Who would do this?!?

As I've mentioned, we are having a pool put in. It was started at the beginning of June (drop dead finish date set at Halloween - 2015). So, here we are, 4 months past the finish date and not to mention $10,000 over budget (that's another story) - and they FINALLY started filling the pool with water this past Sunday. Tuesday and Wednesday they were working on getting equipment hooked up. Imagine my surprise (horror?) when I went outside to find them setting this huge filter RIGHT IN FRONT of a %$#@ doorway!! This door leads to a medium-sized room that is currently used for garden tools, etc - but we plan to (someday) make it into a bathroom/shower/dressing room. I said, "you can't put that equipment there!" to which they responded, "this is where it HAS to go. The doorway opens in and you CAN get through it" they said.
"Ummmmm....NO! Stop EVERYTHING NOW". I tried to call the pool contractor - got voicemail - so sent him a text saying "this equipment in front of our doorway is entirely unacceptable. What are our options?" He initially tried to imply we agreed to it. He said, "the pipes have been in place for 3 months and you never said anything. This is the first I've heard about you not wanting it there". (There are pipes coming out of the pool deck in the general vicinity - not right in front of the door however - and no being a pool professional, we had no idea where the equipment was going to end up.
Anyway - a payment was due on the same day we saw this disaster - and I told them there is no way I'm giving you a penny until this issue is addressed in an acceptable manner.
So, they sent a cement truck out yesterday to lay down a new pad - have electricians out there now moving wiring - and workers changing the pipes and plumbing around.
But -- WHO would do that in the first place?? And in what universe would they think that it would be accepted? Unbelievable!

They don't live there. They looked and thought - no problem with that door as it goes to a storage room.
Sigh.
We had stairs put in that are wonderful. But why oh why would they lay the boards so I can see the manufacturer name? Flip them over!
And, one area has a brick pad that you step onto. The bricks ended one foot short of the railing so that's where the steps end. You walk right off the deck into thin air.
Sorry to say I didn't notice that right away but now I have to get a short bit of railing installed so no one walks off the deck. (There's a planter there for the time being, not to worry!)
I can't figure out why he didn't ask if I wanted the stairs to go all the way over or if I wanted him to put the railing all the way over.

Morticia said:

They don't live there. They looked and thought - no problem with that door as it goes to a storage room.
Sigh.
We had stairs put in that are wonderful. But why oh why would they lay the boards so I can see the manufacturer name? Flip them over!
And, one area has a brick pad that you step onto. The bricks ended one foot short of the railing so that's where the steps end. You walk right off the deck into thin air.
Sorry to say I didn't notice that right away but now I have to get a short bit of railing installed so no one walks off the deck. (There's a planter there for the time being, not to worry!)
I can't figure out why he didn't ask if I wanted the stairs to go all the way over or if I wanted him to put the railing all the way over..

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I hear you. They just want to get in, get done, get paid, and get out. No concern for quality.
We built a custom house that was a CONSTANT battle to have things done right. Contractors say they will be there, on site, overseeing everything. I doubt that EVER happens. I'll never forget the day that I stopped by the construction site and the painters were there. We had selected a beautiful muted gold for the interior walls. They were in the great room on their lift (this room had 30 foot high walls) and had painted the entire huge tall room in a brilliant canary yellow. You needed a pair of sunglasses to walk into the room. Of course they had to fix that. On the same project, our cabinets (and there were a ton of them) were supposed to be a rich cherry finish. They sprayed the finish on so thick that they looked like they had been painted a muddy brown. They were hideous. They ended up getting all new cabinet doors because stripping them would have cost more than buying new.
I learned how to be a royal B_ _ _ _ when needed on that project.

This is the sad reality of many small businesses these days. People don't care! All they do is do the job you paid them to do, not necessarily in the way you want it done. Your example is the reason An gie's list and others like it have started up. The BBB use to be the go to for assistance when dealing with these type of issues, but the BBB has been a joke for many, many years now.
'Over budget' - another issue. If they provided you with a quote that you accepted and you have not altered, they are bound to that price. If need be seek out the advise of a contract lawyer. When we had this happen we had a lawyer write a letter to the contractor and afterward the contractor was very happy to accept our final payment.

