I bought a small studio co-op and I want to renovate the kitchen and bath. I asked for recommendations and was given the name of a contractor. I saw some nice pix of his work so I had him come over and look at my place. English is not his first language and he said he prefers to do everything in writing. A few days later his assistant (?) emailed me an estimate. Since then, communication has been... [more]
I bought a small studio co-op and I want to renovate the kitchen and bath. I asked for recommendations and was given the name of a contractor. I saw some nice pix of his work so I had him come over and look at my place. English is not his first language and he said he prefers to do everything in writing. A few days later his assistant (?) emailed me an estimate. Since then, communication has been poor. Repeated emails go unanswered, and I can't even get the correct address on the estimate.
Then, come to find out there is a very complex and voluminous "alteration package" that must be filled out and sent to the co-op board. Fees must be paid, plans must be approved, etc. I think based on the poor communication with this contractor, he might not be the right choice. Or maybe he is, but I'm going about this the wrong way.
My question is, is there an intermediary person I am supped to hire to help wade through all this red tape? This contractor may do good work but I have severe doubts about his ability to understand/comply with all the rules and regs and follow all the necessary steps. Any advice appreciated.
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Response by tribby
almost 8 years ago
Posts: 36
Member since: Oct 2011
That contractor is an absolute No - if you can't get answers from him now can't imagine what it would be like when things go wrong during the actual renovation.
If I were you i would find out from the super who has done similar work in the building, then talk to those owners about their experience with the contractors they picked. It's so much easier to have someone who has gone through the same alteration package/dealt with the co-op board to tackle your reno vs. a brand new contractor.
There're services in NYC that oversee renovations for absent/busy owners, however, I dont think it's worth it considering your scope of work.
Good luck and always remember the most important person that can make your reno. either bearable or hell is the super!
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Response by FTHB
almost 8 years ago
Posts: 20
Member since: Jan 2008
agree with above- we lived in a co op and hired a very nice, but naive contractor. we ended up having to be a lot more hands on than wed anticipated and getting him to file the appropriate paperwork correctly was a nightmare- it was obvious he wasn't used to do doing things to any sort of code. i finally started completing paperwork for him and noticed that one of his licenses was expired and his insurance was about to expire. he asked us for an advance so that he could get that taken care of before he started work- none of his other customers noticed or cared and we were the only ones asking him to be compliant. .... on top of it, his work wasn't great. he tried really hard- but he was out of his league. i wanted to give him a chance but i wont make that mistake again.
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Response by Squid
almost 8 years ago
Posts: 1399
Member since: Sep 2008
Run, don't walk. This contractor is an absolute NO. You MUST be able to communicate with your contractor and he/she MUST be responsive. Thank goodness you've figured out there's a problem before you got started on the job. There are plenty of good contractors out there, who know the system, are responsive and professional. This is clearly not one of them.
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Response by bryantpark
almost 8 years ago
Posts: 83
Member since: Dec 2011
Redstar,
I'm also doing a little bit of everything (bathroom, floors, closets, kitchen) on an alcove studio in midtown east.
Mail me if patricklewis70@gmail.com if you're at all interested in more details (plans, contractors, etc). I'm in the late planning / finding contractors stage, all a bit daunting at the moment and really keen to network.
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Response by Primer05
almost 8 years ago
Posts: 2103
Member since: Jul 2009
Redstar,
Any good contractor will know how do deal with the alteration agreement. it might seem complex but it is not difficult.
If you are just renovating the kitchen and bath there is a great chance you will not need drawings. Are you planning on moving any of the fixtures to a different location?
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That contractor is an absolute No - if you can't get answers from him now can't imagine what it would be like when things go wrong during the actual renovation.
If I were you i would find out from the super who has done similar work in the building, then talk to those owners about their experience with the contractors they picked. It's so much easier to have someone who has gone through the same alteration package/dealt with the co-op board to tackle your reno vs. a brand new contractor.
There're services in NYC that oversee renovations for absent/busy owners, however, I dont think it's worth it considering your scope of work.
Good luck and always remember the most important person that can make your reno. either bearable or hell is the super!
agree with above- we lived in a co op and hired a very nice, but naive contractor. we ended up having to be a lot more hands on than wed anticipated and getting him to file the appropriate paperwork correctly was a nightmare- it was obvious he wasn't used to do doing things to any sort of code. i finally started completing paperwork for him and noticed that one of his licenses was expired and his insurance was about to expire. he asked us for an advance so that he could get that taken care of before he started work- none of his other customers noticed or cared and we were the only ones asking him to be compliant. .... on top of it, his work wasn't great. he tried really hard- but he was out of his league. i wanted to give him a chance but i wont make that mistake again.
Run, don't walk. This contractor is an absolute NO. You MUST be able to communicate with your contractor and he/she MUST be responsive. Thank goodness you've figured out there's a problem before you got started on the job. There are plenty of good contractors out there, who know the system, are responsive and professional. This is clearly not one of them.
Redstar,
I'm also doing a little bit of everything (bathroom, floors, closets, kitchen) on an alcove studio in midtown east.
Mail me if patricklewis70@gmail.com if you're at all interested in more details (plans, contractors, etc). I'm in the late planning / finding contractors stage, all a bit daunting at the moment and really keen to network.
Redstar,
Any good contractor will know how do deal with the alteration agreement. it might seem complex but it is not difficult.
If you are just renovating the kitchen and bath there is a great chance you will not need drawings. Are you planning on moving any of the fixtures to a different location?