Is this acceptable response from NTCA contractor for bowed wall?
mellbergfamily
3 years ago
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HALLETT & Co.
3 years agomellbergfamily
3 years agoRelated Discussions
Would you accept a bulging wall?
Comments (14)Thanks everyone, for your thoughts and suggestions. I asked my contractor to fix it, and he has agreed to do so. He was not happy about it, and gave me somewhat of a hard time at first, but after determining that the bulge was a good inch or so out, he agreed that it needed to be fixed. As someone pointed out above, and made a lot of sense, it's one thing if an old wall bulges -- but it raises questions if an obviously remodeled one does so. Makes it look like there is a problem behind the wall, or that the remodel job was not high-quality. Given what I paid, and all that we replaced, I can't live with that result. It remains to be seen whether he will want to charge me for this fix. I have already had to pay for new tile for the wall they are pulling out (he said there was no way he could fix and save those tiles) and I think that's all I should contribute for the repair. (For those of you who would suggest I don't pay for the tile either, trust me, it's not worth the battle with him.) Sometimes remodeling is very frustrating... Thanks again for all the input....See MoreRemodeling nightmare with a contractor from HELL
Comments (41)Here is what I obtained from our village website. They only provided "tips". I have included my comments to some items. More detail would have been helpful: Tips on Home Remodeling Getting Started The Village of xxxx allows homeowners to act as contractor for their own home remodeling projects. It must be noted, however, that a permit is required for all projects in which an addition or alteration will be done at the property. (comments: I can understand additions, difficult to define "alteration" e.g. cabinets replacement, carpet replacement with hardwood flooring, or replacing existing vanity and tub, or replacing existing fluorescent light with regular light.. etcare these "alteration"? or alteration of the structure of the home?.. this is a grey area dont understand this.. this can be interpreted different ways unless there is a definite definition for this) Additionally, projects that require the alteration of the roofline of the existing structure must have drawings sealed by a (STATE) licensed architect or structural engineer. Lastly, check the covenants for your subdivision before proceeding with any work; individual subdivision covenants may have special requirements and restrictions. Obtaining a Permit Although many people consider obtaining a permit to be a burden, it does have a critical role in any construction project. Having a permit entitles each homeowner: · Provides inspectors to answer questions. · Offers some security from contractor fraud. (some security? What does this mean? With permit contractor fraud did happen. With "zero" security from the village) · Allows inspectors an opportunity to verify that the contractor is working in a professional manner.(does this mean that the inspectors verify the quality of work and also the behavior of the contractors? Define what does it mean by "verify that the contractor is working in a professional manner" again.. this can be interpreted differently by inspectors according to their likeness unless there is a definite definition) Tips on Hiring a Contractor · Insist on a written contract. Obtain a written contract and make sure you understand the terms. Include a time frame for the completion of the project, but do not rush. Include terms of a payment plan and agree as to who will handle additional unforeseen expenses. · Make secure payments. It is not unusual for a contractor to require some money up front before construction starts. Make certain, however, that payments do not get ahead of work that has been completed. Never pay the full cost of the job up front. If a contractor insists on full payment up front, look for a different person. · Conduct interviews with potential contractors. Remember the contractor is working for you. Be certain that you are comfortable working with this person. Additionally, talk with friends and neighbors: people who have had experiences with contractors (good or bad) are always willing to share their knowledge. · Check with the Better Business Bureau. Checking with the Better Business Bureau will give you an opportunity to assess a potential contractors work history. · Verify the handling of inspections. Come to an agreement as to who will handle the permit and inspection process. If the contractor is scheduling the inspections, ask for copies of the results and keep them with the permit. · Make sure the contractor has insurance. Without insurance you may be liable if a worker is hurt in your home. The Village of XX does have an ordinance requiring all contractors working within the village to be licensed and bonded. · Ask for at least 3 references. Make sure that the sources had work done that was similar to your proposed project. · Get at least 3 bids. Check material pricing with that of your local building supply store to see if the price quoted is fair. · Establish a reasonable timeframe. If the contractor states the project will take 8 weeks, do not insist on 6 weeks; doing so might affect the quality of work. Revised...See MoreCabinet installation: is this acceptable (cosmetic & structural)?
Comments (56)Thanks to you all for replying, cpartist, salex and suzanne_sl. As hokey as this sounds, it really helps to not have a feeling of being alone through all of this. I showed DH the latest development this evening, and he silently just shook his head. We can't even get on with such a simple (yet gratifying) step as hooking up our UCL LEDs. cpartist: It'd be interesting to know what led your neighbors to choose Showplace, which is sold at a 'value' price point while allowing semi-custom choices. This is my first and last kitchen reno: I don't have anything else to compare with regarding price, value, etc. In the expansive world that is cabinets, I'm trying to figure out what the minimum benchmarks/expectations are for a value line. This is not to say I'm complaining about what we paid: if I balked at the price, I would have expressed this at the outset. It's night time now, but I'll also post tomorrow a few pics of the current cabinet interiors. salex: Thanks so much for reinforcing all the research I've done about screws, threads, etc. Regarding pre-drilled holes, I had to laugh (in a maniacal way, at this point): DH is the only person in three years (of folks who've held a drill in this kitchen) who as EVER pre-drilled a hole. I completely understand folks are working by the hour, time is money, etc., and they're willing to roll the dice when NOT pre-drilling; but the cracks and chips in the wood tell the tale. suzanne: Thanks for taking the time to post your pics. Not knowing exactly how cabinets are constructed, I don't want to automatically conclude that gaps are inherently bad (except for the one I posted Feb. 23/9:26 a.m. - above fridge)....See MoreAdvice Needed - scratched tile - who is responsible ?
Comments (2)All of you are responsible and all should share the blame equally. The store recommended a wrong product, you very easily could have have and should have read the packaging for the products you supplied to the tile setter, and the tile setter as he should have known better and or read the bag for what he was installing. Wrong products happen but installing them indicates acceptance. He should have refused to keep going once he realized the tile was getting scratched, not just notified you, You should have stopped him immediately and contacted the tile store at that point before anyone went any further....See MoreJoseph Corlett, LLC
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoPatricia Colwell Consulting
3 years agoJuneKnow
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoMint tile Minneapolis
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoMint tile Minneapolis
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoIndecisiveness
3 years agomellbergfamily
3 years agomellbergfamily
3 years agomellbergfamily
3 years agomellbergfamily
3 years agomellbergfamily
3 years agoIndecisiveness
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoJuneKnow
3 years agoMint tile Minneapolis
3 years ago
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