Question: Advice on bad workmanship for kitchen fitting help please?

(Posted by: lalola on 2010-03-14 03:52:35)

Having kitchen fitted, noticing so many things going wrong and the worst thing is most cant be rectified unless i want to pay out more money. My worktop was damaged but the fitter noticed it after he had cut it which meant i had to buy a new worktop cos it couldnt be replaced - am i liable for negligence for not noticing it or is he? i didnt even get a chance to inspect it as he just took it and started cutting.

Posted by: THAKER P on 2010-03-14, 03:53:44

Sounds like a rogue trader. Get a pro in asap before he totally rips you off!

Posted by: Racer on 2010-03-14, 03:56:00

Hope you haven't paid him upfront for all this.......if you have, you're screwed. If you haven't paid him upfront, then you need to talk to him and tell him your concerns....if he doesn't fix them, then you don't pay him in full. Obviously, this person is not qualified to do the work.........but, if you didn't get 2 or 3 other quotes from different contractor's, then............you'll have to swallow this up and learn your lesson.

Posted by: wing150000@yahoo.com on 2010-03-14, 04:06:58

He is. Never pay that final payment until the work is completed to you satisfaction. The counter top is his responsibility. It's not up to the home owner to over see a professional. That's what you hired him for in the first place. To get the work done right. did he get a building permit ? Talk the the building inspector and see if he had. If not the inspector will want to talk with him. I'm a builder 30 years.

Posted by: Fraz on 2010-03-14, 06:34:06

If he is a licensed contractor go online to the Board of Contractors (the agency who license contractors in your state may use a different title/ name) with your State government, there are laws & regulations in place to protect you (the consumer) when confronted with bad workmanship and/ or contractors. The Board of Contractors here in Virgina represent the consumers and help settle any problems and if he doesn't comply he will have his license revoked and face fines. That will apply if he works for the retailer that sold you the worktop or they contracted him to do the installation. If he doesn't have a license they may still be able to help you too, he is suppose to be licensed unless he's a friend or family who is doing it to help you as a favor only. If he delivered the worktop then he is responsible for any inspection prior to installing it. If you picked it up and brought it home and didn't inspect it then there's no way to prove who or when it was damaged, it may have been damaged before he got his hands on it. 1. Did you hire him or did the store hire him to do the installation? If you hired him then you have to consult with the state agency who licensed him or own your own (and maybe hire a lawyer too). If the store hired him they should be contacted and have them rectify the problem, they have some responsibility too. DO NOT pay him more money either, some will use that tactic to con you out of your money. If you're not satisfied with his work or fear he may do a bad job you fire him on the spot and get someone else in to finish it. If he threatens you with a law suit tell him "please do! ", (I would be the first to threaten a law suit!). Most contractors don't want any kind of civil suit and they're attorney fees can be expensive too. Take lots of photos and document everything in writing well, if it goes to court or arbitration the photos will say a thousand words and your documentation will help prevent any loss of memory on your part. Keep all the receipts and and documentation on the money you paid him already. I am a very good carpenter but I was a cop for 8 years too. Not just any carpenter or handyman can install kitchen cabinets & counter tops, it's a skill that has to be learned well and have the proper tools to do a good job. I installed custom kitchens, reception desks, and secretary work stations for years and it's a skill that many carpenters don't have or learn. The installer needs to be an experienced & skilled "Finish Carpenter " and not just a framing or typical construction carpenter. It's true what they say, if you want a professional job you need to hire a professional. Also, they are many people out there who claim to be a carpenter only because they own a tool belt & hammer, we're not required to be tested & certified by the state like the plumbers & electricians are required to be, so there are a lot of unqualified carpenters out there. I hope you get it worked out to your satisfaction. Never pay more than half the money up front either, most contractors will require that much as a down payment and to purchase the materials needed to start or do the job. If you bought the materials then the upfront payment should be much less or just one payment upon finishing the job to your satisfaction unless other arrangements have been agreed to beforehand in writing with a contract. Don't do a verbal agreement only, it's very difficult to prove that in any civil court cause he will testify to something different & if you don't have a good reliable witness it's only your word against his.