H is banned from picking contractors

[emisi]

We needed to have the old deck torn down that gave the apartment we're renting out a bit of outdoor space. It was in really poor shape, and had been poorly done to begin with. Since it's almost winter, I had wanted to wait until spring (the renter won't be going outside anyway) but H insisted. Since he was being so annoying about it, I told him to find a good deck builder.

Most of the really good deck builders around here are super busy still, so they wouldn't take the job. One recommended a guy to H, and H decided to go with this guy instead of getting more quotes. I didn't think this was a great idea, but H was sure it was fine.

The guy obviously has no clue how to build a deck. I'm an amateur, but I watch a lot of Holmes on Homes, so I have a good idea of what a good deck looks like versus a bad deck. This is a bad deck. He built the frame pretty well - after we called him out on reusing the old (crooked! Poorly spaced!) joist hangers. Should have been my first sign. I went up to look at it today, since it's just about done.

He used nails. Everywhere. You are NOT supposed to use nails on the decking, they pull up very badly, as evidenced by my horribly done porch and the old deck. Even better, the boards have no space in between them, so water is just going to pool up there and have nowhere to go.

I'm livid. This guy wasn't cheap, and he obviously figured we're the usual run-of-the-mill dollars-for-brains homeowners that are common in this area. I have no idea what to do now. Can he even fix this? It's almost done. Ask for a discount?

H is never picking contractors again. Sigh. He thinks I'm too picky, I always get at least three quotes, but at least my guys are always the best!

[emisi]

I'm not sure, H was handling this. He's supposed to come back on Friday to add the railing caps. I was really hoping to avoid the whole "nails and screws all up in the same board" thing with this deck that we have with our badly built porch, but I guess if I have no other option...

Still needs to add spaces between the boards, though. Water pooling = rotting = deck won't last five years. If this guy is hoping for repeat business, he is sadly mistaken.

[pitterwoo]

I have no idea, but I would want to scream.

[heygrey]

I wouldn't worry so much about the board spacing since they shrink. If you space them originally they end up with huge gaps.

The nails would piss me off and I'd insist he change them out for screws.

Have you paid this dude yet?

[emisi]

Nov 23, 2012 1:17:37 GMT -5 heygrey said:

I wouldn't worry so much about the board spacing since they shrink. If you space them originally they end up with huge gaps.

The nails would piss me off and I'd insist he change them out for screws.

Have you paid this dude yet?

I think we have. He was also supposed to finish the railings today - just the stupid caps that goes on top so you have somewhere to set your drink or whatever. He needed to get more lumber, so he left.

That was 3 1/2 hours ago. WTF, guy. He's still not back! I told H to request screws, since this was his pick.