I don't trust any contractors or work people - have to stand over them like you are their mother every minute - they will do whatever is easiest and quickest with no thought for how it is going to be managed forever afterwards - example just had a brand new £500 carpet fitted - told them new radiator going in in a different location so leave that side up as it will be pulled up the next day - so they cut the carpet round the old pipes and fitted it - left me with 2 holes in my carpet as new radiator is 1/3rd of the size - thanks for that!

Copperhead said:

This is the sad reality of many small businesses these days. People don't care! All they do is do the job you paid them to do, not necessarily in the way you want it done. Your example is the reason An gie's list and others like it have started up. The BBB use to be the go to for assistance when dealing with these type of issues, but the BBB has been a joke for many, many years now.
'Over budget' - another issue. If they provided you with a quote that you accepted and you have not altered, they are bound to that price. If need be seek out the advise of a contract lawyer. When we had this happen we had a lawyer write a letter to the contractor and afterward the contractor was very happy to accept our final payment..

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What happened with the 10,000 over budget:
The pool contractor did not take into account our massive decks - double decker and wrap around (total of about 7,000 sq ft). The supporting pillars and footings for the deck were adjacent to where they were going to dig out the pool. Because the soil was holding the footings in place, (AND we are on a hillside) the entire deck system would be compromised if it wasn't done right. So we had to hire a structural engineer who designed a plan to maintain the integrity of the decks. The engineering fees and the implementation of his plan (pouring 4'x4'x4' concrete footings around each pillar base (I think there were 12 of them) resulted in the unexpected $10,000 cost.
It was one of those "how badly do you want this pool" kinda deals.
Like Rosanne Rosannadanna used to whine, "It's always something. If it's not one thing, it's something else..."

Aspiring Martha said:

Morticia said:

They don't live there. They looked and thought - no problem with that door as it goes to a storage room.
Sigh.
We had stairs put in that are wonderful. But why oh why would they lay the boards so I can see the manufacturer name? Flip them over!
And, one area has a brick pad that you step onto. The bricks ended one foot short of the railing so that's where the steps end. You walk right off the deck into thin air.
Sorry to say I didn't notice that right away but now I have to get a short bit of railing installed so no one walks off the deck. (There's a planter there for the time being, not to worry!)
I can't figure out why he didn't ask if I wanted the stairs to go all the way over or if I wanted him to put the railing all the way over..

Click to expand...

I hear you. They just want to get in, get done, get paid, and get out. No concern for quality.
We built a custom house that was a CONSTANT battle to have things done right. Contractors say they will be there, on site, overseeing everything. I doubt that EVER happens. I'll never forget the day that I stopped by the construction site and the painters were there. We had selected a beautiful muted gold for the interior walls. They were in the great room on their lift (this room had 30 foot high walls) and had painted the entire huge tall room in a brilliant canary yellow. You needed a pair of sunglasses to walk into the room. Of course they had to fix that. On the same project, our cabinets (and there were a ton of them) were supposed to be a rich cherry finish. They sprayed the finish on so thick that they looked like they had been painted a muddy brown. They were hideous. They ended up getting all new cabinet doors because stripping them would have cost more than buying new.
I learned how to be a royal B_ _ _ _ when needed on that project.
.

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On a much smaller project, but building my house, I used to walk over everyday to see what fun stuff had been accomplished.
Two biggies that I recall now - in the master bath the tub and toilet had been installed and they were different colors. Not different shades, different colors.
The other one was a can of orange soda spilled on the hard wood floor.
One I missed, but the builder saw and repaired on his own - the kitchen floor had a pattern and the installer missed a whole row of one color. He had to tear it out and start over.
You always hope it won't happen to you.

Copperhead said:

This is the sad reality of many small businesses these days. People don't care! All they do is do the job you paid them to do, not necessarily in the way you want it done. Your example is the reason An gie's list and others like it have started up. The BBB use to be the go to for assistance when dealing with these type of issues, but the BBB has been a joke for many, many years now.
'Over budget' - another issue. If they provided you with a quote that you accepted and you have not altered, they are bound to that price. If need be seek out the advise of a contract lawyer. When we had this happen we had a lawyer write a letter to the contractor and afterward the contractor was very happy to accept our final payment..

