Daily Kitten Chat Forum » Purrs

1. 

   I am at my witt's end... tears on the verge every day. I am now 2 months without a stove. The tile work was done 9/20 and 21 and is horrible. I cannot fit my stove in place (scratched it trying); tiles are crooked; the frong edge is NOT at all what I asked for; the sink is not level; there are places where there is no grout; and between my son and myself we have called the installers 4 times between Friday and last night. We are not getting an answer, or return calls. I am out oer $500 for a crappy job and don't know where to turn.

   I will have to hire someone else now to fix this job. I am so frustrated I could just scream !!! Instead, I sit here and cry.

   Posted 1 year ago by 2 Popoki #

2. 

   Sue the bastard in Small Claims Court. Call your local Better Business Bureau. Call the consumer reporter at your local TV station. Get hold of Angie's List. Make lots of noise, but don't lose your temper. Businesses HATE this kind of publicity, especially if the complainant seems to have brain cells and reason.

   Posted 1 year ago by gatakitty #

3. 

   I'm so sorry it turned out that way 2P. Like GK says make some noise.
   [[[Hugs]]]]

   Posted 1 year ago by Buttercup #

4. 

   This is crap, 2P! Also call your local TV station...one of them probably has a "consumer protection" person or segment...it's amazing how fast things get fixed with some bad publicity...good luck and keep us posted {{{HUGS}}}

   Posted 1 year ago by linda #

5. 

   Call Judge Judy! That will give the business nationwide negative publicity.

   Whatever recourse you take, be sure to take pictures of the way the original installers left your kitchen, to document your complaint.

   Posted 1 year ago by Leeny #

6. 

   FINALLY... after my 4th call, he called me back. Said he's on a big job north of town and it'll be a couple of weeks. Uh.. no ! It won't! I am really hesitant to have him re-do the work... it he can't do it right the first time... will he get it right the second time???

   Perhaps I'll give him the option to refund part of my money and I'll get someone else to fix it. Right now I am uncertain.

   I do have pictures of the poor work

   Posted 1 year ago by 2 Popoki #

7. 

   ((((2P)))

   How horrible.

   Posted 1 year ago by HuddysMama #

8. 

   ((2P))
   I agree, I would call the TV stations, we have those here and let me tell you those contractors pay up or do the job right after they are hounded. I am sorry honey..

   Posted 1 year ago by cricketsmama #

9. 

   Oh, 2P... {{{{{{{{Mucho Hugs}}}}}}}}

   I really would contact your Better Business Bureau. I would be uncertain of having the same contractor do the repair work, too. I'm so sorry!!!!

   Posted 1 year ago by WillowandWindismom #

10. 

    2P, everyone here has already given you great suggestions, so I just wanted to add my hugs. That really stinks.

    (((2P)))

    Posted 1 year ago by Kilroy #

11. 

    2P..I'm so sorry you are going thru all this...yes call BBB and State Contractors board and the TV station is a good idea too!

    Posted 1 year ago by 2bpurring #

12. 

    {{{Hugs}}} Sweetie...it always feels much more empowering to get in touch with your anger. Sadness only weakens you. Flex your muscles, then pick up the phone and start calling the necessary agencies to rectify this wrong. Be tough as nails hon...and come back here and rant and rave as much as you need to. I wish I could be there to help you. You are always in my prayers. :)

    Posted 1 year ago by Karenopa #

13. 

    2bp -- state contractors board would do no good... they are not licensed.
    I'll wait and see what he is willing to do when he shows up tomorrow... once I point out all the issues... and there are many.

    My boss said I should start all over and let his wife do the work. She's done this in their home, and is very meticulous. I cannot afford to but all the tile again!!!

    Posted 1 year ago by 2 Popoki #

14. 

    {{{2P}}} I can't add anymore than the others did other than to take a minute and breath! Take a step back and regroup. Make the necessary calls and make lots of noise. The squeeky wheel always gets the grease!

    Posted 1 year ago by debsterwiz #

15. 

    Everyone has good suggestions. Follow through... {{Hugs}}

    Posted 1 year ago by LadyKat of IA #

16. 

    2P, I'm sorry your tile work is so unsatisfactory and the installer so slow to respond.

    The tile installer may or may not have a bond. (Probably not if he is not licensed.) The State Contractors' Board may be able to bring an action against the tile installer for violating the law that requires them to have a license.

    I would not let them touch my kitchen again. Tell them you want a refund of some or all of the cost and that you are considering turning them in to the BBB and/or State Contractors' Board. (Could your brother be there with you as a support person when the installer shows up?) If you can get an estimate of what it will cost to fix their mess, you can tell them you want them to pay you that amount of money. You can also take them to Small Claims court if they are unwilling to pay you a reasonable settlement amount. There is no reason for them to expect you to accept shoddy workmanship.

    Oh, yes, and........{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}

    Posted 1 year ago by Kitten Whisperer #

17. 

    Take a deep breath and let it out. There go all your frustrating feelings. Now go wash your face and get some refreshingly cool water to drink. Hopefully that will help you feel a bit better.

    I seconded what KW has mentioned. I would ask for a refund and if the tiler refuses, take them to small claims court. Then I would report them to the state board. I would not allow the guy to try to fix things since he couldn't do it correctly the first time. Hope it all works out. Sending you some hugs.

    Posted 1 year ago by SylvesterMiasMomma #

18. 

