I'm wrapping up my kitchen remodel, and while I'm excited to finally cook in my new space, I'm facing some frustrating delays. The contractor's crew has been slow to finish, and I recently found that my undermount sink wasn't sealed properly, leading to water leaking into the cabinet below. I've sent photos of the issue to my contractor, but I'm wondering if I should start withholding payments until everything is fixed and up to standard. How should I approach this?
3 Answers
I’m a contractor, and I always suggest keeping 25-35% until the job is 100% complete. This way, once any punch list items are fixed, you can easily clear that last payment, and both parties are satisfied.
I totally agree with withholding payments! I've seen it work for friends in similar situations. You want to ensure everything is finished to your satisfaction before handing over that final amount. Don't let them brush you off once they know they have been paid.
Yes, withholding a percentage of the final payment can be a smart move. It keeps the contractor accountable. Once you've paid them in full, you lose some leverage. That said, check your contract first to see what it says about final payments and responsibilities.
Exactly! I’ve learned this the hard way. I paid most of my contractor upfront, and then they started dragging their feet on finishing the last details.
It’s definitely a common practice. Protecting yourself helps keep the contractor on their toes!