Door wrong size..how to deal with contractor. (long)

15 years ago

At my insistence the GC finally installed the mudroom door last week (had been living open to the elements for 3 weeks). While DH was scrutinizing it from a distance; he thought it looked a little crooked, I noticed it looked small. I measured it and sure enough it was only 31".

I got out the architects plans and they called for a 3'7" door (too wide I think). Then I looked at the GC's contract and it clearly said 2'8" door. Now I had had several discussions with both the architect and GC that I wanted a 36" door.

I mentioned the dilemma to GC and he claims it's according to his plans, a standard 2-8 door. I said "No, it's 31" to which he replied "It's a standard 2-8. I finally said that whatever it is, it needs to be removed and replaced with the proper door. Unfortunately drywall was just installed.

I called Marvin to inquire about the measurements on a standard 2-8 door and they assured me it was 32". They said a 31" door would be a special order and usually was used to fill an existing doorway, not a new one like we had. The suspect part of this is that we had originally ordered a smaller door to replace our existing kitchen door, but then decided to add the mudroom and put a bigger door out there. Coincidentally, the measurements of the installed 31" door fit into the space of the door we were originally going to replace, exactly. So now I think we have the old bait and switch and the GC installed the door he originally ordered for the kitchen (after charging me a $950 restocking fee.

We have many other issues but the door is a pretty important one. I don't think I should have to pay for it as it's not the size I wanted nor is it the size listed in the contract. However, I get the feeling he's going to dig his heals in on this. Any advice? Do I have a leg to stand on?

In addition to all this, I've paid the architect over $1500 in site visit fees to check his work, particularly measurements and they missed this too. What the heck!

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Comments (6)

kpaquette
15 years ago
$950 restocking fee??? For a DOOR? I hope that was a typo.

I have no doubt that's exactly what he did - and I'd call him out on it. He's hoping your stupid, or too busy to notice, or that you won't put up a fight. Just based on the fact that he charged you a restocking fee and THEN still used your door in YOUR house is just plain sneaky.

Absolutely don't accept this door - and DIG IN YOUR HEELS. You absolutely have a leg to stand on since you've had convo's about this - the plans are beside the point - as soon as he had this conversation with you he should have made note on his plans. The architect should have noticed what was on HIS plan and what the GC did were different. I'd call them and express my huge dissatisfaction, too - if you're paying them this money to come out and they don't catch this stuff, what are you paying for? It's the architect's responsibility to coord. with the GC.
evilbunnie
15 years ago
Consumer fraud. You get treble damages and attorney's fees. At least in NJ. I'd use that as my hole card in negotiations, but that's an easy proof. Ask him for the records for the ordering of the "new" door. Seriously, that's pretty egregious, and the gall of that restocking fee? crazy
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2ajsmama
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stw954
15 years ago
It's the re-stocking fee charge that makes this story into art.

Seriously, either get GC to forgo the fee or get the right door. It is one or the other. NOT both. (And YOU should get to choose which one, not him...especially not him with a $950 profit.)

Oh yeah, and I'd keep an enormously sharp eye out for every other freakin' detail yet to come. This guy is sharpening his pencil to your detriment.

If he had a restocking fee, then ask for the receipt to the original door that was rejected...AND the new door he ordered (supposedly the one in your house right now). Watch the expression on his face when you make that request.

And Marvin should have the order for your original door and whatever it was supposedly changed to. Maybe they will give you some inside info that will clarify things; after all, it is YOUR door, so they will probably tell you what they know about the situation.

(Who ARE these people? I mean, really? Do they think that tape measures aren't available to the regular public?)
stw954
15 years ago
Okay, so I'm calmer now. (Your story got me riled. A lot.)

Like evilbunnie mentioned, ask for the records of ordering the new door. BUT, (now that I'm not so outraged on your behalf) I'd get my facts in order, and tell the architect he needs to sort this out FOR FREE since this goof happened on his watch. AND I'd tell GC (calmly, or so I'd hope I would) just "no." No, it isn't on the plans that way. No, I'm not paying the re-stocking charge. No, the door isn't staying, (and this next part is important and puts him on notice for future bits) no no no, because it isn't on the plans as 31".

Stand tall, face 'em down, and do it with calm conviction that God (and the plan) is on your side.

(And make that architect earn his fee. Maybe have a discussion with him, too, about whether he is actually your advocate or not...and if he isn't (and this situation doesn't point to his proficiency in this), then you will find someone who can actually find his voice - and a tape measure - when appropriate. Though only say that last part if you actually mean it.)
kitchenredo2
15 years ago
What a piece of work. Okay, I just don't get the restocking fee. That would be paid to the store where the door was purchased. For example, the store where I purchased my tile charges a 20% restocking fee. So, using a 20% restocking fee, according to my calculations the 31" door was $4750. That's a mighty expensive door.....

I agree with evilbunnie, get the paperwork for the doors. I'd be really nice and ask him for the paperwork for the return of the 31" door and the purchase of this door. I bet he won't be able to "find" it. Then you can say, "no problem I am sure the store has a copy so let's call them now and I am sure they can have a copy we can go and get". Can you have your DH videotape this and post it on YouTube?

I am scared to ask, but what are the other issues? Have you paid this Bozo for the whole job yet?

I would also give the architect a call and ask why am I paying you over $1500 in site visit fees to check on the GC and this was not picked up? Between the GC and the architect they can eat any additional cost of ordering the wrong door (and the labor to make changes to the drywall if necessary).

Did the architect suggest you use this GC?

I would be VERY CONCERNED that you have not been getting the materials you thought you were getting. I would ask to see ALL the receipts immediately for the materials used on the job. This would really worry me since this is such a blatant attempt to deceive you, I find it hard to believe that this is the only instance that he has tried this.

Door wrong size..how to deal with contractor. (long)

Comments (6)

kpaquette

evilbunnie

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