Am I irrational for thinking I deserve a discount?

[connorlevismom]

I will try and keep this short and sweet.

We are putting in a fence and we bid the job out with 4 companies. My husband chose the company and we placed that order. That was 3 1/2 weeks ago. To me, waiting 3 1/2 weeks for the materials seems a bit crazy but I went with it. My husband said they said it would take 2 weeks to get the materials.

They were supposed to come out today at 8:30 and install the fence saying they would most likely be able to get it done all in one day but it may take a day and a half. I was OK with the extra 1/2 day because I was just really excited about getting the fence. We have two dogs that we are having to take out on the leash everytime they want to go out. It gets old and I am 7 months pregnant and not really feeling like climbing the stairs for this anymore. So today they show up at their scheduled time and start to drill the holes. In doing this they drilled into 2 of our sprinkler lines which my husband says is to be expected. Ok - whatever. They they discover that oh no, they have the wrong fence posts. They have to call the shop and see if they have the right size in stock.

Well, we get an e-mail from the owner saying they ordered the correct size posts but they were sent an incorrect size by the manufactuer and they will be out in another 7-10 days to install the fence with the correct posts. I am NOT cool with this AT ALL. I don't care what happened and who is at fault. I am not at fault because someone else screwed up! They act like it is no big deal!

First of all, you should double check your orders when they come in to make sure they are correct. Second of all, now I have to wait another week to week and a half to get my fence? To me, this is completely unacceptable and I think that we should get some money off the fence. My husband thinks that I am overreacting and just simply says "what are you going to do?" and "it is what it is". That makes me even more mad that he is so willing to let it slide as if it is no big deal. IT IS a big deal!

So please tell me, am I irrational for expecting a discount on the fence now after all this? I mean, I already waited over a week longer than they said it would take to get the materials in! I told my husband to let me know the guys e-mail because I was going to e-mail him about it. But I want to make sure that I am not actng irrational about it.

Kristine

 

[happygirl]

I wouldn't expect one. Things do happen. It was a holiday weekend. I'm sorry you are upset

 

[CowboyCO]

I think it is what it is, as well. But you can always ring them up and ask what they would do to compensate you for all the delays. The worst that can happen is that they say no.

 

[brunette8706]

Hi!

You are no way irrational! Not at all! It was their mistake because they ordered the wrong post PLUS they damaged your sprinkler system. Yes, I wouldn't ask them for a discount I would tell them. If they do not concur, then bill them for the sprinkler system and get a new contractor for the fence. You have been more than patient.

 

[hiwaygal]

I don't think you are being irrational. Both you and the contractor signed a contract agreeing to certain terms. Check that document and see if it says anything about delays, etc.

The contractor should be responsible for fixing your sprinkler lines as well.

Try talking with them and see what they are willing to do. If you don't get anywhere, consider sending him a certified letter stating that you feel as though the contractor is not acting "in good faith" (use those words exactly) in making sufficient progress on your fencing project.

Many "professional" contracts have clauses for liquidated damages (the contractor is charged so much $$$ per day of delay)...you may ask him about any liquidated damages you are entitled to or what other options he can offer.

 

[2BigKIdz]

What type of fence is it? I'm just wondering since it seems like a really long time for a fence company to get in fencing materials.

 

[RNMOM]

Honestly I have had fencing, carpet, concrete drive, roofing, siding, windows, kitchen remodel and many other things done to my home and it rarely happens when they say it should. They try to schedule for everyone's convenince but it is rarely going to go smoothly. Don't forget the weather can also play a roll.

Relax and be pleasant. They will be much more likely to do a good job and be cooperative if you just relax about it. This is the way it is with all these people. You want them to do their best don't you? Don't antagonize them. You can politely express your displeasure but I sure wouldn't be too rough on them now.

 

[RadioNate]

Honestly I have had fencing, carpet, concrete drive, roofing, siding, windows, kitchen remodel and many other things done to my home and it rarely happens when they say it should. They try to schedule for everyone's convenince but it is rarely going to go smoothly. Don't forget the weather can also play a roll.

Relax and be pleasant. They will be much more likely to do a good job and be cooperative if you just relax about it. This is the way it is with all these people. You want them to do their best don't you? Don't antagonize them. You can politely express your displeasure but I sure wouldn't be too rough on them now.

I agree. I have never had a home improvement job go smoothly. I don't think it is possible. Heck, the fact that they showed up when they said they would is HUGE in my book. I've had contractors who told me 9 am show up at 3!

I do not think you are irrational for WANTING a discount. But I also think they will laugh at you and just drag the job out longer to annoy you. That is the way it seems to go.

I however would hold off on any payments until the job is complete. After that, ask about a change in payment and deduct from the final amount. Obviously, you should never pay in full up front but many companies require deposits or payment in thirds.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

We just had a fence installed. And we have been taking our 2 dogs on a leash since last April. (2 apartments, TX and MO and now our house, yea!)

We still need a deck so I am still taking them out on a leash until we get that. At least I can let them go in the backyard now.

We have ROCK. I am on a bluff. So we knew that the install might take longer and cost more if we hit a rock shelf. He hit a few which made the price go up.

I would be irritated however your DH chose them. He agreed to their terms.

Expecting a discount is a little over the top. Sorry....

 

[BoyLovesBuzz]

You said you got 4 quotes. Did you take the cheapest, or did you get references and go with the best value\most reputable? Sometimes you get what you pay for.

