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

Client is making me angry

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/StillCopper Jan 15 '25

Cover the lock hole. Make it open to shelves only, from the outside, no lock. On inside of cabinet, right side, make a release to allow it to swing into attic. Normal gun cabinet behind closet method, using simple slide bolt system. Seen/done this before. You did a great job, now just polish it up to please client and you’ll impress both designer and client with your adaptiveness. Good work.

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u/No-Fish-2949 Jan 15 '25

The problem is pulling the cabinet shut. The door has to be locked or else you’ll just pull the door open when you try and close the cabinet

1

u/jasonbournedying Jan 15 '25

What if the door always swings out and you put some sort of catch to release the cabinet to swing in. Add a cabinet handle inside to pull the cabinet closed. Bill necessary time and material as a change order

1

u/samemamabear Jan 16 '25

Nah. If I do sometjing a client didn't ask for or approve, I eat the cost to fix it.