I recently hired a contractor to build an extension on my fence, but a couple of weeks later, I discovered they left out two screws in the last panel, and it's not secured properly. I haven't spent much time outside due to the heat (I'm currently pregnant), so I didn't catch this sooner. The company asked for the remaining payment of $2,000, but I want them to fix the issue first. This contractor is someone my dad often works with, and I don't want to come off as rude, but I also don't think it's fair to pay for incomplete work. The contract mentioned additional charges if I wanted them to return, but I assume this situation qualifies as a mistake on their part. How should I approach this?
3 Answers
Just be straightforward with them. Let them know about the missing screws and explain that you want the issue fixed before making the payment. Most professionals are reasonable and should be happy to correct their mistakes before getting paid. If they give you a hard time, you might consider handling it yourself and leave a review to reflect your experience.
You could phrase it like, 'Hey, I’m fine with the payment, but can you send someone out to fix that last panel first? Once it’s done, I’ll hand over the check.' It keeps things friendly while making it clear you expect the job to be finished.
If you're unsure whether it's just those two screws or if there's a bigger issue, send a picture to your dad for his opinion. He might be able to help you assess whether it's a quick fix or if you need to push the contractor for more work.