How should you pay your contractor?

The last contractor I talked to asked for 50% down payment before he even started the project? Is this normal? What is the norm in payment schedules for construction projects? The answers to these questions depends on the size of the project and the type of solicitation. Let me try to explain.

If you hire to contractor for a small project such as kitchen backsplash tiling that will last for 1 to 2 days, you should pay 50% upfront and 50% upon completion of the work described on the signed contract. On the other hand, if your project is larger, such as bathroom or kitchen remodeling, you should break up your payments to 3 different parts such as demolition, preparation and installation.

Your payment options also differ based on the solicitation used to sell services. If the contractor left a brochure in your mailbox or your door, you should not pay more than 30% upfront. This is a State of Virginia recommendation and it also requires that contractors provide consumers with a copy of Statement of Consumer Protection from Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. You can find a copy of the document at http://www.chesterfield.gov/communitydevelopment/buildinginspection/residential/TechGuides/hiringcontractor.pdf

Regardless of any suggestions, payment schedules should be based on the needs of the individual project. One thing is certain, you must have a clear understanding between your contractor and yourself about your payment expectations. Most importantly, the schedule should be in writing in your contract. Check your contractors references, check on his license status and have a clear contract. Enjoy your project.

Murat Aksu
A1A Team
www.a1ateam.com

Last posting of 2006, Karma and Construction Business

Karma (Sanskrit kárman "act, action, performance"^[1]; Pāli kamma) is the concept of "action" or "deed" in Dharmic religions, understood as a term to denote the entire cycle of cause and effect as described in the philosophies of Hinduism and Buddhism. All living creatures are responsible for their karma - their actions and the effects of their actions. (Source: Wikipedia)

You may say "What does Karma have anything to do with the construction business?" Very little on the surface. As the matter of fact, many of the readers may dismiss this posting as non-sense. I cannot prove the existence of Karma in life, let along in the construction business. I cannot touch, put my finger on or taste Karma, but I believe in it and I try to live my life and conduct business accordingly.

As the description above indicates, all living creatures are responsible for their karma - their actions and the effects of their actions. Therefore, "it takes two to Karma" in the construction business. Contractors need to follow the law and the rules of business in running their enterprises. They need to realize that remodeling and/or new construction is not just a transaction for the customers, but an emotional investment. For most people, money spend on construction is the biggest sum they will ever spend in any endeavor. Contractors need to understand and nurture their customers.

Contractors also need to believe that what goes around, comes around. Taking advantage of customers, unkept promises, cutting corners will eventually catch up with them in their business or personal life. Approaching customers with an open heart and honesty will help contractors gather positive energy they need for the longevity of their business and their life.

Consumers also have a part to play in the tango of Karma. Due diligence, checking references and licenses are the minimum steps you need to take before hiring a contractor. Afterwards, you need to trust the higher powers and your contractor to do a good job for you. Don't stress over the project unnecessarily, and don't bring about unneeded negative energy. My past experiences showed me that customers who are more relaxed about their projects will experience fewer issues. Contractors are there to handle construction related issues, let them deal with it.

In 2007, I wish all of you a healthy and a happy year. Happy new year.

Murat Aksu
12/29/2006

Mold/Silverfish issues and how to rescue your shower?

Lately, we have been receiving an increasing amount of phone calls from customers complaining about mold, cracked or loose tile problems in their showers. Our customers are surprised that this is happening to them because their homes are relatively new, 3 to 7 years old.

Unfortunately, we are not at all surprised that our customers' showers are suffering from mold, silver fish, cracked or loose tiles. Here is why:

1. Most builder built showers have either the 4x4 or the 6x6 builder quality tiles.
2. These tiles are often tightly installed with the built-on spacer of the tiles.
3. Lack of space between the tiles means that limited amount of grout can be worked in between the tiles.
4. Furthermore, most of these tiles are directly installed on dry walls (regular or green) without the use of a vapor barrier layer or other protective materials.
5. Sealed or not, water eventually penetrates through the grout lines and completely soak up the dry wall behind the tiles.
6. This causes tiles to come loose, mold and silver fish to grow behind the walls.

Result is an unusable shower that is also a health risk to you and your family. Here is what Environmental Protection Agency writes about mold:

"Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture."

Things you should know about mold problem and prevention:

1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.

2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
   

3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
5. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
   
6. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

Another nuisance found along with mold is Silverfish.

"Silverfish is about 1/2 inch long, with a uniform silvery color over the upper surface. Their bodies are long and slender, flattened. The bodies are broad at the front, and gradually tapering toward the rear.
They can be found almost anywhere, but prefer damp, moderate temperature places such as basements, laundry rooms, and under sinks.

• Silverfish prefer a dark, moist environment and require a large supply of starchy foods or molds.
  
• Silverfish are considered to be nuisance pests that can feed on wallpaper pastes, natural textiles, books, and papers.
  
• Silverfish also feed on mold or fungi that can grow on various surfaces.
  
• They are fast-moving and can travel throughout buildings.
  
• Silverfish can damage book bindings, wallpaper, paper goods and dry foods. They may eat holes, irregular shaped in the wallpaper to get to the paste.
• They may leave a yellowish stain on fabric."

Source: http://doyourownpestcontrol.com/silverfish.htm

As described above from official resources, mold and silverfish problem have serious health effects and require the elimination of sources for moisture. A1A Contractors have been eliminating the moisture problem by using a protective membrane layer between tiles and dry walls in the shower and bathroom areas.

Our choice for this protective layer is a product offered by Schluter Shower Systems.

This system completely seals off the walls and prevents any moisture from damaging the dry walls. This prevents mold and silver fish growth as well as preventing tiles from becoming loose and separated. Schluter Shower Systems is not the only product line available in the market, but it is one of the most advanced technologies for your shower and bath areas.

The idea is to eliminate the source of moisture to save your health and your shower.

Murat Aksu
A1A Contractors
December 26th, 2006