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Dear All;

Many of you either already faced or in process of facing the situation where argument happened with contractor on construction method, type of material used etc. . Though everything like material quality, construction method etc. are put in place in construction agreement before start of construction but due to shear arrogance of contractor (you donot know anything and i know everything in this business) most of the times contractor does not want to listen/ follow what you say as per agreement. The situation becomes further complex when you have already finished nearly 30-40% of total construction work with him.

I want from members what should be the diplomatic approach adopted in dealing with contractor under such situation without terminating them from project.

The reply may be very handy to many members in forum who are in process or about to start construction.

regards
Shreeniwas Sahu

Hi,
Handling contractor is a major task in construction.I would suggest you talk to him straight to the point.No hidden agendas,either he follow contract or give a valid reason (Since following contract like bible is next to impossible)
Most of the times owners talk out of theoretical knowledge , but we know that theory cannot be followed blindly .
1.You need to address each issue individually and don't jump from one to other in a hurry which is advantage to contractor.
2.Listen his version completely before you use your strong points
3.Make a clear agenda of points to be addressed
4.Making common statements like "your quality is bad", "time lines are not followed", "not listen what i say" are of no use.
5.Clear dissatisfaction should be expressed with real facts like honey combs in rcc, wall alignments are wrong, not following the drawing etc
6.Don't refer some one else words "neighbor said this or that " .Neither you nor he came together on neighbor's words .
7.Bring in arbitrator if some one involved during contract agreement

All the above points are generic may differ from case to case .So under stand what kind of contractor you have.

Regards
Ar.Praveen.N
Ardes Architects and Interior Designers
ardesarchitects@gmail.com
www.ardesarchitects.com

Thanks Praveen for prompt reply.

Definitely few points are very correctly said and i experienced the same till now.

Very useful........

Dear Mr.Sreenivas Sahu
Since I have faced similar problems, my views may be of help to you. No doubt the knowledge of the contractor is far superior than the client who learns basics while facing problems during his house construction. To overcome this, I have appointed a qualified architect with whom the contractor can not dare wag his tail.
It is true that the contractor will be very polite till he gets the work and as you said after 30- 40% work is completed, they will show their true colors. As a shrewd builder, you should be ready with plan B & plan C to tackle situations like that. They test your pulse for which you should always be ready to get your remaining work done through other contractors which is possible if you avail the services of a qualified architect.
V.V. Naidu