LOLOLOLLLLOLOLOLLLOL

You get what you deserve.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=3983942&forum_id=2#36107237)

They probably have lien rights. They don't need to worry about getting paid.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=3983942&forum_id=2#36107272)

just ask around until you get referred to a good pool guy. if you don't have a big circle of friends, just drive around a couple of rich neighborhoods and look for nice pools and knock on their doors and ask them who did their pool and if they would recommend them

and do the pavers and concrete yourself, come on

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=3983942&forum_id=2#36107367)

just do concrete yourself and maybe sever a utility line or two, nbd

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=3983942&forum_id=2#36107383)

You should be able to get a "scope of work" doc that's essentially your contract and also includes a materials vs labor breakdown, etc

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=3983942&forum_id=2#36107818)

And for larger projects, you should be withholding retention/retainage (usually 10%) until substantial or final completion.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=3983942&forum_id=2#36107336)

I'd consider it for that $30k project, but you'll have to handle the provisions regarding architects.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=3983942&forum_id=2#36107563)

Many people up thread are discussing various contractual provision to include. As least with respect to residential construction projects short of very large additions or entirely new construction, you are already in a world of pain if you ever need to start asserting your rights under a contract as a form of leverage against your contractor. As such, include whatever terms in the contract you feel are necessary, but it is much more important that you and the contractor reach a detailed, mutual understanding on how the project will be carried out.

Once this mutual understanding is reached, follow up with an email outlining your understanding. This should include (1) anticipated start date and completion date, the work the contractor will perform and the work that he will subcontract out; (3) when the work that is subcontracted out will start and whether the contractor has firm commitments from subs to start on that date; and (4) whether the contractor will work on any other projects while your project is ongoing.

All of this is the type of stuff that may be included in a contract, but the main point is to remove as much wiggle room as possible concerning what the contractor views to be his personal commitment to you. If the contractor is working on two projects, one of which is yours, you followed the above advic,e and other person didn't, you stand a much better chance of having the contractor prioritize your project over the other person.

If at all possible, get the contractor to agree to work exclusively on your project from beginning to end. Contractors are busy now, and many try to juggle multiple projects to maximize their profits. If I had to guess, this is the number one reason residential construction projects experience significant delays.

Start the permit application process well in advance of the project. Bonus points for any contractor who has experience working with the city's building department and has a good relationship with the department.

EDIT: Just saw the comment where you specified the nature of the work. Start taking your dog for walks in the evening and knock on the door of every house that has a pool to ask who they have used and whether they are happy. People will love having an opportunity to discuss their pool projects with you. You can also jump on the next door app to see what people say about contractors, but this is a distant second place to just knocking on doors.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=3983942&forum_id=2#36107468)