A homeowner undergoing a $16,000 bathroom remodel had grown frustrated with their contractor's repeated failings. Unsure whether the actions were normal or worth complaining about, they turned to Reddit for input.
Here's what to know
Posting on Reddit's r/HomeImprovement, they explained that they brought in a company to renovate part of a bathroom. They went with the lowest bid, which did not include most material costs, and 50% was due upfront. Issues surfaced early, including two invoices that were too high and only corrected after the homeowner flagged the errors.
Additionally, the original poster said that, though ordering materials was their responsibility, the contractor never gave them notice on when to purchase the items. This led to some delays as materials were not onsite when they were needed.
But that wasn't all. Another situation arose when the OP discovered that the contractor had used floor tile rather than shower tile in the shower niche. The contractor said they were trying to be proactive after half the shower tile showed up broken.
"I'm trying to be as patient and understanding as possible but struggling here and need to understand if I'm working with a bad company or if this is normal," the OP wrote.
What commenters had to say
Users offered their takes, with many focusing on the shower tile problem.
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"The floor tile thing is absolutely not acceptable," a retired contractor said.
Another commenter asked why the contractor accepted delivery if half the tiles had been broken.
In response, the OP said the order came from an online retailer and added that it "seems like it's a common problem with them."
Meanwhile, other Redditors pointed out how unusual it was to repeatedly receive incorrect invoices that sought to overcharge the OP.
Finally, one commenter summed it all up, declaring that it was "not normal to be overcharged on invoices, have zero communication about ordering logistics, and make design choices without authorization."
What can be done?
Several users focused on the homeowner's leverage under the payment schedule.
"Do not pay contractor early," one advised. "He gets paid based on milestones/tasks actually getting completed."
Others recommended taking steps to document the situation. For example, one commenter suggested sending written follow-ups after verbal conversations, while another described a spreadsheet system for tracking photos, order dates, expected arrival dates, arrival dates, and quantities ordered and received.
For some users, what mattered most was for the OP to speak up for themselves. "Always be your own advocate," one person said. "You're the one that has to live with it."
Where can I learn more?
Home projects can go sideways in all kinds of ways.
• A homeowner refused to pay an HOA after unapproved work and alleged trespassing.
• In New Jersey, a homeowner was told they were getting fleeced on insulation.
• A hired crew allegedly dumped paint outside a home, leaving a toxic mess behind.
• A plumber sparked outrage after throwing trash in a compost bin.
• A landlord was accused of pulling a fast one with renovation charges after carpet damage.
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