[Perna]

We're having construction work done on our house and they're doing a great job but there are some little things that I don't like how they're doing them. We had a new door put in and they're saying it's warped and I just figured out the door's fine, but they didn't install it correctly (because they didn't read any directions, having put doors on a million times before they're "above" that sort of thing; GRRR they haven't put on THIS door before :-) but I was showing my husband and explaining to him anda he was being clueless too and we ended up in an argument but I finally got across to him I wanted the parts that weren't put on (we had two bumpers and a bagful of screws that weren't needed!!???) a couple bumpers to be put on and I think they'll help the "problem" we're having with the door!

But, because I'm so angry at the "men" for not figuring it out and my having to figure it out (by looking carefully and not trying to blame the poor door :-) and because "they" had the screen door on downstairs upside down AND inside out and I had to figure that out and get my husband to help me reverse it so it worked right, I get too upset to speak rationally (keep a "civil tongue in my head" as my brother use to caution me) I asked my husband to deal with the contractor so I wouldn't have to get in any more arguments. Sometimes I realize I should work harder at explaining myself so others understand and other times I just get tired and feel like I'm the only rational person on the planet :-) which is a bad corner to paint myself into but I do it anyway.

[SeptemberMorn]

There it is again! Incompetence! One of my pet peeves! GGRRRR

My husband always assumes that I'm going to be wrong when I try to explain to him why I think something is wrong and he starts arguing with me before I can finish what I'm saying!

He was installing a roller shade for me and he had the hardware backwards so before I said, "It's backwards" I asked him to let me see one of the sides because it sure didn't look like what I was used to. (Duh! LOL) When he handed it to me, I acted dumb and moved it in all possible directions. I then asked him, "It goes this way, right?" He looked at it and he looked at the one that he already had up and said "By golly, I think you're right!" My jaw dropped on the floor! LOL He took off the one that was up and now my shade is up. ... Now to get the second one up.

hold your ground. you're paying for this work.....write it down and hand it to them....you do not have to argue with someone to get your work done correctly.

remember who is writing the check?? you are.

i've dealt with carpenters for years and years (and yes, saw a door put in upside down one time) and sometimes getting it done, to them, is more important than doing it right. it's your home......good luck, xoxoxo pat

[Wants2Fly]

I can relate to this story. Hold your ground. If possible, try to keep it light while being firm.

[kimmydawn]

Perna, I think you handled that so perfectly with, I'm sure, massive frustration.

Please hold that ground you're standing on.

KD

[justaguy]

hey, im an electrician and ill tell you just what i say when i put in a bid (the thrill of a cheap price never lasts as long as the sting of low quality) go union

We've built 2 houses & it is very stressful. Both times the contractor didn't like dealing with me. I'm very detail oriented. I wanted the towel racks hung at just this heigth. He rolled his eyes at me. But then we found out (cuz our hardwood floors were turning black around the dishwasher) that he neglected to hook up one little pipe & the dishwasher was draining under the kitchen floor. The floor was rotting!

After a few of these kinds of things, I was totally stressed. My husband had to keep telling me that this isn't life or death.

Good luck. Glad we're done with that for awhile, anyway.--Suzy

[Wants2Fly]

True words, justaguy. I caught myself going in a pro-union rant that was so political that it would have to be banned from this site.