Drywall contractor wants to bankrupt me!

[MoArk Willy]

Absolutely. I should have been more clear in my statement. Praise is always welcome. It's the critique that should be left to the GC.

 

[4570Man]

Why are you responsible for the electric bill during construction? On a million dollar house the contractor should have figured that cost in on his end. Many many years ago when we built homes we didn't use generators.
We would ask the neighbors if we could use a couple of outlets of theirs with a long cord and offer to pay their electric bills. If we used a hose we paid their water bill. We never expected the homeowner to pay for any utilities until they took possession. A contractor capable of building a million dollar home should have generators capable of handling any load during construction.

And the end difference is?? I don’t remember seeing where it’s a million dollar house either.

 

[MoArk Willy]

So plowhog, mind telling us what your budget is? I guess the relative cost would be a factor. I was guessing at $1 million....judging by the size, location and other factors you have provided.

 

[MoArk Willy]

And the end difference is?? I don’t remember seeing where it’s a million dollar house either.

The end difference? Not my point. With a new build and a GC there homeowner shouldn't have to worry about anything other than getting ready to move.
The OP explained the type of build so that point is now moot.

 

[Ford850]

You're keeping it heated to 68* during construction? That seems insane to me. That's too warm to comfortably work. That's warmer than I heat my home while living in it.

 

[MossRoad]

You're keeping it heated to 68* during construction? That seems insane to me. That's too warm to comfortably work. That's warmer than I heat my home while living in it.

Most thermostat settings are just a reference point anyway. I take a point-and-shoot thermometer all over my work areas and the temps can vary 5 degrees from one side of a room to another. My house as well. And when you're sitting it's cooler at head height VS when your standing by a couple degrees many times as well, etc....

 

[plowhog]

The GC said he likes to keep it at 60F. So 68F is certainly above where they want it. But they are still figuring out heater placement to get a reasonable balance through the entire house and the garage. There are 3 large electric heaters and 1 small one. So they are shifting them a bit while assessing temperatures in various locations.

Budget was an interesting process. The contract I signed with the GC had a budget of $1.15M plus change. Other contractors told me that was crazy-- one quoted me over $2M at completion. But that GC had not bid the job with any subs, and that GC wanted a $250k fee to build. We are dealing with a long term, experienced reputable builder, and he and I have all the subcontractor quotes in hand. I'm just now doing a 6 month budget review-- with changes and add-ons we have made we are probably up $100k over budget. So probably $1.25M. I don't have unlimited funds so it probably won't climb much above that-- hopefully not.

 

[dnw64]

Why are you responsible for the electric bill during construction?

Presumably the service is in the homeowner's name.

You're going to pay for it one way or another. If the contractor pays and bills you for it they are going to tack on their 10-20% cut and raise the cost even more.

 

[Ford850]

The GC said he likes to keep it at 60F. So 68F is certainly above where they want it. But they are still figuring out heater placement to get a reasonable balance through the entire house and the garage. There are 3 large electric heaters and 1 small one. So they are shifting them a bit while assessing temperatures in various locations.

Budget was an interesting process. The contract I signed with the GC had a budget of $1.15M plus change. Other contractors told me that was crazy-- one quoted me over $2M at completion. But that GC had not bid the job with any subs, and that GC wanted a $250k fee to build. We are dealing with a long term, experienced reputable builder, and he and I have all the subcontractor quotes in hand. I'm just now doing a 6 month budget review-- with changes and add-ons we have made we are probably up $100k over budget. So probably $1.25M. I don't have unlimited funds so it probably won't climb much above that-- hopefully not.

That 8* difference between 60* and 68* is costing you 15% - 25% in increased heating bills.

 

[plowhog]

That 8* difference between 60* and 68* is costing you 15% - 25% in increased heating bills.

Thanks! Since the GC is probably figuring out the final heater placement, once that is done I'll start monitoring the temps. Good to know!