Renovation job error caused damage elsewhere, what can I expect from the contractors
3/13/2011 at 5:22:50 PM
While renovating my friends home, his contractor botched a plumbing job and destroyed the ceiling in the recently renovated dining room below. He likes his contractor and said he came right over as soon as he was called. He told me the company fixed the leak THEY made in the plumbing and are in the process of fixing his ceiling and replacing the new tiles they had to pull off to get at the plumbing. My nieghbour is okay with the fact that they are repairing the work. He is really unhappy that all his work on the main floor is ruined in the dining room, that his house is a mess and it will remain a mess in the main living area for at least 4 days. All he can say is "what can you do?" Well I would like to know from the contractors out there just what they would do and what he should expect. All the new work that he paid to have performed is now all patch jobs and a portion of his house is a wreck. What say you all?
3/13/2011 at 8:14:12 PM
I say that you can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs! It is unfortunate that this situation developed, and there are hundreds of inocent reasons and thousands of poor excuses that could be the cause. Hopefully an honest contractor is involved and will credit, at least partially, repairs he needs to perform. Even good contractors make mistakes at least once every couple of years, and if not them one of the many employees or sub contractor who may have been on site. Should it be an honest mistake, honest measures will be taken to fix the situation. Should it be the result of poor workmanship and unprofessional contractor performace, a lesson will be learned. I do hope your friend is dealing with an honest man. Good luck to him.
3/14/2011 at 7:43:41 AM
Good morning Kevin and Lynne,
Your friend should expect that all of the damaged areas are repaired. If a contractor through accident or negligence has caused damage in other areas of the home due work they where performing then they should repair it to the original condition.
Contractors should be insured to cover potential damage to a customers home. Tell your friend to get the contractors insurance company involved. Especially if the contractor is not willing to repair the damaged areas of the home.
Always available for advice
Thanks,
Dave
360renos
Dave Bennett
Owner
phone 613.429.5000
mobile 613.282.2124
3/14/2011 at 7:51:35 AM
As the previous posting replied, it is unfortunate but despite being carefull accidents do happen and reputable contractors will make good on the repairs. The issue becomes when the damage is the result of poor workmanship. It is important that all plumbing and electrical work be undertaken by licensed trades only. Often a homeowner's and/or contractor's insurance policy may specifically address this very fact. For all renovations, it is important to have an agreement in writing that specifically addresses circumstances such as these and includes relevant insurance and licensing information.
Regards,
Kingsway Construction Inc.
Glenn Rosborough
4/4/2011 at 3:57:19 PM
Hi Kevin and Lynne,
It sounds like a licenced plumber wasn't used, as the plumber would have been responsible for the damage. It is very important to always have licenced trades working in your home. Electricians and plumbers will offer a warranty of their own so these mistakes can be rectified.
Regardless, the contractor should definitely come in and fix the work.
As stated above. It is always a good thing to have a contract in place when getting home improvements done.
Bill Clawsie
Clawsie Contracting
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