@ebonywinn50]

Sadly I dealt with a crappy contractor. They didn’t do my bathroom correctly and d four years later I’m having to rip out the tile and get someone to repair water damage from them not properly doing my shower pan and shower wall tiles. Its discouraging but lesson learned

[@seejanedrill]

Sorry to hear about your misfortune

[@KayLoo202]

Point 13 is so important!!!! One of my neighbors is having their entire property expanded (second floor, in-law suite) and I hope they had a lawyer involved with the contract.

[@randyhome1544]

Get a contract lawyer with experience. Some of them are crooks also.

[@jennbidwelledwardson2885]

Oh my, I had a contractor replace a pool liner-they ordered the wrong size, it took forever to arrive, it was a mess. The contact person didn't return messages, I would call first thing in the morning, and he would still be sleeping, promises not kept, it was a mess. My husband, who works in construction, was acquainted with the owner and finally called him, and issues got resolved. We lost most of the swim season that year. Lesson learned. Thanks for sharing this important information.

[@jw9274]

Thank you so much

[@happybluedog]

Excellent advice Leah. I've learned to many things from this channel and this is a very needed topic of discussion. TY, oh and hello lil bro :)

[@seejanedrill]

Dave says howdy!

[@NapkinEdStern]

I'm a contractor. There's an old saying among us: "One nail, no jail". That means, as long as you did at least something, then it's a civil matter, not a criminal matter.

[@mikebland4935]

It sure was great information. And it sure was great meeting your Brother Dave. Thank you Leah!!

[@seejanedrill]

Our pleasure!

[@archivist17]

Nice to see the lil brother!

[@etutlf4176]

I will just hire both of you!! problem solved 🙂

[@seejanedrill]

😊

[@zuke5432]

Awesome video and great insight. Thank you for sharing. Long time subscriber...

[@seejanedrill]

Thanks for the sub!

[@MyLifeThai371]

My grandparents were scammed by an out of state contractor. He quoted them $79,000 to build a 3 stall attached garage for our house with an underground cellar in case of tornadoes. He dug the hole for the cellar and the footings. Then he refused to come back to pour any concrete for it and after 3 months. Then he told us that the only way he would sign off on the contract to let us hire someone else to finish the job that we had to pay him $12,000. We paid him. I don't trust contractors anymore.

[@frigginpos]

Knowledge is power.

[@LilChi1964]

Thank you Leah

[@jeffstangl1471]

tree trimmer used a tracked lift and claw to pick up limbs, both gouged the lawn. The answer to my complaint of the ground was that they told me they were using the equipment and I shouldn't have let them start if I had a problem, and they won't fill in the gouges.

[@archivist17]

Good contractors would welcome these precautions.

[@seejanedrill]

I agree

[@dianeladico1769]

What outstanding, insightful, valuable advice. Thank you so much.

[@EricksonEtc]

This is a fantastic overview.

[@mintylikethecandy7881]

Friends of mine are about to go down the legal road with their contractors. I wish they had seen this a year ago.

[@billybell6950]

Now you tell me.😮 Good advice. Would that I knew this before. Thanks

[@dfinite1111]

A very valuable video. Thank you very much.

[@woodstream6137]

Paid for a new roof with tear off with a popular regional company last year. I told them of 3 problem areas. They were supposed to replace some bad wood on the garage, an ice dam near the front door, and chimney flashing. I went into the garage loft to put something in storage and noticed they put the underlay and new shingles right over the bad wood. They've sent somebody to look at it but no call back on repair schedule. Also had a popup on chimney flashing and leak from other flashing. Everything was professional about the company except the labor being subcontractors. Easy financing, materials staged on roof by lift, dumpster, cleanup.

[@seejanedrill]

Thanks for sharing your experience with the community. Subcontractors can be a huge issue because chances are you weren't given an opportunity to research their credentials as well.

[@shadowghst7704]

You both are awesome! Great information!

[@alanadrake8496]

You can't stress enough that you have to see that license, or get the license number and VERIFY with the appropriate licensing board! My husband and I own a small fencing, deck, and dirt work business. I can't tell you how many messes we've cleaned up where the homeowner says, "They said they were licensed." A quick search on my part has shown either no license or a license revoked for misconduct. It's not rude to ask for proof. As someone else commented, an honest contractor will happily provide it. Or better yet, they will have their license number posted on their business card and website.

[@tgp-rq2wi]

This is great! One problem we have here in Dallas is how long it might take to get a city inspector to come out and how long you may have to wait for a green tag. How do you factor that into the start and end dates a contractor gives you? Its not the contractor's fault, but the contract may be broken because of this. Thanks!

