General
Sponsored by

What's reasonable?

4,464 Views | 63 Replies | Last: 10 days ago by maroon barchetta
713nervy
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:15a, 8/31/26
AG
I had a tile company come out on Friday to cut a hole in my quartz countertop in advance of a reverse osmosis water filtration system installation. I used the tile company that the water company recommended.

Tile company comes out and I instructed him to cut a 1/2" hole in a certain spot. I go in the other room so as not to hover. He cuts the hole. It's 1.5", 3x the size that I asked for. It's also in a different spot, about an inch over from where I pointed.

This is now another problem I need to solve for the enormous hole and the small faucet that comes with the water filtration system. It's solvable but *******.

The cost to cut the whole is $250 (!!!). I'm going to refuse to pay it.

What would you do?
Reply Quote
1 edit
THE_CHOSEN_ONE
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:21a, 8/31/26
What was his reaction when you told him the hole was the wrong size and in the wrong spot?

Also, that hole is 9 times bigger than you wanted.
Reply Quote
21
1 edit
nai06
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:22a, 8/31/26
AG
Since it's quartz, I bet there is a way to patch it with a plug and then match it to the countertop with filler. I'd reach out to a quartz installer and see what they say.

I would expect the tile company to fix the hole.
Reply Quote
5
713nervy
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to nai06 • 9:28a, 8/31/26
AG
The problem is that I still need a hole near enough to that spot that it's made patching and re-drilling not an option. Plus, I'd have an ugly ass patch on my counter.
Reply Quote
1
713nervy
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to THE_CHOSEN_ONE • 9:30a, 8/31/26
AG
THE_CHOSEN_ONE said:
What was his reaction when you told him the hole was the wrong size and in the wrong spot?

Also, that hole is 9 times bigger than you wanted.

I didn't realize it before he left. The air conditioner guy was also there. My brain saw the hole, registered "hole" and moved on. It wasn't until about half an hour later when I revisited it that I realized wrong spot and big hole.
Reply Quote
nbbob
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to 713nervy • 9:38a, 8/31/26
713nervy said:
THE_CHOSEN_ONE said:
What was his reaction when you told him the hole was the wrong size and in the wrong spot?

Also, that hole is 9 times bigger than you wanted.

I didn't realize it before he left. The air conditioner guy was also there. My brain saw the hole, registered "hole" and moved on. It wasn't until about half an hour later when I revisited it that I realized wrong spot and big hole.


You paid him without looking at the work first?
Reply Quote
8
Milwaukees Best Light
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:42a, 8/31/26
AG
Maybe don't live in a third world area where you can safely drink the tap water.
Reply Quote
13
713nervy
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to nbbob • 10:06a, 8/31/26
AG
nbbob said:
713nervy said:
THE_CHOSEN_ONE said:
What was his reaction when you told him the hole was the wrong size and in the wrong spot?

Also, that hole is 9 times bigger than you wanted.

I didn't realize it before he left. The air conditioner guy was also there. My brain saw the hole, registered "hole" and moved on. It wasn't until about half an hour later when I revisited it that I realized wrong spot and big hole.


You paid him without looking at the work first?

I haven't paid. Can you read?
Reply Quote
5
1 edit
713nervy
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Milwaukees Best Light • 10:07a, 8/31/26
AG
Milwaukees Best Light said:
Maybe don't live in a third world area where you can safely drink the tap water.

Uh our entire country has a microplastics problem
Reply Quote
4
Martin Q. Blank
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to THE_CHOSEN_ONE • 10:12a, 8/31/26
THE_CHOSEN_ONE said:
Also, that hole is 9 times bigger than you wanted.

I have the same problem with OP's mom.
Reply Quote
21
Ogre09
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
10:18a, 8/31/26
AG
Obviously you shouldn't pay them $250 for drilling the wrong sized hole in the wrong spot and ****ing up your stone countertop.

Have you contacted them about their ****up?
Reply Quote
4
713nervy
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Ogre09 • 10:51a, 8/31/26
AG
Ogre09 said:
Obviously you shouldn't pay them $250 for drilling the wrong sized hole in the wrong spot and ****ing up your stone countertop.

Have you contacted them about their ****up?

It's not obvious to me, which is why I'm seeking validation. I needed a hole, they drilled one. The ****up can be fixed, just more space than I'd planned to give a little water spout in an already-too-small sink. Every time I look at it, it's going to piss me off for as long as I live here.

Sounds like the right thing to do is to refuse payment altogether, which was my plan.

