Question about Reno's and Tool Purchases..Input welcome

[Puddlegurl]

Hey guys, (and girls of course)

Here's a scenario I'd like some input on.

Large downstairs reno get's started. A account at a lumber/supply store is opened for the worker/contractor to get the supplies he needs to do the job . So far $1500 in new tools has been put on the account as well as all the supplies. A new $700 saw and 2 smaller 200-300 tools has been put on the account. Is that normal? Should the contractor leave the tools behind he's purchased to do the job or should the amount of the tools be taken off his end of the job rate if he takes them with him.
Input is welcomed .

Thanks

 

[vancity_cowboy]

ABSOLUTELY YES, the cost of his tool purchase should be taken off his very next bill. don't let this linger - GET THAT MONEY BACK! what are you going to do with the tools if you kept them, try to sell them? good luck with that!

you realize that this opening of an account that he operates without supervision from you is HIGHLY irregular, don't you? a contractor should be purchasing his own materials and tools, and charging the job to you as and after it's done. if he doesn't have enough capital to do that, then he is not a successful contractor and should be avoided

you should be going to the hardware store and make it very clear to them that NO TOOLS are to be put on the account any more - only materials. then keep a very close eye on the materials bought, becuase i smell a big one coming up here where he spirits half the materials off to another job

sorry to be so harsh here, but been there, done that, and got the small claims court t-shirt to prove it!

 

[Dgodus]

Hello, union tradesman here. Dont do commercial/residential anymore, but I've done enough. The contractor should already have all of his own tools, and generally all the contractors I've worked for provide the materials and labor cost in the estimate (with any going over expenses ie overtime or extra materials needed, are discussed with homeowner, general contractor beforehand and signed off on). Any side jobs I've done on my own (not alot, and small work limited to a room, I dont like doing work like this, but hey sometimes you need extra cash) I have all my own tools (or get them), and if I say "it's gonna cost this much" it's cause I looked at the job, priced out the materials, and estimated how long it's gonna take me and the total is the figure you get. If I open up the walls and find a clusterf*#k, I'll bring it up with the owner before proceeding (if I open up a wall and find a problem I'm required by law to fix it before proceeding any further with those circuits).

Usually WE (as in the company I'm working for at the time) have an account at the supplier to go pick up our materials, extra tools if needed, whatever. But that's the companies bill, not yours. I'd bring that up with the contractor right quick, and keep a damn close eye on it.

 

[PeterMeter]

Close that account........ NOW!

 

[Very Veronica]

Yep, he's a thief. Good luck.

 

[Puddlegurl]

Thanks for the input, to be honest it's not me but a close friend who asked me lastnight if this was wrong. And I honestly didn't know what to say but felt like he was getting taken advantage of. You're advice gives me more to back up my own thoughts.

Spanks again.

Jesse