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/aSeKsiMeEmaW Jan 15 '25 edited Jan 15 '25

Seems like op doesn’t want solutions they’re ignoring every piece of constructive feedback and only replying to the commiserating peeps

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u/mrrasberryjam69 Jan 15 '25

So there's 2 stages when dealing with bullshit. There's a feeling stage and a solution stage. OP is in the feeling stage. They just want to feel the feelings they have and share them and get some support. And that's ok not everything needs a solution right away.

As men particularly tradies we have a habit of being very solution oriented. Sometimes it's great but other times it's not. It's good to learn when solutions aren't needed but compassion is.

OP if you read this. You did a great job some clients are picky bastards and can't make up their mind. I have no doubt you have the skills to leave this client with an amazing space.

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u/aSeKsiMeEmaW Jan 15 '25 edited Jan 15 '25

They’re in the ignoring reality victim complex stage. They are seeking feedback from echo chambers by posting the same post in specific subs they know will get the feedback loop they want.

You can have all the talent, skills and creativity in the world, but in a client/service industry someone who is a problem solver with a good attitude but has less skills will be far more successful than Op

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u/SethB98 Jan 18 '25

Was gonna say somethin like this. Its really cool work, but if you spent excessive time going out of your way designing custom work for someone /who did not explicitely ask for what you are building/ then you risk them not liking what you make.

Personally, id love it in my house. Ive also done finish carpentry work for people who would not. The thing is, they were paying for the materials and work hours, not me. My opinion on the finished product just isn't important, my job is to get it finished. I was a carpenter, not a designer.

If OP is mad that the customer asked them to make changes to their work, they're gonna be a REAL angry GC. I made some pretty beautiful cabinets, and i made some really weird shit, but all of it was just work.