Frustrated w/ Conctractor and myself - Opinions?

We just had our basement finished -
And paid close to $18k for the work.

He did a good job, don't get me wrong.
But there are little things here and there that I'm not thrilled with - and I am kicking myself b/c I feel like I let him talk me into stuff KWIM?

The biggest thing (and I know it's not really a huge deal) is the closet in the laundry room - I really didn't ask for much specifically, but I was adamant and annoying about having a STORAGE closet in my laundry room - For coats, winter/summer clothing storage etc etc.

When he was framing, I noticed, no closet - I asked about it and he said he was going to put it in later on - OK. I'm not the expert .......
When he sheetrocked I asked about it -
Again, he said don't worry, he hadn't forgotten about it - building an actual closet would be 'too small' so he was going to 'get me a really nice one' ........I kind of looked at him funny, and reiterated what I wanted the closet for - but again, trusted his jugdement.

When he was going to put my 'closet' in, he showed it to me in the box and asked if it was ok - I asked him if it was big enough and blah blah and he said yes ........so i said Ok - fine.

Now, finished - The 'closet' he gave me is one of those big white cabinet things that you get in Target or Home Depot for $200 -

If I hadn't specified what I wanted the FUNCTION of the closet to be, MAYBE I'd be ok w/ this - but I can't even hang DH's dress shirts in this cabinet thing .........

So, he'd coming back today to finish and touch up some little things ...........Do I say something about how I'm not happy w/ his version of a 'closet' ? Or do I choke on it b/c I was the jackass woman that let the contractor talk me out of what I really wanted?

Re: Frustrated w/ Conctractor and myself - Opinions?

You most certainly should speak up. You reiterated again and again you wanted the closet. You could have gone to HD or Lowes yourself and bought that and didn't need a contractor to do it.

Without knowing the whole story I would say that you can't let this go. You must speak up. Don't play the silly woman card..play the I am the customer card and I am not satisfied card.

Message edited 8/2/2010 10:54:26 AM.

Re: Frustrated w/ Conctractor and myself - Opinions?

Definately say something when he comes back.

I always always speak up, after you are going to have to live with it for years to come.

Hope it works out for ya.

Re: Frustrated w/ Conctractor and myself - Opinions?

Thanks -
I am going to say something.
What's the wors that happens? I need to stop being so accomodating while I'M the one paying !!!

Re: Frustrated w/ Conctractor and myself - Opinions?

You absolutely have to call him and get him there. It's not like you didn't bring it up several times to him. The nerve of him expecting you to find what he gave you acceptable. Even if you didn't specify, he should consult with you. That kind of BS pizzes me off bc it's not like this kind of work is cheap. No offense to anyone whose family may be a contractor or skilled tradesperson but so many will try to cut corners or try to make you accept something half-azzed. The bigger the job, the more things that you have to stay on top of. After awhile you can almost feel like you are nitpicking when you bring so many things up. I've learned to find my voice more and more. I'm not a person to quickly start talking rudely or yell at anyone but I recently had an issue with my paver patio and the guy was overtalking me and trying to BS me. He even asked when my DH was going to be home, like I was a hysterical woman or something (which I wasn't but I guess he pegged my DH as the less "fussy" person) I hated even having that argument with him but we were paying so much money, it was beyond rude on his part. So please speak up about your closet, you don't have to do it in a way that is uncomfortable for you, but you need to say something or you will be more mad at yourself for not, KWIM?

Let us know how it goes.