[@thejuice33]

This is incredible advice but my concern is 9/10 homeowners won’t be armed with this information and just follow what the contractor tells them. What incentive would a contractor have who already has more demand than they can handle, to spend the extra time (and money) working with you over perceivably “easier” clients? I feel like unless you have a major project most contractors would see your job as not worth their time and they either ghost you…or give you the “FU” price. It’s probably good to weed out these contractors anyway would be the counter argument…this just gets tricky in a market where contractors have the power to decline jobs without concern.

[@seejanedrill]

You make some valid points

[@314jph]

That's why you learn to DIY for all but the biggest projects. If only there was something on KZbin to show you how...

[@megdahlin1118]

So happy for you Leah! I've been watching you for several years now. Sounds like you're taking a different approach to your lessons after the recent incident. I knew that "You can do this!" I'll be signing up for the video series if it's offered again at discount. Busy with other things at the moment and enjoying the Summer while it's here. Hopefully you will offer it again at discount. Is there a chance that it can be offered as segments of interest rather than an entire course perhaps? TIA!

[@seejanedrill]

It currently has an option segmented payments

[@megdahlin1118]

@@seejanedrill Awesome! I must’ve missed that in the midst of my excitement. Thanks.

[@kdcbattlecreek]

About to meet a contractor for basement work tomorrow!

[@clemmcguinness1087]

Sage advice. Hi Dave

[@BTHHansen]

Thanks for the great video Leah! Sorry if I missed it, but what about asking a contractor to specify if they will use any subcontractors in the contract?

[@seejanedrill]

That's a really important question. I would shy away from contractors who use subs.

[@Anon-qc4ie]

This is helpful. I'm dealing with a contractor who wants me to sign a separate contract for insurance work. He agreed with the insurance company to do the job for 18,000. He wants me to sign for 24,000. He can't justify the difference and just says that it'll take the 24,000. I'm ready to find someone else.

[@jobellecollie7139]

Eight months to fix 36 inches of hardy board fascia board! The two female “contractors” had the NERVE to ask me to pay their sick dog’s Vet Bill!

[@seejanedrill]

No way

[@omarra6781]

I wish I could hire you for my projects! In the meantime, I just hope to learn a thing or two.

[@woodwoman9130]

Good one thanks

[@thomascoyne157]

Very good advice 👍👍👍👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧Manchester England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 🇬🇧💯%correct

[@deadmanswife3625]

This is why I've been struggling for the last 10 years to do things myself what is a slow painful process I have a question not about contractors you're the person that might help me I've been Googling all morning but I'm not getting anywhere

[@deadmanswife3625]

See Jane drill using a half inch drill I'm trying to use an auger to dig a hole in some rocky dirt to sink a post to mount a light on the hammer drill went wild and out of control and I couldn't even hang on to it do you know what I did wrong. It would not shut off when I release my finger I had with one hand to unplug it it was terrifying

[@silvergrizzly316]

​@deadmanswife3625 maybe if the drill has a trigger lock button, you might have locked it on when the drill was jerking around.

[@deadmanswife3625]

@@silvergrizzly316 ty❤ Every and any suggestion helps

[@deadmanswife3625]

@@silvergrizzly316 well you solved it. That little red button I thought was some kind of reset button. No when you hold it down it does just what you say locks the drill on thank you again so much what a relief

[@silvergrizzly316]

@@deadmanswife3625 you're welcome 😊 🙏🏻

[@andyw.8402]

Is there a way to look up who built a house? Or in reverse, look up houses a contractor has built? The contractors could be using friends and family as referrals vs average clients.

[@billm.8220]

A great video Leah. Lots of important information. As usual, straight & to the point !! Love your content !!

[@NapkinEdStern]

Make them put "time is of the essence" in the contract.

[@bamby5211]

Had a recommended plumber come in to check dribbling shower... He said that old pipe needs to be replaced. I troubleshooted what the problem could be and found that it could be clogged pipes or the valve needing replaced. Keep in mind all other faucets in the home are flowing at a normal pace. He was going to charge me 450.00. Hmmmmmm. I might just fix and or solve the problem myself for the cost of a possible valve is all.🤓

[@wannabetrucker7475]

Wonderful !!!;!

[@PartyOf8Please]

Fabulous information, as always! Nice to meet your brother - you two should do more videos together! PS You and your brother look like twins around the eyes!

[@seejanedrill]

I'll tell him

[@PartyOf8Please]

@@seejanedrill 😉

[@jobellecollie7139]

My HOA requires THREE written estimates for any work to submit the architectural review board. Finding one estimate is hard, but three? And there are no more free estimates.

