Advice on client

[munkii]

Honestly, I would tell her you're too busy. She's not taking this seriously if the only funding she is seeking is a HELOC, and she wants her inexperienced husband to be GC. I could see her planning everything on the low side, not anticipating hiccups or surprises or (simply) the cost of construction/permits/dealing with code. I expect the money would dry up and/or she wouldn't pay after she hit her $300k max.

[dottyblue]

She sounds like she has no idea what she is doing and is trying to protect herself by asking lots of questions and not committing to anything.  I could see her not understanding that giving out references isn't the norm.

Huge red flag for me: Her only collateral for this project is a loan on her own home?    She hasn't sought out investors?  And her husband (presumably he is not a licensed GC) is going to act as GC? 

It sounds like you aren't hurting for business.  I think this woman is going to be a bit of a headache (if not a flat out nightmare); she's going to nickel and dime everything, question every proposal you bring to her...  I don't think I'd want to pursue it.

[mrs.jacinthe]

Well, I ask for references from contractors/etc only if I've never used them and I don't know anyone who has. That said, I don't think references are all that unusual.

However, the fact that she's planning on self-financing with a HELOC and doesn't seem to have a solid plan seems fishy. I don't know. Maybe just let her know that due to your schedule, it doesn't seem like you'll have time to complete this anytime soon and if she has a timeline in mind, she'd be better off to look elsewhere.

[bunnymendelbaum]

Thanks everyone. I just hate saying no to work especially because things are so start/stop on other projects, but I don't need the work now honestly. I think I'm just going to tell her that is not the norm to give out previous client's info but send her a PDF portfolio and the website link.

I get how she'd think that a reference might be ok because she's thinking of me more along the lines of a contractor, but honestly we work more like lawyers. I can't imagine asking a lawyer if you could contact their previous clients!

dottyblue, in michigan you don't need a licensed GC for a commercial project (trades do need to be licensed though) and you still have to get everything inspected. You DO need a GC for residential. It's odd, but I get it. Honestly, that is when I started to get annoyed at her at the site meeting. I told her this and cited very recent commercial projects that I actually pulled the permit on. She didn't believe me, citing her friend who when to architecture school but is not an architect and does not practice.

[lilac05]

You frequently hear people recommend that you "check references" in many home projects, so it doesn't surprise me. However, if that's not common for your particular field, that shows her inexperience & lack of research on doing this project.

I'd say you're too busy. This sounds like a giant headache that just wouldn't be worth it.

[dottyblue]

Jan 27, 2017 11:05:18 GMT -5 bunnymendelbaum said:

Thanks everyone. I just hate saying no to work especially because things are so start/stop on other projects, but I don't need the work now honestly. I think I'm just going to tell her that is not the norm to give out previous client's info but send her a PDF portfolio and the website link.

I get how she'd think that a reference might be ok because she's thinking of me more along the lines of a contractor, but honestly we work more like lawyers. I can't imagine asking a lawyer if you could contact their previous clients!

dottyblue , in michigan you don't need a licensed GC for a commercial project (trades do need to be licensed though) and you still have to get everything inspected. You DO need a GC for residential. It's odd, but I get it. Honestly, that is when I started to get annoyed at her at the site meeting. I told her this and cited very recent commercial projects that I actually pulled the permit on. She didn't believe me, citing her friend who when to architecture school but is not an architect and does not practice.

nope.  This seals it.  Hard pass.  She's arguing with you (the expert) before even starting the project.


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[mrs.jacinthe]

Jan 27, 2017 11:05:18 GMT -5 bunnymendelbaum said:

She didn't believe me, citing her friend who when to architecture school but is not an architect and does not practice.

Oh, goodness.  Run, don't walk.  For real, this is like me, who has no medical licensing or official training of any kind, being cited by my mother to her doctors.  (Incidentally, I'm horrified every time she tells me she's done this.)  Don't tell an expert what to think or do.  This is a red flag of the worst kind.  She's going to be a giant PITA.  Hard pass.

[bunnymendelbaum]

Funny Update:

I was talking to a fellow school parent and architect Sunday. Found out he met the husband and was offered the job too. He also declined!