How do I thank my contractor, mid-job, design screw up

7 years ago

So we screwed up on the design of two windows. Before framing my contractor asked if we were sure about the height/size of the windows and we said ‘Yes!’ I don’t know what my hubby and I were thinking but when I saw the window framed out, I didn’t like it. Windows were too high, too small and made no sense. But we decided to stay on course (my husband was against changing and thought it looked fine). I figured I’d get used to it and it only looked odd because it was framing only. So we ordered windows, and then wiring went in, and then they prepped for stucco and so on. I would internally cringe every time I saw that wall. We’re about finish low voltage today and start insulating tomorrow. I mentioned how much I hate that wall to my contractor this morning and how this would be something that would bother me, and something that my husband would never agree to pay to correct since it didn’t bother him at all. And asked if we could do some decorative molding or something to make it look like it wasn’t just a bad mistake. He said he’d look at it. A few hours later, he called and said that there wasn’t any decorative fix for this...and gave me an early house warming gift of two larger windows at his cost. They moved the wiring today, will work around this area for drywall until we get the taller windows in 10 days. Without charging us...without delaying the timeline. I started crying while talking to him. What can I do, right now, to thank him?? Help!

Featured Answer

User

7 years ago

A gift certificate for two to the best steak house in town. And forgiveness later when whatever happens that he needs it for.

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Comments (19)

PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
7 years ago
Say thanks and be patient until the end. Hate be so cynical, but he may need to play this card later.
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PRO
toddinmn
7 years ago
Cash and beer
miss lindsey (She/Her)
7 years ago
No alcohol unless you know the recipient extremely well (ie family or very close friends), it's not welcomed by everyone.

This is a fantastic story, I'm very very happy for you.

In addition to the other good ideas some home baked goodies wouldn't go amiss I'm sure :)
kthayes
7 years ago
This so awesome! I gave my construction guys (not boss workers) hand written thank you notes, they were floored, said it was the first time they had ever received a thank you note for work done.
schreibdave
7 years ago
Tell your friends and neighbors how much you enjoyed working with the guy.
PRO
Classic Home Improvements
7 years ago
Online reviews are GOLD for contractors. Go on Angie's List, Google Places, Houzz, Yelp and write a 5 star review saying how amazing he is. Don't promote that he gave you anything for free, though, because future clients might expect it. Ask him what other sites you can provide feedback on. Let future clients call you as a reference and if a potential client wants to walk through your house - let them. Congrats on picking a great contractor!
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
7 years ago
A thank you note on every review site is worth more than everything else (don’t mention the specifics of the free windows), plus a dozen donuts for his workers.
hemina
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you all for your ideas! I’ve bought gift cards to a very nice steakhouse and will be writing a thank you card that the whole family will sign. My mom brings the workers drinks, water and ice several times a week. I’ll bake some cookies to bring over for tomorrow. And yes, I will be posting reviews and referring him to friends, family and neighbors.
PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
7 years ago
This is a good example of how many builders (in my experience) go above and beyond the normal delivery of services. They (and the people that work for them) are good people and they do not look at it as their job, they look at it as their life.
couchgolfer
7 years ago
I would say your contractor was prepared for this. But a raving review goes a long way.
saratogaswizzlestick
7 years ago
Ah, it sounds like you have been good to your contractors all along and in turn they are watching out for you. Love Sophie Wheeler's idea of a steak dinner and your follow through. How nice to hear a good contractor story for a change.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
7 years ago
Never mention the free windows in your reviews.
Judy Mishkin
7 years ago
....and wait til the project is done. as my grandma used to say "many's the slip twixt cup and lip".
robin0919
7 years ago
ditto what Sophie and Todd said.
hemina
Original Author
7 years ago
His response...

“I know I made your day yesterday but... you just made mine! Very thoughtful of you guys but definitely not necessary. I really do love helping people and your kind words make it all worth it. BTW, Morton’s happens to be one of my Favs! I also feel as lucky to have you guys have the trust and faith in me to build your dreams! Thank you again!”

...and then we had a 2.5 hour conversation about my kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

I’m sure things will come up during the finishing stage we’ve entered, and I’m ready and willing to forgive him for mistakes that happen. At least I know the foundation and guts of this house are 100%. He’s slightly OCD so things are pretty meticulous on the job itself. As he said in the beginning, he’s likes things more perfect than most homeowners he works with, so not too worried!
PRO
User
7 years ago
a nice bottle of scotch.. lol
miss lindsey (She/Her)
7 years ago
Window 1 you should take a look back through the previous comments. You'll see hemina's fantastic updates ;-)
freeoscar
7 years ago
we had a relationship like this with our builder. he changed some things free of charge, and then there were a couple of minor things we had asked for that he forgot to include or were maybe misunderstandings, but were hardly make or break. it's much nicer for both sides than nickling and diming every change.