    KW - my son wants to be there. If he can. (brother is in Afghanistan) I'd ask man-friend, but he wasn't particularly useful or helpful when the work was being done. He was there... I had to leave.

    I'm of a mind to ask for a refund and have someone else re-do it.

    Thanks, everyone, for the hugs. And the reminder to breathe !!!

    Posted 1 year ago by 2 Popoki #

19. 

    {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
    I agree with with you to get a refund. Every time I try to use an unlicensed worker, I get the shaft, too. Try to save a buck, and you end up losing your shirt!
    You'ld think I'ld learn this lesson, but my son (who's lives up north) is a contractor. Sometimes he works union, and sometimes he works for himself, and he does great work! Why can't others be trustworthy.
    Anyway, good luck, whatever you decide.

    Posted 1 year ago by artistabobbi TX 1/17 #

20. 

    Oh, 2P! I'm so sorry. That's a tremendous pain in the neck, and they should have done the job right.

    If you have a copy of a signed contract, you have recourse in small claims court. (However, if you have no signed contract and these were unlicensed workers, your options will be few.)

    You might be best off contacting a local TV station to see if they have a 'consumer advocate' reporter on staff. They're usually very good at helping shine a bright spotlight on local businesses that make their customers unhappy. It sounds like this might especially work on this crew, since they're working on a 'big job.' Word of mouth means a lot in the housebuilding & repair trades.

    Also, please contact your local better business bureau to file a formal complaint.

    In the meantime... to minimize your utter frustration, I'd recommend picking up a toaster oven and a hot plate. (I recently picked up a nice, new toaster convection oven for $50 at Lowe's, and a good hotplate from Target for $20.) They're not great solutions, and they're nothing like having a fully functioning kitchen! But they sure beat the heck out of having only a microwave or BBQ grill as your cooking options.

    Oh, and the ultimate stress reliever... sit down, shut your eyes, and pet Mili. She'd make it all better for you, if she could.

    Posted 1 year ago by anncetera2 #

21. 

    hugs, hugs, hugs, hugs, hugs.

    I do all of my own tile work. I took a class at Lowes and have done two bathrooms so far with good results. I am slow but do it right. I wish I lived closer, I would come and fix it for you.

    How did you find this guy? If he was recommended go back to your source and have them stand up to him with you and get some of your money back.

    Posted 1 year ago by KYKAT 12 23 #

22. 

    Good ideas Ann. The electric frypan is getting lots of use. Just seems silly to scramble 2 eggs in a huge pan!

    You are SO right about Mili! She's lucky I haven't rubbed all her fur off yet. Chloe gets her fair share.. as much as she'll allow. :)

    I'm going to have the installer look at all that I see wrong with the job. I may ask why he thinks it will be better at his second go-round.... Perhaps he would rather be rid of me, and just refund 1/2 to 3/4 of what he was paid to have to do deal with removal and replacement.

    Posted 1 year ago by 2 Popoki #

23. 

    If a partial refund will be best, and that's what he's willing to agree to... grab it and run! If your boss' wife does a good job, and she's willing, it sounds like it would be well worth your time to have her do the work.

    Heck, if I were there, I'd help you build a solar oven! You could come home to a slow-cooker kind of meal every single evening; stew, chili, soup, a casserole. Believe it or not, I built a solar oven and it works like a charm - probably even more so, in Phoenix!

    Posted 1 year ago by anncetera2 #

24. 

    If they don't want to satisfy their customer for the bad work they did, you might tell them that you are interested in letting their current "big job" know about their lousy work, plus file a complaint. I know I'd keep that in mind. Getting the word out helps too, like Ann said.
    There was an elderly couple back here that got some computer stuff from Circuit City. CCity told them it would fit their computer but it didn't and they tried to take it back but CCity said NO. Well, they went to the local tv station and they did a story, needless to say, Circuit City hurriedly gave them their money back and some other compensation.

    Posted 1 year ago by Renee in Arkansas #

25. 

    Oh I'm so sorry for all the hassel. I really hope it gets sorted, the way it should have been originally. ((Hugs))

    Posted 1 year ago by metsa #

26. 

    Hug Hug Hug Hug and deep breathe 2P! Now get a mug of something yummy(or glass of wine) and take a bubble bath. It works wonders. I used to have a spa tub but just have regular one now and occasionally use Ivory Soap for bubbles. Close eyes and relax.........

    Posted 1 year ago by Buttercup #

27. 

    Great advice from everyone.

    From me - {{hugs}} - and kick a$$!!!!

    Posted 1 year ago by MadcatwomanintheUK #

28. 

    I have nothing to add to the advice everybody has given but I do have plenty of *hugs*

    Posted 1 year ago by owlwatcher_974 #

29. 

    HUGS HUGS HUGS, everyone has given you great advice.

    Posted 1 year ago by Moonshadow_NZ #

30. 

    Thank you ... everyone one of you. First, I'll see if he shows up tomorrow. Then I will show him every item that needs to be fixed, and I won't agree to 'live with it' as I originally planned to do. I'll see what he is willing to do before I add in any threats of BBB or TV stations.

    I found him on craigslist... ran a very good ad about years of service; job done right the first time.... blah blah blah. Live and learn.

    I do think I could have done this poorly myself.. which is why I hired a 'professional'... Actually, I know I could have done better !

    Posted 1 year ago by 2 Popoki #

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