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Argh..cabinet installers messed up big time

16 years ago

We were scheduled for a 2 day install through Lowes on Kraftmaid cabinets. The installers encountered some problems and had the Lowes team out to our house twice to settle disputes. For example, the cooktop counter and oven counter needed to be cut and the installers said both were too small. Well the oven cabinet did end up being too small, and Lowes will replace. In the mean time, I feel they rushed through the remaining install and did so sloppily. We've meet w/ the Lowes GM and it looks like we will probably get 1/2 of the cabinet fronts replaced the other 1/2 can hopefully be salvaged through door adjustments, and different installers to finish the job.

Should I try to get some other compensation? We have 3 extra days tied up in trying to resolve the issues and now have to reschedule additional time for the repairs. At least they can templete for the granite and the install goes better.

Robin

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Comments (6)

weissman
16 years ago
You know, I've been on this forum a while and seen lots of complaints. Some people never get them resolved satisfactorily. It sounds like Lowes is going to do right by you and fix things properly. Undoubtedly some people will jump in here and tell you that they should be penalized for their mistakes and compensate you for your time, but frankly, getting your job done properly is what really matters, and unfortunately, things taking more time than expected is part of the cost of doing a remodel. You can certainly ask politely to see if they'll give you a discount or coupon for your inconvenience but frankly, I wouldn't worry about that too much.
bethv
16 years ago
I agree with weissman. I would try to make sure they were really on board with doing a high quality fix for you instead of giving you some token. Just that will mean someone else is going to have to be creative and fix a problem they didn't cause - you need all their goodwill for that.
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raehelen
16 years ago
Robin,

At this early stage of the game, if you get what you ordered with a few days delay- count your lucky stars and be truly grateful that they are replacing cabinets and doors.

When it's been over a year- (as in my case)- then start expecting compensation.

Oh, how I wish I could say I had to give up 3 extra days!

Reminds me, time for my umpteenth (and I am NOT exaggerating) call to the carpenter to find out where my cabinet and doors and drawers and shelves are...
ne_flyingdiver
Original Author
16 years ago
True Lowes is stepping up and trying to resolve the problems. And they are doing an outstanding job. I'm mad at the contractors and taking it out on Lowes. I will probably start 'healing' in a few more days as the pain wears off...
raehelen
16 years ago
Oh yes, I'd forgotten about that deep disappointment when you've had your hopes up and you're so excited to see everything perfect as you'd envisioned.

I hope it all turns out perfect. I've given up getting my hopes up- as I just couldn't handle the angst! A little glee does sneak out now and then when I picture it all done- but I try to tamp it down! :>)

Thanks for the reminder- talked to my carpenter's foreman, and supposedly all my dove-tailed drawers are at the place they job them out- once they're in the shop, he can 'whip' up my cupboard in ten minutes- reassuring- eh? " Doors...uh...I don't know anything about those- you'll have to talk to Bill " Arghhh!
magnificentwalls_yahoo_com
15 years ago
From the other side of the fence.I bet Lowes wasn,t puting enough money out to pay the contractor to take his time.Then you add poor planing in the mix and you have problems.Easily fixed see us at magnificentwalls.com.
WE WILL FIX ANY AND EVERY MISTAKE.

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