Just had a GC replace all of our windows as part of a major reno/addition on our home. He trimmed but didn't caulk the trim or paint. Standard in the industry or should I expect him to finish?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: lookingsuite,

If it was not in writing as part of the job then the painter does that. If that's you then time to go buy some materials.
I know for a fact I would have at least caulked, and filled the nail holes, but that just me. But not required unless he was getting paid for it, and it was in writing.
He should have tryed to up sell you and offered to do it all at an added cost when bidding the job.

I had a double hung window replaced last year with a slider. The contractor was one which focused almost entirely on windows, so there was no other work under consideration. There wasn't a work scope beyond the purchase order.

Some interior trim was replaced but not painted (which didn't bother me as it was inside)and I have a lot of interior painting to do anyway. But the exterior was caulked.

I don't recall whether it was in the contract, but I had the impression that these high volume window contractors have a set group of tasks which they do which includes caulking.

There is no 'standard', it comes down to having both parties discuss up front the details of the project. Since the contractor should know more about window replacement than any homeowner, it was up to him to clarify exactly what his estimate covered. However, it could be as simple as in his experience, the final fill and painting is done by a painter after he and his crew are gone.

As a contractor I personally never give an estimate or bid for half a job, nor will I do a half job. The customer will never admit they only paid half for the installation and they screwed the rest up.

I agree Ron. I want someone to look at it and ask who did that for you? Not who did that to you. lol

Thanks all for your input. The overall job was humumgous and took 6 months. In the addition the windows are caulked and painted. The replacement windows in the original house are not. I think that the painter did the addition work and my GC didn't do the finish on the windows he installed. In the end, the outside is all caulked and finished. The inside caulking and painting isn't a huge deal and I can do it. Next time (hahaha) I'll know to get everything detailed. Rookie remodeling homeowners just don't know what to ask up front.