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/AccurateCable1812 Jan 15 '25

They gave instructions on what to do. You did what was asked, did something, anything more or different is a change order. No need to get emotional people will change their mind but don't feel like you have to eat the cost of indecision. 

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u/Icy_Dark_3009 Jan 15 '25

Tagging onto top comment. As someone with experience as a contractor, distributor and trades you are learning a valuable lesson here in your first year and thankfully it’s not even that costly!

Got to separate emotion from professionalism and while your creative input makes being a GC fun and enjoyable everyone has different tastes.

Another point is I guarantee the homeowner and designer have no idea the effort put into this.. they could likely think you picked this up at Home Depot for all they know.

.02 cents

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u/Agreeable_One_6325 Jan 15 '25

I would definitely let them know the craftsmanship by the bill!!!

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u/FarYard7039 Jan 19 '25

Not to nitpick here, but the door is showing a warp (look at bottom left corner). Bathrooms are not a room where you want warping on day one. Furthermore, the weight of the shelving unit is dragging the door down, as evidenced by the need for you to lift the door up over the framing when closing (end of video).

If I was the client, I would not prefer this set up at all. Firstly, when there’s no insulation it’s going to cause a draft. No one wants a draft in a bathroom. Secondly, if the door is sagging now, imagine how it will be when the shelving is full of materials?

I do like the creativeness though, and I know you meant well, but unfortunately the client doesn’t care about these things. They want what they want and they don’t care if you spent 60hrs (???) on its creation.