Contractor didn’t do a good job

[Aaron Gorum]

We just finished a kitchen renovation around Newport RI and we aren’t happy with the quality of work provided.

First, the contractor ran way over timeline. I didn’t have a penalty for that because I thought a simple kitchen remodel shouldn’t take more than 9 weeks.

The oak flooring was stained. However several areas show slight bubbling and some areas have the new stain on the white cabinets. Also, the walls are still covered in saw dust from staining and finishing the floors.

He moved the basement stairway from the kitchen to the hallway to allow for the open concept design. The old stairs had two posts and two railings. He only installed one for some reason.

The kitchen cabinets were bought new and he only reported one damaged, setting us back another two weeks for manufacturing of a new section. He was not ready for counter installation and that costs a week and $200 (he is paying that). He had to build a new ceiling to make the cabinets work, but apparently the ceiling isn’t level and he used the bevel molding to shave down to make level instead of as the finishing touch it was supposed to be. Also the upper cabinets only have one set of screws holding them up. It took him apparent two time (every time) to find a stud. However, I don’t trust that the cabinets won’t fall once filled. There are no screws in the bottom cabinets. Finally the screws to adjoin the pieces of cabinetry isn’t there, leaving several noticeable gaps between them.

I haven’t paid the final payment to the contractor. I figured it’s the only leverage I have to get work completed to my satisfaction. My question is how long and how much would I be able to withhold for such poor craftsmanship.

Any actual help would be appreciated. Precedent would be the best! Take care.

[Bryan Devitt]

You can withhold any amount you see fit until it is done to your satisfaction. If he cannot or will not finish it to a level equal to industry standards then you can hire someone else to fix his work and deduct their payment from what you owe him. This is assuming the contract you signed with him doesn't dictate the answers to the questions you're asking