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We've found home advisor to be very helpful in finding contractors who answer the phone and do the job.

WE have an antique house. When we had the new kitchen built, it included new floors. The kitchen has two doorways in it. Both had beautiful, antique, substantial hardwood thresholds.
The contractor took them out and we have cheap plastic thresholds on those doors now.
When we had the recent bathroom reno done, I specifically told them to keep the beautiful hardwood threshold piece.
You just don't think of every details.

Jcam said:

I don't trust any contractors or work people - have to stand over them like you are their mother every minute - they will do whatever is easiest and quickest with no thought for how it is going to be managed forever afterwards - example just had a brand new £500 carpet fitted - told them new radiator going in in a different location so leave that side up as it will be pulled up the next day - so they cut the carpet round the old pipes and fitted it - left me with 2 holes in my carpet as new radiator is 1/3rd of the size - thanks for that!.

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...and doesn't it just steam your grits all over again every time you look at it? Grrrrrrrr

TheBeachHouse said:

WE have an antique house. When we had the new kitchen built, it included new floors. The kitchen has two doorways in it. Both had beautiful, antique, substantial hardwood thresholds.
The contractor took them out and we have cheap plastic thresholds on those doors now.
When we had the recent bathroom reno done, I specifically told them to keep the beautiful hardwood threshold piece.
You just don't think of every details..

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I think I would have demanded that they return those thresholds to their original beauty. They do this stuff assuming you don't have the gumption to hold their feet to the fire and make them do it right.
"Nice guys" are seen as pushovers, I think and the unscrupulous will try to take advantage of our good natures. I'm a nice guy until someone tries to screw me over - then the fangs and claws come out.

TheBeachHouse said:

WE have an antique house. When we had the new kitchen built, it included new floors. The kitchen has two doorways in it. Both had beautiful, antique, substantial hardwood thresholds.
The contractor took them out and we have cheap plastic thresholds on those doors now.
When we had the recent bathroom reno done, I specifically told them to keep the beautiful hardwood threshold piece.
You just don't think of every details..

Click to expand...

And your lovely thresholds are probably gracing another house. That's annoying.

Morticia said:

TheBeachHouse said:

WE have an antique house. When we had the new kitchen built, it included new floors. The kitchen has two doorways in it. Both had beautiful, antique, substantial hardwood thresholds.
The contractor took them out and we have cheap plastic thresholds on those doors now.
When we had the recent bathroom reno done, I specifically told them to keep the beautiful hardwood threshold piece.
You just don't think of every details..

Click to expand...

And your lovely thresholds are probably gracing another house. That's annoying.
.

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I have had that thought myself.

TheBeachHouse said:

WE have an antique house. When we had the new kitchen built, it included new floors. The kitchen has two doorways in it. Both had beautiful, antique, substantial hardwood thresholds.
The contractor took them out and we have cheap plastic thresholds on those doors now.
When we had the recent bathroom reno done, I specifically told them to keep the beautiful hardwood threshold piece.
You just don't think of every details..

Click to expand...

Antique house here, too, but too much of it removed and replaced in the 80's for me to worry.
However. We had new carpet put in 5 years ago. Floors underneath in rough shape so not worth redoing, plus the carpet deadens the noise transfer.
We had old carpet removed and the old, gold, trim pieces that bridged the bedroom and bathroom floors were to be replaced. Metal strips, you've probably seen them.
I did the walkthrough when they were done and they had replaced them with silver strips. Totally did not match the carpet at all.
Called the carpet place and they said we never ordered new strips and that's what they had in the truck. Had to get the salesman out here and he wasn't happy with us at all.
Ok, you're the guy who set this up. If you were going to remove the old strips and we had to order new ones why didn't you tell us rather than telling the installers to just grab whatever was in the truck?
Those guys also had to move the furniture. This is stuff I wrestle around everyday by myself. They dented the ceiling, got grease all over the mattresses, smeared the walls. Grease. Installing carpet. Explain that one to me.

