The Contractor/Homeowner Relationship The New York Times 5.15.08

The Contractor/Homeowner Relationship
The New York Times 5.15.08

We've all heard the contractor-from-hell stories. (quite a few were shared at our last Meet Up that focused on Urban Renovation). The New York Times takes a look at the other side of the coin — home-owners from hell. And it's not pretty! In addition to some anecdotes from contractors around the country, there's some insight into client screening and how you can be a great client...

Check out the article here: Building Rage and How to Drive a Contractor Crazy.

(Pics: Damon Winter)

Comments (2)

I just sent this article to my dad (a contractor).

I remember when my dad had to sledge hammer a fireplace that he had built after the client (a lawyer) told him he'd have to sue him to get paid. My dad's not a very litigious person I guess.

posted by art on May 15th 2008 at 11:15am
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I have been in this business for over 10 years now and could write a book on this subject. Customers can look at our records to see if we are clean (BBB, or licensing bureau),where do we go to check them out??? What about the notion that the customer is always right?? It can get abusive--real abusive and it always seems so one sided. We should create a web site to list bad customers so the next contractor can know better when they come around!!

posted by contractor on June 5th 2008 at 1:59am
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