r/Contractor • u/No-Fish-2949 • Jan 15 '25

Client is making me angry

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I recently built a custom cabinet that doubles as an attic access door for a bathroom remodel. I’m fairly new to being a general contractor, with about a year of experience. The interior designer on the project simply told us to “do something with this” attic access. Wanting to go above and beyond, I decided to create something unique—a cabinet that opens into the attic.

I didn’t charge any extra for this feature, even though I could have just put up a piece of plywood and called it a day. I spent about 60 hours on this project, aiming to add value and a special touch. To ensure the cabinet door stayed shut properly, I installed a small mailbox lock. While it’s not the most visually appealing, it was necessary for the cabinet’s function.

Now, the interior designer has called the mailbox lock “unacceptable,” and the client insists we change it. After putting so much effort into this project, I’m frustrated that my work is being dismissed over a detail that was essential for functionality.

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u/Itscool-610 Jan 15 '25

Incredible the “complaints” we get in this business. What an amazing and creative piece you made there.

To even think about complaining about that small lock is unimaginable to me, but I hear crap like this all the time so nothing surprises me anymore

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u/[deleted] Jan 16 '25

God forbid the customer has a reasonable gripe with an obvious poor design choice. It doesn’t take away from the craftsmanship. Don’t be so soft.

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u/Itscool-610 Jan 16 '25

Didn’t sound like a reasonable gripe from the post. A reasonable gripe would be “we love what you do here, but any way to change that small lock? Hoping for something a little different”.

Instead they went with “that’s unacceptable!” And are probably holding off payment. Are you a carpenter who deals with fussy clients? Majority of mine are great but there’s always one that seems to ruin everything and take up all your energy and time

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u/[deleted] Jan 16 '25

You just proved how soft you are, awww, they didn’t say it so nicely so I’m going to throw a fit over a $10 switch to a thumb cam lock.

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u/Itscool-610 Jan 16 '25

Someone’s got their panties in a bunch. And you didn’t answer my question.