What to do about defective home repairs?

5 years ago

Hello,

I recently had 2 bathrooms completely remodeled but I noticed several issues and would like some feedback on how best to proceed. Most of the issues were plumbing related so I had our family plumber (who is licensed) come and check the work. He noted the following issues:

3 of the 4 sinks installed are leaking
The electrical work in the hall bath isn't code compliant (he asked an electrician friend on this).
The master shower value was installed off center (not sure if this is a defect).
The grout on the title work wasn't sealed

The sub-contractor who did the plumbing work is licensed as a general contractor and does not have the plumber specialty license. Also, permits weren't pulled by the General Contractor and inspections were not performed by the city. The contract clearly states the GC is responsible for pulling permits.

The total cost of the job was about $35K but I've only paid $15K to date. I still owe about $20K. Can I force the GC to complete the repairs and get the proper permits before I pay them the final balance? Also, would any additional cost be covered by the GC?

I appreciate anyone's input.

Thank you,

Michael

Featured Answer

PRO

Joseph Corlett, LLC

5 years ago

" I still owe about $20K. Can I force the GC to complete the repairs and get the proper permits before I pay them the final balance?"

Absolutely.

"Also, would any additional cost be covered by the GC?"

He has two choices to get his balance paid in full. 1. Fix the items and eat the cost. 2. Have you fix the items and take the cost of fixing them off the balance.

Tell him that if everything isn't fixed in 10 days, you'll be calling inspection.

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Comments (9)

Jake The Wonderdog
5 years ago
Post some photos of the work that was done please.
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Michael Lawrence
Original Author
5 years ago
photos are difficult because they are mostly under counter water leaks. First one is water leak from under the sink in the master bath, second is of electrical line coming out through the drywall / cabinet. I was told by our plumber that this is not up to code in CA.
ShadyWillowFarm
5 years ago
Wow, did you check that he is insured? I would fire him and hire someone else. He can’t be trusted.
Michael Lawrence
Original Author
5 years ago
Yeah, they were recommended by the insurance company. Licensed & bonded in California. However, they have a citation from Dec 2019 for substandard workmanship.
Jake The Wonderdog
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I was more interested in the tile / grout work.

Here's the thing:

1. A minor leak under the sink isn't a "confidence builder" but it's not that uncommon in something like this. I'm guessing it's an easy fix. You do have to wonder why there were so many leaks.

2. Is that electrical code or not? I'm not in California... the point is that you need to have an answer to that before you go forward.

3. The tile work will say a lot more about the quality of the work.

4. Installing a valve off-center would make me mad every time I was in the shower.

5. Not pulling a permit is a red flag.

For the amount of money you spent (depending on the scope) you should have gotten a legit job.
Michael Lawrence thanked Jake The Wonderdog
Michael Lawrence
Original Author
5 years ago
Additional photo showing leak from underneath dishwasher.
Michael Lawrence
Original Author
5 years ago
thanks Jake. I've asked them for permits and inspection report for the shower installation as a "hot mop" shower install requires an inspection in California. If they didn't get pull permits / get an inspection than I am going to withhold payment and go with another contractor.
Jake The Wonderdog
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
That all sucks. I'd have someone go through the plumbing to make sure its' all tight. Minor leaks do show up under sinks sometimes, but most of us check pretty carefully - both the supply and the drain - before we walk away from a job. Callbacks aren't fun - and if it damages the sink base it gets expensive. Most plumbing isn't that difficult - but having some experience is helpful to prevent these kinds of situations.

It's difficult to imagine how the faucet was installed off-center.

You need to document everything. Don't expect that he's going to not push back on the $20K.

The shower base and tile waterproofing is what would worry me most. It's what can result in a tear-out and redo. Besides an inspection, it's always good to take pictures of that work in progress and know how it's supposed to be done.