We paid this contractor $7,000** to sand, stain, and varnish our hardwood floors, replace and paint…read moretrim, and install a transition board. His bid was **$1,000 higher than two other contractors we interviewed. We chose him anyway. That was our mistake.
He Demanded Extra Money Before Doing Any Real Work
We agreed on a $2,000 deposit. Two days later, after only **six hours of work**, he demanded another $2,000, citing an employee's family illness. Two days after that, he asked for $800 more to fly that employee home. I gave him $500 in cash I had to withdraw from an ATM. No contractor should be asking a client for emergency cash advances after two days of barely any work.
Two Weeks of No-Shows, Delays, and Excuses
There was never a schedule. Day 1: four hours, only put up plastic. Day 2: rented sander broke at 11:30 AM, didn't return until the next day. Day 3: a worker left at 11:00 AM to go to the post office less than a mile away and never came back. Day 5: showed up at 3:00 PM when he was supposed to be there at noon.
The Work Was Rushed and Defective
The floors had white areas, a footprint left by his crew, machine marks, and rough patches. He claimed he fixed them. He also installed two short transition boards instead of one custom board. It cracked the first time it was stepped on and now has to be completely redone.
They Washed My Freshly Varnished Floors
He sent a cleaner who washed my floors with water less than 24 hours after the varnish was applied. Oil-based varnish needs 24-48 hours to dry and 7-30 days to cure. This can permanently ruin the finish. I asked what product she used. He never told me.
They Left My Home Unlocked
Multiple times. I texted him repeatedly to stop. He didn't.
He Charged $1,200 for Moving Furniture He Didn't Move
His crew moved only the couches, bed, and TV. My family moved everything else.
The Final Day
He was supposed to arrive at 12:15 PM to finish. He texted at 12:30 saying 1:15. I texted every hour. At 5:00 PM, two workers finally showed up, installed the transition, and moved a few pieces of furniture. No trim painted. Nothing put back. Mess left. I texted him. He said 6:15. At 6:30, no response. That's when I fired him.
Bottom Line
I paid $7,000 for incomplete work, a cracked transition board, and floors that may be permanently damaged. I now have to pay someone else to fix his mess. Save yourself the headache and hire someone else.
