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SVTPerformance's Chain of Restaurants
Road Side Pub
Construction people in here please
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<blockquote data-quote="JPKII" data-source="post: 16866652" data-attributes="member: 12867"><p>This sounds eerily familiar. As I've mentioned before, if it weren't for bad luck, I wouldn't have any luck at all.</p><p></p><p>Our project was for a master bath remodel. A fairly extensive remodel with layout changes (a two person shower where a large tub was previously installed) and leak remediation (new drywall and subfloor in areas). Total project cost was about $40k. </p><p></p><p>We went and had a number of contractors bid on the project. Ultimately we decided on Lowes. Their overall price was in the middle and they simplified a lot of the material purchase/selection/liability B.S. As others have said, contractors can be "extra" to deal with. Our experience was no different. We'd have to endure the inevitable lectures about how busy they are, how good they are, and we are lucky we are talking with them. lol.</p><p></p><p>Fast forward. I did most of the demo (drywall removal and subfloor removal) and I did all the electrical work (I was a journey industrial electrician back in my yutes). Contractor came and started plumbing and install. Everything was going fine. Then the finish work started. It was awful. In the new shower we chose riverstone for the floor. It looked beautiful. Then they grouted it. They filled the stone up with grout to where only the top 1/4 of the stone was visible. Within weeks of installation we had chunks of grout falling out. Among many other issues. This is where our fun started.</p><p></p><p>We called Lowes to log a complaint and begin some type of warranty process. Back and forth with Lowes they tell us to call GC. Call GC and he says we have to call tiles guys that did work. Everyone passing buck back and forth. This was daily cordial but aggressive phones call and visits from random Lowes, GC, and contractor folk. </p><p></p><p>This went on for FIVE years. FIVE. Finally, after five years, Lowes agreed to a complete tear-out and re-install. They would cover everything including materials they didn't supply as part of the original scope. </p><p></p><p>My lessons: </p><p></p><p>The layering of vendors and sub-contractors convoluted the process so much and added so much political BS. I thought a company like Lowes would be responsive to our needs and stand on the contractors. Not so much. We were on our own. Now the first question I ask a contractor when they bid on work is: DO YOU EMPLOY YOUR OWN TRADESMEN? IF NOT, HOW MANY ARE SUBS. I only like to work with contractors who use their own employees. Or at least as much as possible</p><p></p><p>Secondly, this is going to take a long time. I hate to say it; but my gut feeling is you will be without a kitchen for months to years. Legal battles are never going to be resolved quickly. Be very prudent with suggesting a legal resolution. Figure out exactly where your money is at vs. goods/services delivered and see if you can justify walking away and starting fresh. </p><p></p><p>Lastly, be persistent in whichever path you choose. We were constantly navigating the hierarchy of Lowes. From the local sales team and finally ending at at regional VPs and beyond. We ended up finding these folks cell phone numbers (from sympathetic Lowes employees) and would constantly bug them. Stay persistent. Avoid directly talking about suing. You are willing to take all actions within your control. But the moment you mention a lawsuit they may recoil and say fine, do it and entirely walk away from you. In which case the "years" start to tick by. </p><p></p><p>Good luck. I hate remodeling and dealing with these guys.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="JPKII, post: 16866652, member: 12867"] This sounds eerily familiar. As I've mentioned before, if it weren't for bad luck, I wouldn't have any luck at all. Our project was for a master bath remodel. A fairly extensive remodel with layout changes (a two person shower where a large tub was previously installed) and leak remediation (new drywall and subfloor in areas). Total project cost was about $40k. We went and had a number of contractors bid on the project. Ultimately we decided on Lowes. Their overall price was in the middle and they simplified a lot of the material purchase/selection/liability B.S. As others have said, contractors can be "extra" to deal with. Our experience was no different. We'd have to endure the inevitable lectures about how busy they are, how good they are, and we are lucky we are talking with them. lol. Fast forward. I did most of the demo (drywall removal and subfloor removal) and I did all the electrical work (I was a journey industrial electrician back in my yutes). Contractor came and started plumbing and install. Everything was going fine. Then the finish work started. It was awful. In the new shower we chose riverstone for the floor. It looked beautiful. Then they grouted it. They filled the stone up with grout to where only the top 1/4 of the stone was visible. Within weeks of installation we had chunks of grout falling out. Among many other issues. This is where our fun started. We called Lowes to log a complaint and begin some type of warranty process. Back and forth with Lowes they tell us to call GC. Call GC and he says we have to call tiles guys that did work. Everyone passing buck back and forth. This was daily cordial but aggressive phones call and visits from random Lowes, GC, and contractor folk. This went on for FIVE years. FIVE. Finally, after five years, Lowes agreed to a complete tear-out and re-install. They would cover everything including materials they didn't supply as part of the original scope. My lessons: The layering of vendors and sub-contractors convoluted the process so much and added so much political BS. I thought a company like Lowes would be responsive to our needs and stand on the contractors. Not so much. We were on our own. Now the first question I ask a contractor when they bid on work is: DO YOU EMPLOY YOUR OWN TRADESMEN? IF NOT, HOW MANY ARE SUBS. I only like to work with contractors who use their own employees. Or at least as much as possible Secondly, this is going to take a long time. I hate to say it; but my gut feeling is you will be without a kitchen for months to years. Legal battles are never going to be resolved quickly. Be very prudent with suggesting a legal resolution. Figure out exactly where your money is at vs. goods/services delivered and see if you can justify walking away and starting fresh. Lastly, be persistent in whichever path you choose. We were constantly navigating the hierarchy of Lowes. From the local sales team and finally ending at at regional VPs and beyond. We ended up finding these folks cell phone numbers (from sympathetic Lowes employees) and would constantly bug them. Stay persistent. Avoid directly talking about suing. You are willing to take all actions within your control. But the moment you mention a lawsuit they may recoil and say fine, do it and entirely walk away from you. In which case the "years" start to tick by. Good luck. I hate remodeling and dealing with these guys. [/QUOTE]
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SVTPerformance's Chain of Restaurants
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