When we got our fence, the guy dropped off an orange can of spray paint before hand, and told me to mark sprinklers, termite traps, whatever they may run into. They made it my responsibility. I also had to either get a survey, or at least find the official property line spikes.


Sorry you're having a hard time. Good luck.

BTW: I wouldn't expect a discount, but that is just me.

 

[eliza61]

I'm thinking this is your first time dealing with building or construction contractors?
Rarely do any home improvement jobs come in on schedule, with out delay. Now I definitely think they need to do some thing about the holes in the sprinkler but as for delays don't hold out any hope on that one.

I rented some chairs for a big 4th of july party last weekend. It took them until yesterday to pick up the chairs & tables, after telling me they'd be there on Sunday.
Even cable repair guy never comes on time.

 

[bicker]

I wouldn't expect one. Things do happen. It was a holiday weekend. I'm sorry you are upset

I agree. If time is of the essence, it should be made part of the contract, explicitly with pre-determined penalties ("discounts") if installation is late. (Note that you'll pay more for such assurances; that is the value of shifting the risk of delay wholly onto the installer.)

You said you got 4 quotes. Did you take the cheapest, or did you get references and go with the best value\most reputable? Sometimes you get what you pay for.

Good point. These things (reputation, qualifications, experience, and assurances) all have value, and all are reflected in price. The push for the lowest cost often leaves us with lesser suppliers.

Sorry you're having a hard time. Good luck.

BTW: I wouldn't expect a discount, but that is just me.

Ditto on both accounts.

 

[jel0511]

As for the sprinkle head, you might not have a leg to stand on, depending on your contract with the fencing company. I also have underground sprinklers, and in EVERY fencing contract I saw, there was a clause that stated they (the fencing company) WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE to any damage that installing the fence might cause to my sprinkler heads/lines. That I could independently pay my sprinkler company to come out and mark the lines/heads and they'd do their best to avoid them, but IF they hit them, it was still my responsibility to fix them. Read your contract with the fencing company, they probably aren't responsible for the damage.

 

[Kies99]

We just started a 2-storey addition on the back of our house this week so I can somewhat feel your pain.

However, these delays would not be deal breakers for me and I wouldn't get upset. Yeah, it stinks but these things happen.

As for the sprinklers, you do need to check into those. I would think that as long as the contractor was aware there was a sprinkler system, he should be responsible (his insurance should cover it or he should out of pocket).

 

[PatsGirl]

No, you are not being irrational. Everyone here has good points but isn't it a sad state of affairs when we expect bad/slow service and then don't feel justified in speaking out? That's why I almost always hire the "little guy", someone with great local references. If the job is delayed, they call you personally, explain the situation and how they are going to fix it, and apologize for the delay - to me that is better than a discount.

 

[Allison]

I wouldn't bother pursuing a discount.

 

[HighClass]

Do you live anywhere near a Home Depot or lowe's??
To me-any part a fence guy needs is there.

 

[wall*e2008]

I will try and keep this short and sweet.

We are putting in a fence and we bid the job out with 4 companies. My husband chose the company and we placed that order. That was 3 1/2 weeks ago. To me, waiting 3 1/2 weeks for the materials seems a bit crazy but I went with it. My husband said they said it would take 2 weeks to get the materials.

They were supposed to come out today at 8:30 and install the fence saying they would most likely be able to get it done all in one day but it may take a day and a half. I was OK with the extra 1/2 day because I was just really excited about getting the fence. We have two dogs that we are having to take out on the leash everytime they want to go out. It gets old and I am 7 months pregnant and not really feeling like climbing the stairs for this anymore. So today they show up at their scheduled time and start to drill the holes. In doing this they drilled into 2 of our sprinkler lines which my husband says is to be expected. Ok - whatever. They they discover that oh no, they have the wrong fence posts. They have to call the shop and see if they have the right size in stock.

Well, we get an e-mail from the owner saying they ordered the correct size posts but they were sent an incorrect size by the manufactuer and they will be out in another 7-10 days to install the fence with the correct posts. I am NOT cool with this AT ALL. I don't care what happened and who is at fault. I am not at fault because someone else screwed up! They act like it is no big deal!

First of all, you should double check your orders when they come in to make sure they are correct. Second of all, now I have to wait another week to week and a half to get my fence? To me, this is completely unacceptable and I think that we should get some money off the fence. My husband thinks that I am overreacting and just simply says "what are you going to do?" and "it is what it is". That makes me even more mad that he is so willing to let it slide as if it is no big deal. IT IS a big deal!

So please tell me, am I irrational for expecting a discount on the fence now after all this? I mean, I already waited over a week longer than they said it would take to get the materials in! I told my husband to let me know the guys e-mail because I was going to e-mail him about it. But I want to make sure that I am not actng irrational about it.

Kristine

No reason to expect a discount. We had to wait for our material for our fence. It took longer than expected. That can happen and should not be a surprise.

 

[hiwaygal]

No, you are not being irrational. Everyone here has good points but isn't it a sad state of affairs when we expect bad/slow service and then don't feel justified in speaking out? That's why I almost always hire the "little guy", someone with great local references. If the job is delayed, they call you personally, explain the situation and how they are going to fix it, and apologize for the delay - to me that is better than a discount.

When we accept bad service without saying a word then that is what we will get.

Almost everyone here has said they are willing to accept the delays without any compensation. "That's just how it is." But that's how we've allowed it to become.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Do you live anywhere near a Home Depot or lowe's??
To me-any part a fence guy needs is there.

They ordered the wrong posts, that is not a "part" that is your fence base.