ᐅ Is it possible to do self-performed work alongside professional contractors?
Created on: 12 Dec 2020 18:35
C
Connilein
Hello,
we now have a date for when our house is scheduled to be ready for moving in. I was wondering if it is possible to paint the bedrooms and install the flooring on the upper floor at the same time as the tiler is working? Or do you need to coordinate with the tradespeople? Of course, so that you don’t get in each other’s way. Would something like this be possible? It would also save time.
we now have a date for when our house is scheduled to be ready for moving in. I was wondering if it is possible to paint the bedrooms and install the flooring on the upper floor at the same time as the tiler is working? Or do you need to coordinate with the tradespeople? Of course, so that you don’t get in each other’s way. Would something like this be possible? It would also save time.
You need to check the contract or draft an additional agreement. For example, despite having a fixed-price contract and a theoretical complete ban on access until final acceptance, I already installed additional empty conduit pipes during the pouring of the foundation slab, of course after coordinating with all responsible parties.
This is legally problematic. Once the house construction is contracted as a trade (usually general builder, main contractor, or general contractor), no work should be done on that trade’s scope before its official handover.
Otherwise, you risk losing the warranty that you have paid for along with that contract.
In practice, this often leads to disputes over minor defects on stairs or the front door. Understandably, the contractor will try to disclaim responsibility in such cases. They may also argue away certain later damages.
From my perspective, most contractors will only allow you to enter and work in the house before handover if you agree to significantly limit your defect liability.
This happened to a close friend. They were thrilled to be able to work inside the house before handover. However, some defects on the windows and front door were not accepted as valid issues by the contractor during the final inspection.
Otherwise, you risk losing the warranty that you have paid for along with that contract.
In practice, this often leads to disputes over minor defects on stairs or the front door. Understandably, the contractor will try to disclaim responsibility in such cases. They may also argue away certain later damages.
From my perspective, most contractors will only allow you to enter and work in the house before handover if you agree to significantly limit your defect liability.
This happened to a close friend. They were thrilled to be able to work inside the house before handover. However, some defects on the windows and front door were not accepted as valid issues by the contractor during the final inspection.
Hello,
A friend of ours built a house some time ago with a developer near Hanover, and he wasn’t even allowed to enter the construction site or the property. Only at the handover, after nearly everything was paid for.
Our experience was more relaxed. With our general contractor (H.v.H.), we were allowed to do various things ourselves, such as tiling, interior doors, painting, sanitary fixtures, and so on. These services were credited to us, but in the end, the overall savings weren’t that significant.
Also, the contractor sometimes put quite a bit of pressure on us to keep the schedule.
Today, I wouldn’t do so much myself anymore.
Best regards, Olli
A friend of ours built a house some time ago with a developer near Hanover, and he wasn’t even allowed to enter the construction site or the property. Only at the handover, after nearly everything was paid for.
Our experience was more relaxed. With our general contractor (H.v.H.), we were allowed to do various things ourselves, such as tiling, interior doors, painting, sanitary fixtures, and so on. These services were credited to us, but in the end, the overall savings weren’t that significant.
Also, the contractor sometimes put quite a bit of pressure on us to keep the schedule.
Today, I wouldn’t do so much myself anymore.
Best regards, Olli
C
Connilein13 Dec 2020 12:21Thanks so much for your contributions. I think we will just get started as soon as the house is finished and has been approved.
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