Problem with contractor/worker and work done
7/31/2017 at 9:34:54 AM
Hi,
I had a company (owner) give me a quote ~ $4500) for complete stair replace/rebuild and was clear what i had expected ( things had to be even, proper angles etc). I was shown some pictures of work and it seemed like good work. So, scheduled the work.
Long story in point form:
-paid them 75% cash upfront ( they asked for) no problems.
-was promised I would love it when finished, not to worry.
- suppose to be 5 consecutive day job, we took that time off work for this which is fine.
- 2 days in, could;t come for a coupe days.In short it was 5 days work of 3.5 weeks !
- showing up at 11/12 to start work, told them they had to be done by 6 daily (kids, renters etc) still only came at 11/12 at the earliest.
as they installed they were EYEBALLING things! I had to point out things were uneven or not level! they would have stalled it if i didn't.
- due to the above observations I HAD to take more time off work/business which cost me as I no longer trusted their capacity to be accurate.
- From the beginning of the job, not a work or communication form the owner. Tried calling and no answer.
FINAL DAY: there until 9:30 pm. had to ask his co worker to please not have the crowbar /tools on the floor without a drop sheet or cardboard ( to protect it) - I was told it won't do anything unless someone steps on it!
- piece of knife blade sitting at base of stirs on the floor- pointed it out to the same person that it could scratch the floor and people (kids) walking about- was told they are working , theres lots of sharp things around. he feels i;m just looking for something wrong!? I told the main worker to make sure he listens to the home owner and keep him under control.
- I emailed owner stating i would like to speak with him regarding my concerns before the 25% balance is paid.
- I informed the worker when done (and showed him ) that i smiled the owner and will review the work/process with him and once done will then pay him the balance only.
- worker became upset saying this is wrong , why am I holding HIS money. told him my agreement was with the owner not him and the owner was instructed to contact me for payment directly so i could review the work and issues I had.
- i walked the worker through what was wrong, and tried to convince me it was fine.
- the other person with him started arguing and situation became volatile.
I made it clear i was not paying him that night and I was withholding the final payment until the owner connected me to speak and resolve the issues then payment would be made to him only at that time.
- The worker accused me of wanting free work, started hurling foul language/racist remarks with my wife and children at home.
- other worker said if i did that to him he would "f" me up then they left.
Issues:
things are not level
stain uneven
attachement points of rail, to filled properly, caps over screws not sanded down
riser off by 0.5" -0.75 " one step
top stair not level, off by apron 0.7", significant to the eye
rods, not all secure
handrail not level off by ~0.5"
paint on the tapes form stingers
wood filler at side of steps to stained fully to step
Clearly lots of issues.
I have not heard form the owner AT ALL. called and left message, emailed the situation clearly stating with contact me to resolve the issue and receive payment (and fix issues) or contact my lawyer. choice was his.
To this point not a word at all form the owner.
I have since went to home depot asked for an appointment to get a quote to repair things and will see what the difference would be.
In no way am i refusing to pay BUT I do need to speak with the owner about these issues BEFORE payment can occur which i think is fair.
What would you do?
What could he do? Put a lien (~1200 ball) ?
7/31/2017 at 11:58:12 AM
Problem is you gave to much $ upfront. Should have gave$ for the material deposit first. Then partial upon demolition. Partial during framing of stairs, treads install etc..he will lien u go to court... will be costly..
7/31/2017 at 1:49:38 PM
Like Jeremy say. To much money at from maximum in advance 20 or 30 %. My advice will be pay everything. No lawyers. You will put so much money and you will finish paying more. Find somebody to fix the problem. Good contractors never ask for so much money. First show a good work and good attitude and clean job-side and never hire someone who has clean hands.
7/31/2017 at 5:57:31 PM
I have asked and emailed them to contact me to discuss the issues and for them to be paid. There is absolutely no response from them. I have never refused to pay them and actually trying to but they're not responding or looks like going to fix /finish the stairs.
7/31/2017 at 9:01:55 PM
This is unfortunate for the Home Owner. I ask for a material cost reimbursement after the materials are on site and then I get paid in stages as the work is completed. It is fair for everyone. The reality is that the contractor will probably not go after the Home Owner for the balance and the Home Owner will only throw good money after bad trying to continue to work with the contractor or take him to court. Find a reputable contractor who specializes in stairs and have them fix the problem correctly. Hopefully, the specialized contractor can salvage the material for the stairs so it is not a total loss. In the end, the Home Owner loses time and money but the stairs will have been done properly if you follow this advice. I often invite new clients to current jobs so they can see what we do and how we work. If you can't briefly visit a contractor at another site, find another contractor.
8/16/2017 at 9:20:41 AM
Sounds like you made a bad hire, for sure. You got to be very selective with people and try to read the signs of a person who has class, and who does not. They should be able to look you in the eye when talking, the owner himself should be involved with the process, showing up frequently, and only go with people with great references. You got to be picky. And 75% up front is too much. For jobs that size we don't collect at all until the job is done, including materials. We are picky too with the client's we choose. Don't pay him the rest, they probably aren't capable of fixing it.
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