Well excitement of having my kitchen remodeled has turned into a "not so fun" endeavor by the contractor.
I started this process with 5 contractors since September 1. After receiving quotes and finalizing details we decided on a certain contractor as others in our neighborhood have had work done by him and were satisfied and price was about where we wanted to be.
On his final confirmation "quote of acceptance" there was a note on it to contact contractor and to come to showroom. This quote included kitchens, granite countertops, painting, demo/labor, sink/faucet provided by them.
**There was a note: Plumbing disconnect/reconnect is the responsibility of the owner.
This was rec'd 9/11 - I went to the showroom 9/12 at which time worked with a kitchen designer, selecting cabinets, counter, etc.
Upon leaving she told me she would be in contact with me to remeasure. Two weeks pass and I contact her. (Not available left a message to return my call - finally after 3 days I call them).
She apologizes as she had a family matter to take care of. OK, no problem. She comes to my home to measure and we return to the showroom AGAIN.
I go back (I should mention its 40 min away) to the showroom to meet with her to finalize the layout, cabinets selected, hardware - at that time she tells me she will call me the next day with the sq. ft. needed for the countertops. Gives me the granite yard information and tells me as soon as i get the # to go there and select my granite.
3-4 days pass I call there and ask for her - she is not available again. The other employee tells me I need 29 sq. ft. (the 1st measure done by the contractor was 19 sq. ft.) -
The next day I drive 1.5 hrs. to the granite yard which I spend 3 hours looking and finally selecting a granite.
I called to let them know I selected the granite and what was the next step, the receptionist told me to bring the downpayment. I asked what it was - she had the owner call me back. The owner called and told me he wanted total payment in full BEFORE he would order cabinets, granite, sink, etc.
My husband was leary of giving someone the total amount therefore, he was only wiling to give him 80%. discuss these concerns with the contractor he would not accept anything less than 90%. That afternoon, I went to the showroom and gave them a check on 10/7 - at which time I signed a contract, and was given the balance due $. (At this point, I thought the cabinets were being ordered since he told me they would start within the next week or so).
On 10/17 I rec'd a call from the designer stating I did not sign all the paperwork. I needed to come in AGAIN to sign off before they could order my cabinets. (10 days it took them to call me!!!) Well back to the showroom I go!
Excited to know things are moving along she said to me "Did you bring the rest of the $ I understand you did a downpayment". I told her I spoke to the owner and that's what he told me was needed as downpayment.
She said well we can't order the granite until YOU pay the granite bill and for sink/faucet, the downpayment amount was for labor fees, and order cabinets. OH AND HERE COMES THE BIG ONE: The cabinets selected were not the cabinet used for the quote and countertop was laminate - they won't move forward with ordering anything until I come up with another $850!!!!
W-H-A-T??????? My heart drops - so she calls the owner and he comes in and says "I couldn't do that job for that price with granite". Huh, the quote says granite - then he states the price on the quote was for a laminate top. I said the quote clearly says granite $1,340 ...we go back and forth and bottom line "he says we'll make it work but you'll have to select from a different group of cabinet".
He said "Don't worry its a better product, better glides, hinges, etc." - now I'm confused as the cabinets I picked out they say were the best and now they say its not as good quality.
Then she said the additional charge for the sink/faucet is $500. WHAT???? That was in the quote as in stock discounted amount.
Now, here I am 6 weeks later and they have my $$$ and not one thing has been ordered NOR anything being resolved with the quote.
I know this is LONG but isn't a quote and a signed contract & more importantly, I paid 95% upfront to this contractor (and he cashed the check fast) wouldn't you think that would be the price for the project. BTW: The quote was clearly broken down into price for cabinets, labor, painting, sink/faucet, demo, granite countertops. I said I'm not paying anymore $$$.
When I left the showroom the owner & designer said they would call me next day (which was Thursday this week) to resolve this issue of price difference. This is the first time I have ever done anything like this always built my homes BUT now I'm worried 1) I called again today since they NEVER CALLED or CALLED ME BACK, 2) they have my $$$$ 3) isn't a quote and a signed contract a agreement of price?
Planning on going into that business on Monday very calmly and either this issue is resolved or I am not leaving there until I have my money refunded in a cashiers check....do you think this is wrong!!!
I'm stressed to death over this, I've saved this money for 2 years and now to having 2nd thoughts about this contractor too!!!
I can always count on "level headed" thoughts or suggestions on these boards. I thank you in advance ... I'm not thinking so nicely or clearly right now and don't want to do be so mad I do something not in my best interest. Thanks so much!
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