Hey everyone, I'm in a real bind. I hired a contractor to do a kitchen remodel – he was supposed to replace the countertops, install a backsplash and tile flooring, paint, and refinish my cabinet doors. He managed to get the backsplash, countertops, and flooring done, then took my cabinet doors for painting. When I raised some concerns about the backsplash, he got really defensive and confrontational. I tried to keep it cool, but it just escalated. After our conversation, he didn't show up the next day and changed the terms of our agreement, claiming I owe him $3200 for the doors he has. He said he'd drop them off if I paid him, but he also dismissed my concerns about other unfinished work and even discarded the handles without asking me. Now I have a half-finished kitchen and no doors! What are my options here?
3 Answers
You’re definitely not overreacting here — he can’t just alter a contract like that! Talking to a lawyer is probably necessary, especially since this seems to fall under a serious contractor dispute. Make sure to keep detailed records of everything he’s done or said; that’s going to help you out if you end up in court. Good luck!
Sounds like a total disaster! I’d suggest heading straight to small claims court. You might not get all your money back, but it’s a solid way to address the contract dispute. Also, don’t forget you can likely replace those cabinet doors for much less than what he’s asking. Check out some local options to see if it’s feasible.
Honestly, this is why I don’t pay contractors until the job is fully finished. I once had a similar situation where the contractor tried to demand more money after doing a subpar job. If you haven’t already paid him for the doors, document everything and think about going to small claims court, or report him to the local contractor’s board. You might also want to consider hiring someone else to finish the job and bill him for it.