Our water main crew….Grrrr! But on a positive note our construction contractors could not have been nicer! Every evening they cleaned up the site, moved everything to the back, and swept the parking lot. If you are in NE and need a good construction guy, I got one for you!

Can you imagine operating your inn the way contractors and subcontractors?
"I don't understand why you are complaining You're the one that picked this room out. I'm telling you this room hasn't had a door in years. You never once mentioned to me that you needed a room with a door. How was I to know? I can't read your mind. Don't blame me. This is your fault."

Morticia said:

TheBeachHouse said:

WE have an antique house. When we had the new kitchen built, it included new floors. The kitchen has two doorways in it. Both had beautiful, antique, substantial hardwood thresholds.
The contractor took them out and we have cheap plastic thresholds on those doors now.
When we had the recent bathroom reno done, I specifically told them to keep the beautiful hardwood threshold piece.
You just don't think of every details..

Click to expand...

Antique house here, too, but too much of it removed and replaced in the 80's for me to worry.
However. We had new carpet put in 5 years ago. Floors underneath in rough shape so not worth redoing, plus the carpet deadens the noise transfer.
We had old carpet removed and the old, gold, trim pieces that bridged the bedroom and bathroom floors were to be replaced. Metal strips, you've probably seen them.
I did the walkthrough when they were done and they had replaced them with silver strips. Totally did not match the carpet at all.
Called the carpet place and they said we never ordered new strips and that's what they had in the truck. Had to get the salesman out here and he wasn't happy with us at all.
Ok, you're the guy who set this up. If you were going to remove the old strips and we had to order new ones why didn't you tell us rather than telling the installers to just grab whatever was in the truck?
Those guys also had to move the furniture. This is stuff I wrestle around everyday by myself. They dented the ceiling, got grease all over the mattresses, smeared the walls. Grease. Installing carpet. Explain that one to me.
.

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WE have used Empire today more than once. I'm told they are cheap meaning, not quality, but I will say, they are quick, clean and professional. For $50, they will move your furniture. And they cleaned up very well.
I have run into the divide between the sales guy and the work guys in other instances before. The sales guys just want the commission and sort of forget to tell the work guys stuff like, the door is only 28 inches wide, will that work? Or don't let the cat out, or they are running a business so don't block the driveway.

One bathroom created and one bathroom remodeled. Took 11 weeks and more money than I care to think about. One door and wall moved over about 8 inches to accommodate the depth of the big shower. The finishing work left much to be desired, bathroom door on bathroom at top stairs now has a door short at the bottom (too disgusted to go measure how big the gap is), and both the old (formerly perfect) sink and the new from Lo we's sink had hairline cracks. No more reno for me.

don't get me started - 1 bathrooms!!!! weird smell on and off - can't tell where it is coming from I think its next door but it may be that the toilet is creating a sort of vacume when it flushes which pulls the water out of the traps for the sink and bath which then lets the smell out of the drains - also bath has personal shower head and overhead shower - over head is doing 10 seconds fine then off - been chasing the plumber about fixing it but as we have the other attachment its been manageable but currant couple combined with slight smell are kicking off - great - plumber coming tomorrow.

Jcam said:

don't get me started - 1 bathrooms!!!! weird smell on and off - can't tell where it is coming from I think its next door but it may be that the toilet is creating a sort of vacume when it flushes which pulls the water out of the traps for the sink and bath which then lets the smell out of the drains - also bath has personal shower head and overhead shower - over head is doing 10 seconds fine then off - been chasing the plumber about fixing it but as we have the other attachment its been manageable but currant couple combined with slight smell are kicking off - great - plumber coming tomorrow..

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Do you have any drains that haven't been used in awhile? Sink in the laundry room? Anything like that? We found we were getting that sewer smell in one guest room but it was because the sink in the laundry room is never used. Now we run water in it every few months to fill the trap up again so the problem doesn't return.
Certainly sounds like you're losing the water somewhere.