[@ItsMefromSnuffys]

HOA should not exist or be limited severely

[@SnakeAndTurtleQigong]

🙏

[@talkingtinkerbelle959]

Oh my gosh I wish I would have known this like 5 years ago. I had somebody come in and do work in my bathroom and lay floors in my living room. The floors in my living room that got done no problem but when they got to my bathroom what a nightmare! I asked them when we started the project how long it was going to take the bathroom and they said no more than 2 weeks well they started disappearing they disappear for a day and then two days and then for a week and their excuse was another job came up. All I had my bathroom was the toilet no sink no shower nothing else. He finally came and started working on the shower he got that in and then he came and started working on the floors in the toilet. And then he disappeared again but this time he didn't come back by the grace of God a friend got me in touch with someone who was able to finish the work 2 1/2 months after what he said was going to be 2 weeks what a freaking nightmare

[@pamelascott3184]

I can't get through to the link. Am😊 I too late? Do you yet offer it?😅

[@johncroucher1903]

This is a great channel and I cannot remember how long ago I subscribed, but it's been awhile. This is the only @seejanedrill video I have downvoted. I am downvoting because you didn't describe the process of validating licenses. Nor did you talk about how to verify permits were "pulled". That taken with a video which is only ten hours old saying contractors hate you because of said video and further combined with a promotion to your class which seems to promise a follow through on the missing info... Well I feel like I sat through an ad. I'm still subscribed and look forward to your videos.

[@seejanedrill]

First let me address state licenses. Detailed information regarding a validation process was not included because there are 50 states to mention. Secondly, permits are typically displayed but again, much like the above response, cities differ on their permit regulations. Next, there was nothing omitted from the 13 questions to ask a contractor, it appears exactly the same in my course. Lastly, titles are designed to invoke curiosity and if a title is all steak and no sizzle, no one will watch. I'm sorry you feel the way you do. And yes, I'm offering a course, and it's a GREAT course that I really think helps people.

[@pamelascott3184]

With so many scams today, how do I know his references are real? How do I know that when I pay my deposit, they will return to do the work. I have trust issues and have seen family, friends burnt.

[@DMUSA536]

Ask them where they learned their trade.

[@seejanedrill]

Good advice

[@Tim-57]

🙂

[@MichaelR58]

Good video, thanks for sharing YAH bless !

[@chloemartel9927]

All they do is lie.

[@seejanedrill]

In all fairness...there are some honest contractors.

[@seejanedrill]

In all fairness there are some responsible contractors

[@chloemartel9927]

I have subbed out homebuilding. I have yet to meet a subcontractor that hasn't lied to me.

[@jayc4715]

Never pay a "deposit"!

[@stevedrake2031]

Please no background music.

[@seejanedrill]

I understand

[@rickg882]

I live in Los Angeles, when I hire a contractor they always send an illegal that some can't speak English, they do poor work and I get charged an arm and a leg, I don't trust any contractor and try to do the work myself, I'm a senior and have physical disabilities can't some work and hire others to help, they are crooks!

[@seejanedrill]

Thanks for commenting

[@JeanetteProietti]

These conversations are so awkward and uncomfortable! I try to establish clear expectations for both sides. There aren't enough good contractors.

[@Parmesana]

Thank you for the information. btw, Dave is a real cutie

[@seejanedrill]

I tell him

[@meowmagnet]

Are contractors real? I haven't ever had one show up to even look at the work. I think they are a myth.

[@seejanedrill]

😮😊

[@bettyplant4793]

Hi Leah, I was almost burned with contractor. I needed cement sidewalks repair. I when to my State's website on what to ask; all the things you are discussing. In the end my son and I did the work ourselves because you have given me confidence " You can do this" Thank you, I have learned so much from your teaching videos.💖🦾

[@Billkwando]

I haven't watched the video yet. I don't know what it's about, but I do know that we've come to expect more from you than the average youtuber. Clickbait titles are beneath you.

[@Billkwando]

"Lose belly fat with this one weird trick! Doctors hate it" is sort of a 20 year old ruse.

[@seejanedrill]

I disagree. It's an informative video. Beyond that. .it's hard to sell a steak without selling the sizzle first.

[@Billkwando]

@@seejanedrill "13 questions to ask when hiring a contractor"

[@seejanedrill]

​@@Billkwando no sizzle

[@Billkwando]

@@seejanedrill LOL and yes, it's totally an informative video. I appreciate all you do. 😁

[@yonseienglish]

#14 Contractor and/or handyman chooses not to work for you! 😅

[@seejanedrill]

Only those who have something to hide

[@alanadrake8496]

​@seejanedrill now, I could tell you some stories about potential clients we should have listened to our instincts on. Yeah, we're likable, but please don't look up where we live and show up at our house on an uninvited "social call" because you were "in the neighborhood." True story. 😆😱