Hey everyone, I'm a bit fed up and could use some advice. I recently signed a contract for my kitchen renovation, which includes new floors, cabinets, and some painting in my small condo (1000 sq. ft.). The floors and painting took nearly two months when the contractor initially said it would only take one month. They only send two people to work—one does the main tasks and the other handles painting and minor details. I'm not shocked it's taking ages. I was promised repeatedly that everything would be finished by Friday, but they didn't show up on Monday or Tuesday. On Wednesday, they spent just three hours doing some touch-ups. Today, nothing has happened again.
Talking to the contractor has been frustrating; he keeps saying everything's fine and he'll get it done, but I'm worried they might never install the cabinets. My partner thinks the delay with the floors and painting is a sign they're being lazy. Is this a common scenario? Should I be more assertive? How do I firmly express that I want this completed ASAP?
2 Answers
Ugh, I feel for you! Renovations can be so unpredictable, like buying a bag of chips that’s mostly air! You just wanted a beautiful kitchen, not a test of patience. Try being assertive without being confrontational. Set a clear deadline and calmly let them know if it doesn’t get done soon, you might have to pursue other options. A little pressure could do the trick! Maybe even bring some donuts to the site for good vibes—might not help with the work, but at least you’ll break the ice!
Sounds like you've got a contractor who might not be taking your project seriously. Normally, a project like yours should only take 1-2 weeks. Make sure your contract includes a detailed list of what should be done, along with a clear timeline and payment schedule. For instance, it shouldn’t just say 'countertop'; it should specify whether it's laminate or granite. That way, you’ve got something to hold them accountable to!
It was supposed to be a 4-week job, but it just keeps dragging on. I guess I didn't realize how much detail I needed in the contract.
I hear you! Finding that balance between being calm and firm is tough for me too, especially when I feel like I'm being taken advantage of.