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As per our agreement and invoice, the renovation was to be completed in 7-10 days, clean-up was to be done at the end of each day, and furniture etc. would be covered to ensure no damage to owner's personal property.
The renovation timeline was as follows: March 28, March 29, March 30, April 1, April 2, April 3, April 4, April 5, April 6, April 7. Came back on the following dates to complete renovation: April 8, April 9, April 11, April 12.
Throughout the entire renovation, we asked about the timeline and noticed that the renovation was not going as anticipated because no section of the house was being clean-up was not being done at the end of each day, and personal property was not being covered as anticipated, and rooms were not being completed and/or finished. Example, the stipple removal, skim coat, final sanding and painting of entire main floor including 3 bedrooms was to be completed in 5 days (Invoice #******* dated 13/02/2022), was only completed on April 14, 2022.
We were repeatedly told that the renovation would be completed on time, that it was a big job, and not to rush the job. Given the circumstances that we see ourselves in, we believe you did not plan accordingly. Richard, you portrayed yourself as someone who took pride in his work, was meticulous and always met timelines. However, our experience was the opposite. Example, we were always given a start time for the following day, but that time was never honoured. You always arrived up to 2 hours later. Between going out to purchase more material, paint, etc., taking breaks, going to the washroom and using a minimum of 4 rolls of double size toilet paper, a 4-hour work day was hard pressed. Also, as we looked closer at the painting, especially sections that were closer to the ceiling, we did not see the pride in the work that we expected and were told. In other words, you definitely over promised, and under delivered.
Following are examples of job performance that we did not anticipate nor expect:
* 2 deep scratches on dining room table
* Paint on couch
* Paint on hardwood floors
* Paint on Butcher block knife set - used them without permission, paint on 10/15
* Paint on plant leaves
* Paint on hardware that is not going to be replaced
* Paint on kitchen granite countertops
* Paint on bathroom granite countertops
* Paint on kitchen faucet
* Paint on bathroom faucets
* Doors spray-painted in living room/dining room
* Baseboards that were no sanded prior to painting
* Bathroom hand towel - used it as a rag
* Lights always left on
* Used kitchen sink to clean paint brushes etc, and not cleaned
* Walls not washed after removing stipple as discussed, and before being painted
* Some areas not painted properly because they could not be seen - eg. above cupboards, behind toilet bowl, window frame above front door, etc.
Yes, it was a big job and we paid accordingly. An average painter in Winnipeg earns $24.50/hour and we paid far more than that. We entered this contract in good faith and with good intentions, knowing it was a big job, and above all, expecting a professional work ethic and performance. Afterall, this is what we were told by you, and 2 of your references. However, this is not what we received.
For the above reasons, we will retain the outstanding $1000, to go towards costs of fixing the dining room table (not sure if it can be done), the clean-up of all the paint that was on personal property, the rework that has to be done, timeline that was not met, cost of paint for the re-work, and job that was not completed properly.
In conclusion, as customers, we are extremely disappointed in your professional conduct and lack of pride as a painter. You have caused us a considerable amount of stress, anxiety, aggravation and frustration. For this reason, we hope that you reconsider the price you charged us and refund us more money than the $1000 that we are retaining.
Sincerely,
Tony and Maria*******
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