Chapter 11: Budget and Execution
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Day 59: Dealing with Contractors
Rules to get work done on time and without getting cheated
2 min read
📖 "Brother, I'll come tomorrow!"...
Have you ever hired a carpenter or painter in India? "I'll definitely come tomorrow, brother" can easily mean 3 days later! And the budget inflating by 20% mid-project is incredibly common.
Creating a design is fun, but executing it on the ground is a job of hardcore Project Management.
Have you ever hired a carpenter or painter in India? "I'll definitely come tomorrow, brother" can easily mean 3 days later! And the budget inflating by 20% mid-project is incredibly common.
Creating a design is fun, but executing it on the ground is a job of hardcore Project Management.
Rules for Choosing a Contractor/Vendor
- Never accept the first quotation: Always get quotes from at least 3 different contractors. The cheapest one is often the most deceitful (they will demand extra money later). The mid-priced one is usually the safest.
- Compare Apple to Apple: One contractor quotes 2 lakhs, another says 1.5 lakhs. The cheaper one has probably included commercial ply and local hardware! Always ask for an Itemized Quotation (the brand names and material thicknesses must be written down).
The Payment Rule (The Milestone Plan)
⚠️ The Biggest Mistake: Paying more than 50% in advance!
Money is your only leverage. If you give too much advance, the contractor will stop prioritizing you. Follow a standard milestone plan:
• 30% - When work starts (When materials arrive at the house, not just for talking!)
• 30% - When the structure (skeleton) is erected.
• 30% - When finishes (laminates, paint) are applied.
• 10% - 7 days AFTER final cleanup and handover (so if something breaks, they are forced to come back!)
Money is your only leverage. If you give too much advance, the contractor will stop prioritizing you. Follow a standard milestone plan:
• 30% - When work starts (When materials arrive at the house, not just for talking!)
• 30% - When the structure (skeleton) is erected.
• 30% - When finishes (laminates, paint) are applied.
• 10% - 7 days AFTER final cleanup and handover (so if something breaks, they are forced to come back!)
Site Visits - What to check?
- Plywood Brand: Is the plywood brand that arrived at your house the same one written in the quotation? (Check the stamp on the ply).
- Level: Buy a 'Spirit Level' (the water meter tool - costs ₹150) and check if the shelves and walls are perfectly straight (180°).
- Cleanliness: A good contractor cleans his site at the end of the day. A messy site = messy work!