Episode Overview

Main Theme:
In this episode of The Ramsey Show Highlights, a caller named Susan seeks advice from Dave Ramsey, Rachel Cruze, and George Kamel about her ongoing frustration with a home addition project that's months behind schedule. Having entrusted the job to an Amish contractor, Susan faces delays, shifting commitments, and inconsistent work, prompting her to ask: What should she do next with a contractor who keeps missing deadlines? The hosts explore the nuances of handling contractor disputes, protecting your investment, and dealing with culturally unique circumstances.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Caller’s Situation: Contractor Delays and Inconsistency

• [00:06] Susan explains her family’s $313,000 home addition project which began in July and was expected to finish by Thanksgiving but is now nowhere near completion.
  • Initially, they trusted the contractor but became concerned as promised deadlines repeatedly passed.
  • The contractor continues to give new completion dates, none of which have been met.
  • Susan asks: "I just wanted you guys' advice on how to proceed with goals not being met on the project."

2. Nature of Delays and Contractor’s Excuses

• [01:07] Susan clarifies that while the contractor doesn't disappear for long periods, there are days when promised work doesn't happen.
  • “He keeps on communicating with us, and he shows up, but it’s not consistent.” (Susan, 01:23)
• [01:32] The Amish factor: The contractor cites "butchering days" (when crew are unavailable), car breakdowns, and various reasons for delays.
  • Rachel Cruze and George Kamel react with disbelief at the nature of these excuses.

3. Community Reputation and Current Options

• [02:09] Susan notes that the contractor is locally known and regarded as a "good guy."
• The family is weighing two options:
  1. Redraft the contract with new, clear deadlines and commitments.
  2. Consult a lawyer, end the relationship, and try to recover money.

4. Payment Status and Leverage

• [03:28] Most of the project funds ($300,000) have already been paid; only an $11,000 retainage is left.
  • Rachel reacts: “Oh, man.” (03:38)

5. Advice from the Ramsey Team

George Kamel

• [03:41] Suggests a two-pronged approach:
  1. Sit down with the contractor and present the seriousness of their position.
  2. Prepare a new contract with clear, near-term deadlines—make clear that failing this will result in legal action to recover funds and hire someone else.
  • Quote: “We’ve given you $300,000. This job is now going on three to four months overdue. I’m very close to calling an attorney...” (George Kamel, 03:41)

Rachel Cruze

• Reiterates that a new, enforceable deadline is essential.
• Emphasizes the importance of having “a level of intense conversation, a very direct and clear conversation with him," rather than informal communication (04:24).
  • Asks whether Susan has already been direct with the contractor.
• Reminds that construction projects are notorious for delayed timelines and budgets, but this is beyond the norm.

6. Direct Communication: Has it Happened?

• [04:59] Susan confirms they've had direct conversations expressing their dissatisfaction, particularly after deadlines passed.

7. Next Steps and Cultural Factors

• Rachel and George recommend:
  1. Setting a reasonable, new deadline.
  2. Exploring legal action if that deadline is not met.
• Both acknowledge the unique cultural context of hiring an Amish crew, with Rachel candidly stating:
  • “I don’t know a ton about the Amish community, but you have chosen someone that’s in a type of culture…” (Rachel Cruze, 05:27)
  • “I’ve never heard of this. This is the first time ever that I’ve heard… that they have days they have to take off. I mean, I don't know.” (George Kamel, 05:44)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Yeah, that’s a low bar, though.” (Rachel Cruze, 02:00)
• “It’s like, he doesn’t cheat on me. He’s pretty great. And it’s like, well, that’s a pretty low bar.” (George Kamel, 02:03)
• “We’ve given you $300,000. This job is now going on three to four months overdue. I’m very close to calling an attorney...” (George Kamel, 03:41)
• “I don’t know a ton about the Amish community, but you have chosen someone that’s in a type of culture…” (Rachel Cruze, 05:27)
• “I’ve never heard of this... that they have days they have to take off.” (George Kamel, 05:44)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:06 — Caller describes project delays and concerns.
• 01:07 — Contractor’s inconsistent presence and communication.
• 01:32 — Reasons for delays connected to Amish crew.
• 02:14 — Family considering contract renegotiation or legal action.
• 03:28 — Payment details (majority already paid).
• 03:41 — George Kamel’s recommended approach.
• 04:24 — Rachel Cruze on the need for direct communication.
• 04:59 — Susan confirms they’ve had direct conversations.
• 05:27 — Discussion of Amish cultural factors.

Summary Conclusion

The hosts underscore the need for clear, documented expectations in home improvement projects and advocate for direct, assertive communication with contractors. Given the advanced payment and ongoing delays, George and Rachel recommend drafting a new contract with strict deadlines and being prepared to seek legal recourse if commitments are still not met. The episode highlights the complications that can arise when dealing with small, culturally specific contractors and the importance of protecting your investment with well-defined contractual safeguards.