They can't figure out how to install the vent (can't get the bottom panel off so they can do the wiring -- the diagram in the manual is no help, I must admit). They just took it up to the contractor's house to get his opinion. DH and I were standing there shaking our heads ...

I called the store where I bought it, but the salesman had no idea. He gave me the manufacturer's number, but they wouldn't be there today.

They eventually figured out the vent, and it's installed and works.

They left saying they'd tell the GC to call us back "within 15 minutes." It's been several hours, and no phone call.

So should we --

-- call HIM and say we're going to find someone else to do the job?

-- find someone else to do the job and THEN call him?

-- wait to hear from him before we do anything?

I really don't know the etiquette of this. TIA

There is no etiquette involved here. this is a business not a social transaction.

You may find it difficult to get someone new for several reasons: no one wants to do a small job that someone already started because if anything was done wrong the last person standing is responsible. But you could ask around and you might get lucky. I wouldn't get rid of him unless I knew I had someone to take over the job. So don't fire him yet.

Do not give him ANY more money until the job is COMPLETELY finished to your satisfaction. It sounds more like he's doing several jobs at once, which many of them do. So that's why he seems distracted... he is! Wait until after the holiday weekend to see if he calls. Ask him for a time frame to complete the job. Tell him you're not happy with how long it's taking. If all you have left to do is the tile back splash, why not see if you can find someone thru the tile store you purchased your tiles to finish that for you. Then you can fire him.

Only two things are left to do per our contract: replace the plugs (there are five plugs on the backsplash area, none of which match) and install the tile. They haven't touched either of those things yet, so it's not connected with the other work.

I almost think he's hoping we'll cancel because he doesn't want to be bothered. He didn't like the fact that we chose marble tile; implying it's much more difficult to work with. He was pushing for some cheap porcelain tile from Lowe's.

Sigh. Maybe I should start over again with this tile business.

Give him till the end of the day tuesday to complete or you're getting someone else, and paying that other person out of his contract, and do it in writing, with copies.

Also, make sure you have someone there to witness that you handed it to him.

I don't know if this guy is really that business-like that we need to do all that, but I guess you never know.

We really need to do something soon, because the area around the faucet gets wet several times a day. I've put some rolled-up towels behind it to keep the water from going behind the cabinet, but it's not a great solution.

One reason we don't want to deal with this guy anymore is because -- what if he messes things up? He won't even call us back now; I can't imagine trying to get him back to fix anything if there's a problem. (And no, we haven't tried to call him yet since Saturday.)

We were burned the last time we tried to get a backsplash installed. Those guys made a total mess of it (bought the wrong color, didn't use the bullnose edge that I'd bought for them, etc.). But at least that was really cheap tile, and we had not purchased it. We had them come and rip it out, and that was the end of it. Now we are talking about some more expensive stuff that we have paid for ourselves -- and that the contractor seems leery of working with.

I don't know if this guy is really that business-like that we need to do all that,

He may not be. But if this were to get legal (give me ALL the money from my contract or I put a lien on your house), you can bet the lawyer will be.

The thing is, we really don't WANT him to finish this job. As I said, what will happen if there's a problem (and if he and his helpers mess up $400 worth of tile?).

Harriet, If you been burned once already, than you should know better than to just shrug off his demeanor as "not that business like". If he was business orientated enough to have you sign a contract for a backsplash and counter, then believe me, he's more business like than you're assuming. Originally, when you signed the contract with this guy, there was something that made you feel comfortable with him, even after getting burned. He may be poor at managing time, but I don't see how that will affect his tiling skills, especially if you're there to ensure it's done the way you expect it to be done. You have to give him what is considered to be reasonable notice, I'd give the guy 48 hours to get the project completed and insist that it be done during normal business hours not in the middle of the night, Sunday or a holiday. Confirm all your conversations in writing and give written notice. Do as Bill is recommending because that is going to cover your behind if you're not correct about him wanting out of the job or if he doesn't agree that financially your even at this point. And in the mean time, call your tile store, get a list of tilers and start getting quotes to get the job finished. Most likely, he's not going to be able to get that backsplash done in time to meet your demands and it will work out the way you want it to. You need to toughen up girl, it's not personal, this is business and he is as obligated to that contract just as much as you are.

OMG Don't let this guy install your backsplash. Even if you can get hold of him, he is sending out red flags that he doesn't want to do it, and it seems he's acknowledging he doesn't have the expertise. I did not have my GC do my backsplash either. I liked my GC, but tile backsplash just wasn't his thing. The place where I bought my tile recommended an installer to me--a guy that all he does all day, and for years, is install tile. He really knew what he was doing. Can you ask the place where you bought your tile for a referral? If not, try Angie's List. Do you know about that? There's likely an Angie's List for your region, and you can find good referrals for local contractors there. A tile installer may also have the expertise to fix your backsplash receptacles. If not, again try Angie's List for an electrician. Yes, it's a small job, but the mindset in this economy is to be grateful for any job, no matter how small.

Here is a link that might be useful: Angie's List Home Page

Okay -- just called and left a message that we want to cancel (I tried to make it friendly) and that I'd send him something in writing.

RE small jobs and this economy: that's what you'd think, but it has been like pulling teeth to get OUR small job done.

This guy presented himself as being especially knowledgeable about tile. We looked at a job he did for one of our neighbors, and it looked okay. Then he kind of talked me into using his granite supplier/fabricator, so we were then into having him do other things in addition to the tile. The granite installation worked out, and we are happy with it, but the tile job (which is what we originally asked him about) has bogged down here.

Maybe I'll just put some caulk between the granite and the wall for the time being, at least behind the sink. We could be living with this for a while. :(

He called me back without listening to my message, so I had to explain it all again. He seemed puzzled as to why we would not want him to do the work (said, "I can do it this week") but did not seem angry. He seemed to think it had something to do with the helpers who were there this weekend -- though it did not!

I feel kind of bad now. He probably would do an okay job. It's just as I said -- if something goes wrong, what would happen? If it just involved 50 bucks worth of tile or if we weren't already out of pocket for the tile, I wouldn't be so concerned.

Glad to see you found a resolution you were comfortable with, and he was in agreement! Yeah! I wound't worry too much about finding someone else to do the tile. Especially if you use one of the referrals from your tile store.

(I'd also be sure to confirm it in writing with him, people can be so tricky sometimes, you just never know!) Good luck!

Harriet, where abouts are you? You can email me if you'd feel more comfortable. I know people all over the country, and I won't recommend someone unless I feel sure I can stand behind them.