So I'm in the process of replacing a vanity in my home and called my usual plumber for the job. He normally charges $140 for the first hour and an additional $185 for every hour after. It was supposed to be a maximum 2-hour job since the old vanity was already removed, and there weren't any complicated installations to deal with, like a backsplash or mirrors. They showed up at 7:30 AM, even though they said they'd be there at 7, and sent two other guys who aren't the usual workers. Now it's 1 PM and they still haven't finished the install! So I'm wondering, at what point should I just tell them to forget it? $1000 for a vanity install seems pretty steep, especially if they can't get it done in a timely manner.
3 Answers
I think your first move should be to call the owner or the person in charge. Ask if you're being charged while these inexperienced guys learn on the job. If it’s a small operation, the owner might not even realize these two are taking so long. Six hours for a two-hour job is definitely questionable, and you might want to fight that bill if they take much longer!
It’s worth considering whether they're just incompetent or facing unforeseen issues. Based on what you said, it sounds like they might not know what they're doing. Their lack of communication and the fact they even suggested replacing new valves you had installed two months ago is a red flag. If they’re not keeping you updated and it feels off, you might be right to think about moving on.
I had a similar experience with a contractor who didn't seem to know how to do their job. I ended up telling them it wasn't working out and offered to pay for the work they already did. If you're feeling uncomfortable about how things are going, it's okay to let them go and find someone else. Just make sure you’re comfortable with your decision!