Damn Paint Contractor!
My wife and I hired a "profession" paint contractor to paint our residence. We waited 2 months and he sends one of his painters because he was on a commercial job.
The painter was told he only had 5 days to paint my house and then he had to get on another job. Needless to say....the surface was not prepped properly and the job is sloppy.
The main problem is that he okayed the color with us, and then changed the sheen. The house is primarily brick so we are talking facia, soffit, doors, patio, and other areas. He used a semi-gloss when we wanted an eggshell or satin (which was the existing sheen). He never asked or discussed. When we got back in town we were disgusted.
All the lack of prep, drips, etc show up because of the darker color and especially the semi-gloss. We are both pissed.
This is an upscale house and all the new construction in the city are using the flatter sheens. What's going on in your area?
Oh I haven't paid him a penny yet. He will be over tomorrow with an invoice. I plan on telling him that i want it prepped properly, repainted with the proper sheen, and the job is to be done right!
Am I being unreasonable? Any other suggestions? Thanks in advance.
ItzMe (ready to shoot a painter)
First, take the emotion out of it if possible. Remember that this is just a business deal gone bad. To repair it correctly, it will be better to remain level headed than trying to win a screaming match (sounds like where it might be heading). The lead painter (boss) may not even know of the condition of the paint job.
, you are showing that your reasonable. 2nd, by asking him how he wishes to fix the problem, you are not putting him on the defensive (with a demand like, "I expect you to fix this NOW"
and you want to work together to fix the situation.
Second, before your meeting with the painter, write all of this down on paper, and take some pictures of the job. Calmly explain that the job wasn't done to your satisfaction, that the sheen is wrong and then point out the specific problems. After reviewing the job, ASK THE PAINTER is suggestion for resolving the issue. Example: " What do you suggest we do to solve this delimna?"
This does two things. 1st, by calmly explaining the problems and why you are not happy with the work (besides "it sucks"
Chances are, if this is really a true professional, he'll be willing to work with you because reputation is everything.
Roger
Hey Roger,
Thanks for the reply. I had an initial phone call with the contractor after he had been to see the work. He didn't see what I was talking about. So it did get a little hot. I am a very calm, methodical person, but I was steaming.
"I asked him if he wanted to put his signature on that work?" and this quieted him. We met a couple of hours later and discussed the problem.
He said that my paint was originally semigloss but had faded. He said if a change to satin was to be made I should have requested it. So this diffused me somewhat.
He did see all the drips, runs, improper or no caulking, etc. and agreed to fix it tomorrow.
So, I guess all is well. As I get older I do not vent as much, but this built up over the weekend. I did tell him that I have used 'fly by night' painters on my rentals that could do a better job. But in the end we had an understanding.
Thanks again for your input.
ItzMe
I'm glad that things seemed to work out. You may offer to give the guy a 2nd chance at a very cheap rate the next time around or choose to go with someone totally different.