You do have a right to be upset and no I don't think this is normal. He should have told you any prerequisites to getting the cabinets installed (like having the floors done) and losing 2 days of production means nothing when he is weeks and weeks behind.

Take lots of pictures of the installation and get everything from here on out in writing (such as promises of install dates, etc.)

Have you paid for more than the cost of the kitchen cabinets? I'd be tempted to get everything you have paid for to-date and find someone else to do the rest. It's tricky though, because you don't want to make him mad before you get all the cabinets you've paid for. If the work is excellent you might consider sticking with him, but make it clear that from here on out he'll only get paid when the work is delivered and installed to your satisfaction. No more draws unless and until everything paid for up to that point is installed.

I'm hopeful that tomorrow you'll see the rest of your kitchen installed!

Yes. You have every right to be upset, but it is going to get you nowhere. My guess is that he has been robbing Peter to pay Paul. This economy has hit small independents like your contractor really hard. He probably can't pay for the lumber to finish your cabinets which is why he needs more money and is making excuses as to why they are not finished. Losing your temper with him isn't going to produce your cabinets. I would probably have him deliver what is completed to date and see where you stand money wise with him. If you feel comfortable giving him more money, do it with an contract that gives a date as to when the cabinets will be completed. Otherwise, take possession of the completed cabinets and find someone else to finish the job. Listen to your gut feeling on this one and I wish you the best with your project.

While I would be a little annoyed, I wouldn't make a fuss about it at this point. It doesn't sound like he's scamming you. I would probably also let him do the install - since these are custom cabinets you're much better off letting him install them in case any issues arise that need rework. As others have said though, I'd monitor the payments from now on fairly carefully so that you don't get ahead of him. Sadly, all renos take longer than planned and it sounds like he's finally making progress.

I agree with what michellemarie said. At this point, you will accomplish nothing by losing your temper. You probably already have paid a good bit which you stand to lose if he walks or you fire him. You are kind of in too deep to back out now. Be patient (I know it's hard) but firm and don't pay him another red cent until the cabinets are ALL installed and you are happy. It's pretty normal to have paid 50% up front and the balance after installation.

Of course you have a right to be upset! But I wouldn't "cut off my nose to spite my face," as my mother would say. If the cabinets meet your standards, if he's careful of your new floors, your doorjambs, etc. If the work is good, you'll have the best outcome if you're patient.

It's really hard to do when this guy's lack of scheduling prowess is interfering with your life!!! But think of how many people would wait for weeks standing on their heads, literally!, for properly made, well installed cabinets.

This guy is an artisan rather than a businessman. His customer service sucks on the scheduling. But it is normal not to have the cabinets sitting around his shop. Usually they make them on a going out the door basis and don't really have room to store them indefinitely. The open floorspace they have is for pre-assembling and needed to get on with the work. Since your floors weren't ready for him when he expected to install, he probably figured your schedule was flexible. All of which goes to the point of just be patient. Take a deep breath. Have a cup of tea. Relax. It'll be worth it in the long run.

BTW, the second draw might have been because he had his finances based on finishing your job earlier too! It's another not-a-good-businessman thing, but since he does good work, and has delivered, and is delivering more, I wouldn't get too worried about that either, now that it's past.

I imagine you want to throttle him. Arriving to his place
to find out he is weeks behind. You kept your cool far
better than I would have. I have a temper when someone
tells me a date, time or place and they don't come
through. I don't think he is trying to take advantage of
you.It sounds like he is more of an artist than a business
man and okay maybe a little ADD or "Executive Functioning"
issues.

Would you rather have a talented creative artistic
cabin.et maker who is a little behind and disorganized
but makes beautiful stuff?

Or

A perfectly on time cabin,et maker who over charges
and makes cabinets that are iffy, blah, average joe
nothing special?

After you decide which you prefer, Take a deep breath and
take everything down to a snail's pace. This is hard to
do. I speak from experience. And either work with him or
let him go. My instinct says work with him.
Your kitche.n will happen. It may take a little longer and
you have every right to be frustrated. I know I would
be. Plan on pushing him gently along to get what you
want. He sounds little disheveled, disorganized but
wanting to do a good job. And check out what he has done
so far. Do you like it? Is it worthy? And if all else
fails use the fact that he is late to your advantage.
When it comes time to paying him remind him that he was
late and that you had to take time out of your life to
wait for those cabinets. Time is money and you need a
discount.

The important part here is you are not alone. Give
your self kudos and pat yourself on the back because
I know if it were me I would want to kick his keister. : )

~boxer

sc kathyc, So sorry to hear what you are going through.

May I ask if this cabinet shop is in San Carlos, CA?

Thank you.

I think everyone who has commented has a valid point. Yes, he could be the best cabinetmaker in the world and a poor businessman, but the key here is that he is asking for more money which is what has me concerned. If this were just a timetable problem, he wouldn't be hitting you up for more money. $2500 is not a lot of money. Did he say why he needs another draw. I just think you need to go with your gut on this and try to politely get to the bottom of it. Also, not completing a project due to a wife's birthday? I think that's crazy! An unexpected illnes, accident, wife giving birth are legitimate excuses, but a birthday is not.

I agree with everything Michellemarie has said (in both posts). First of all, he's not weeks behind, he's months behind! And, if the next draw wasn't due till installation, he shouldn't have asked for it. I'd let him deliver the whole kitchen and do the install. If you're happy, pay him what you owe him but I'm not sure I"d wait another several months for the rest of the cabinets. I think I'd be institutionalized by now (if there were any left) if I were dealing with this 4 years into a build. You are very special indeed to be handling this as calmly as you are!

Excellent Point Michellemarie !!!
I had not thought of that but you are right. Asking
for more money is fishy... stinks a little.

And that is observant about the wife's b-day.
I hope that SC KathyC gets the kitchen she deserves
without having to pay any more money. Even if it means
finding a new cabinet guy.

~boxer

I do some interior decorating and used to work at a tile shop a while back. I've heard so many stories like this. It's so common. So, please, know you're not alone.

My husband and I are in the process of a kitchen remodel ourselves, and even thought I'm familiar with all of the procedures, etc. I am still surprised and sometimes disappointed by the way things happen. We had quite the time when we specified that we wanted a place to conceal our trash cans (we have multiple because we recycle). We had our composter delivered one of the days that the cabinet guy was working on our cabinets. He actually installed the outdoor unit inside. It was a nightmare. And it was against all common sense that he'd do it in the first place... Needless to say, you and I just have to keep our eyes on the prize: a new kitchen. Soon.

Re the money thing, I agree that it's a waving flag, but it's a caution, not an ejection, unless he was asking for the whole amount up front. It's just another symptom of what, around here, is called "sub-itis". Guys who do good work, but don't have a clue where their money went, what day it is, how long something really takes, etc.

What I find much more important is the "he does good work".

In this case, I think the biggest risk is to Kathy's good humor. That might be enough of a risk to sack him, but he really does sound disorganized rather than dishonest.

Hey guys, thanks for all of the response. I lost this post and couldn't find it when I was searching. It must be my stress level:)

He has delivered a partial today but I haven't seen them yet. I hope and pray that they are downright gorgeous. I will certainly be more willing to work with him if they are!