I've been remodeling my home for about a year now, but I ran into some hiccups along the way, including manufacturer delays. The general contractor (GC) has generally been polite and responsive. However, I noticed a significant scratch—about 3 inches long—on my Marvin fiberglass front door early on, and it's deep enough that it can't be buffed out. It's rather bothersome since it's at eye level, and I've been living with it for 8 months now. Given that the scratch is purely cosmetic, I'm torn about whether I should ask the GC to replace the door, especially since we'll be seeing each other often—our kids are classmates! I'm also planning to refinish the other side of the door myself, which leads me to wonder if I should offer to pay part of the replacement cost, as it might simplify things for me. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, especially considering that I'm in the SF Bay Area where remodel costs are sky-high!
2 Answers
I can understand why you’re frustrated! If the damage happened 8 months ago, it's good that you reached out to the GC at the time. Now, though, it’ll come down to how much he values customer satisfaction. I think discussing the door with him is a great idea, and since you’re willing to contribute to the cost, it makes you sound fair. Ultimately, you’ve got to gauge how flexible he might be about it, but I wouldn’t let fear stop you from asking. Just be open about your plight!
It sounds like you’ve been patient with this project! Since the scratch has been bothering you for so long, it’s definitely reasonable to bring it up with your GC, especially since you mentioned it before. If you can, just be straightforward about the scratch and how it affects you. Offering to pay a part of the replacement cost seems like a fair approach since it could save you some hassle. Plus, it shows that you’re willing to compromise, which could go a long way in your ongoing relationship with him.