Software
Houzz Logo Print
jowitak

One switch for under and upper cabinets lights?

4 months ago

My contractor without asking me, installed under cabinet lighting and upper cabinets inside lights under one switch. Now he says I need to pay for another day's work because I want something unusual? Is he correct or just unexperienced?

Comments (14)

  • 4 months ago
    last modified: 4 months ago

    For me, those would be 2 separate zones/uses and require 2 switches.

    Why didn't he ask you what you wanted before he did the job? He's lazy and is now blaming you!

    jowitak thanked chispa
  • 4 months ago
    last modified: 4 months ago

    When I asked him that, he said that the usual thing is to combine them under one switch, when I said I read differently, he said I read too much...lol

  • PRO
    4 months ago

    I don't know where your live, but I know of no place in the U.S. where that's the "usual thing." The contractor is at fault and should fix the problem. If he/she does not, then take him/her to the BBB. If that does not work, small claims court.

    jowitak thanked StarCraft Custom Builders
  • 4 months ago
    last modified: 4 months ago

    We live in Ga, Usa. Well, the delicate thing is that he is my daughter's boyfriend father. I am trying to stay polite and friendly...

  • 4 months ago

    Those are two different things /definitely require two different switches.


    I understand being polite and friendly, but if you don't push for two switches, you'll always regret it. And HE KNOWS he's trying to cover up laziness.

    jowitak thanked Theresa Peterson
  • 4 months ago

    I know, I also find this disrespectfull and arrogant. Sad.

  • 4 months ago

    I sure hope your daughter's boyfriend doesn't take after his dad...


    If you think this might be a long-term relationship, I would probably bite my tongue, swallow my pride, and pay him to fix his mistake, for the sake of family unity.


    If your daughter decides she doesn't want to be involves with a family including this man, make a big enough stink that he is forced to fix it on his dime. Only you can decide if that route is worth the time and effort.


    Option 3 - and probably your best bet - hire a reputable electrician to fix it. No drama, no hard feelings.

    jowitak thanked AnnKH
  • 4 months ago

    This is the story of every contractor I have ever worked with: They make a mistake, blame it on me, and are an arrogant ass on top of it. Sorry you are dealing with this and they are your machatunim on top of it. (Yiddish for the parent of your kid's partner.)


    It is in insane that he didn't even ask you.


    Could the burn no bridges compromise be to negotiate down to a half day? You shouldn't have to do it, but in sentitivity to the relationship, maybe it would work?

    jowitak thanked Kendrah
  • 4 months ago

    They should be on 2 separate switches.


    I have several different switches in my kitchen. Separate switch for lights over island, separate switch for main kitchen lighting, separate switch for undercabinet lighting, separate switch for light over sink and each light over my other 2 windows have their own switches.

    jowitak thanked Clyde Kalvin
  • 4 months ago

    Thank you all for confirming what I already suspected. At least I know who I am dealing with...

  • 4 months ago

    I’m kind of with Kendrah, split the difference (he didn’t ask, you didn’t say, but wasn’t it on the agreed to plans in the first place?). But also with AnnKH: get someone else to fix it. If the BF’s dad comes over for dinner some time, he might notice, but then he will see that maybe HE should do some more reading.

  • 4 months ago

    Mine are two separate switches. I never had to ask it check on that; the electrician just installed them that way. Get this fixed before you do a backsplash if the switches are on a wall that will be tiled.

  • 4 months ago

    He already fixed it. We said we will pay for that, just for the peace ... Thank you all for your answers.

Sponsored
J.Holderby - Renovations
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars4 Reviews
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!