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Kitchen Fitting
Do I have to allow a construction company to put right dreadful work
Anonymous user 16 March 2024 - 2.51 PM
Do I have to allow a construction company to put right dreadful work or can I ask that another more skilled tradesman finish off the work and they pay? I have had a shockingly bad Howdens kitchen installation done. Damaged unit components, base units installed over temporary plywood flooring, units at incorrect height, damaged worktops, radiator leak caused by them damaging new base unit. The kitchen is pure comedy. I have totally lost faith in the company.
An independent carpenter said the following:
Worktops are not fitted correctly and they are chipped so will need replacing
The sink is not fitted correctly which will cause problems if not re-fitted, there are gaps
The end panels need replacing as they have been badly cut and they are ill fitted
The base units need to be taken out and re-levelled
You will need new kick boards as they are cut incorrectly
Can I insist another company put right and they pay for this plus the damaged component replacements?
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
Hi,
If you try to get another company involved, it's less likely they'll cover any costs but yes,
you can have an independent carpenter speak with the company to offer to do the work for an agreed price between them - it's entirely possible they just hired someone new on good faith and were negligent on inspecting their work, I'm sure they would agree to preserve their reputation.
The original company need to be given the opportunity to put right the highlighted defects, if they are not competent or refuse, an alternative company should be used at the expense of the original installer.
Was the original installer contracted by Howdens, if so, it is Howdens responsibility to rectify the issues.
I think you would be well within your rights to do that . If the work is as horrendous as it sounds why would you want the same company to put right there work.
Make sure you get an agreement in writing/ email as to what you are going to agree.
Hopefully you haven’t paid them any/ all of the money at this point.
Hi, it is very unlikely the original fitters/company would be skilled enough to put right these problems. It sounds like they have fitters/Contractors that don't know what they are doing.
As far as Compensation or refitting costs by reputable fitters,
This is a minefield and usually ends up costing the customer more through courts etc!
My own experience would be to contact original contractor/builder and explore insurance options.
I have corrected quite a few poor kitchen installations and bottom line it has cost the customer to have it put right. The only saving grace could be they HAVEN'T paid for this totally substandard installation.
As a trades person, if one of our customers had any issues with something we had done then we would like the opportunity to first try and rectify any issues caused. Once you have been able to do this taking pictures and documenting any evidence then if you wish to get a third party out for advice and guidance then that would be the route to take.