I HAVE contacted them, awaiting them to call me back.
Reply Quote
1 edit
nbbob
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to 713nervy • 10:51a, 8/31/26
713nervy said:
nbbob said:
713nervy said:
THE_CHOSEN_ONE said:
What was his reaction when you told him the hole was the wrong size and in the wrong spot?

Also, that hole is 9 times bigger than you wanted.

I didn't realize it before he left. The air conditioner guy was also there. My brain saw the hole, registered "hole" and moved on. It wasn't until about half an hour later when I revisited it that I realized wrong spot and big hole.


You paid him without looking at the work first?

I haven't paid. Can you read?


I guess I read about as well as you check out work being done at your house!
Reply Quote
20
713nervy
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to nbbob • 10:53a, 8/31/26
AG
nbbob said:
713nervy said:
nbbob said:
713nervy said:
THE_CHOSEN_ONE said:
What was his reaction when you told him the hole was the wrong size and in the wrong spot?

Also, that hole is 9 times bigger than you wanted.

I didn't realize it before he left. The air conditioner guy was also there. My brain saw the hole, registered "hole" and moved on. It wasn't until about half an hour later when I revisited it that I realized wrong spot and big hole.


You paid him without looking at the work first?

I haven't paid. Can you read?


I guess I read about as well as you check out work being done at your house!

I checked it out fine, it was already done. Not much I can do about it if I give them specific instruction and they don't follow it. He was here and gone in less than 10 minutes.
Reply Quote
A-A Ron
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
11:00a, 8/31/26
Imagine paying $250 for something a drill and a $30 bit could have done in 5 min. and it be the correct size in the correct spot....
Reply Quote
11
austinAG90
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
11:00a, 8/31/26
AG
So all of this because you got drilled in the wrong hole ?
Reply Quote
36
Claude!
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
11:01a, 8/31/26
I have no solutions to offer, but will commiserate. That sucks.
Reply Quote
9
MonkeyKnifeFighter
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
11:03a, 8/31/26
The lack of unserious replies and obvious ban-worthy jokes in this thread is confirmation we've fully transitioned from the "your mom!" board to the "you're Mom" board.

I would be very upset. There's no suitable recourse. I've had to get over feeling micromanager'ey about stuff like this and legit watch over people's shoulders when jobs seem simple (but it really matters).
Reply Quote
10
OnlyForNow
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
11:07a, 8/31/26
AG
It may not be able to be fixed, besides being filled in and moving the faucet. Structurally the quartz might be compromised and not able to be drilled in the right spot now - so if you had to have it in that spot the entire countertop might be wasted.


So 1) ya I would not pay them a penny, yet. 2) I'd have the worker's boss come out and look at it and recommend a fix at their cost. 3) put a sticker in the center of where you want the hole to be and a taped off area approximately the dimensions you want the hole.
Reply Quote
7
toucan82
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to 713nervy • 11:07a, 8/31/26
713nervy said:
Milwaukees Best Light said:
Maybe don't live in a third world area where you can safely drink the tap water.

Uh our entire country has a microplastics problem


That's what the fake news wants you to think. Do some research
Reply Quote
11
agnerd
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to 713nervy • 11:15a, 8/31/26
AG
713nervy said:
Milwaukees Best Light said:
Maybe don't live in a third world area where you can safely drink the tap water.

Uh our entire country has a microplastics problem

And life expectancy continues to increase. Maybe microplastics are healthy.
Reply Quote
5
Ryan the Temp
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
11:24a, 8/31/26
AG
My initial thought is the tile guy just bought a new countertop. I had this happen at my house when the fabricators cut the range opening incorrectly. They had to eat an entire slab of quartz to fix their error.
Reply Quote
18
Serious Lee
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
11:32a, 8/31/26
most practical solution would probably be to fix a rubber/plastic grommet in the hole, and run the spout through there. It may be off center of the sink and a bit of an eyesore, but your affordable options are very limited at this point.

You'll have to use your femine wiles to renege on the payment to the shoddy contractor.
Reply Quote
Slicer97
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to A-A Ron • 11:43a, 8/31/26
AG
A-A Ron said:
Imagine paying $250 for something a drill and a $30 bit could have done in 5 min. and it be the correct size in the correct spot....

This was kinda where my brain went.
Reply Quote
9
FIDO*98*
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
11:50a, 8/31/26
AG
I'd insist on a new replacement countertop. Period

You were very specific in your instructions and as you pointed out, there is no unseeing it. When we built our house the master bath was not plumbed correctly in the foundation and instead of a freestanding faucet, we ended up with a faucet coming out of the wall. 15 years later I still ***** about it.

They need to replace the entire countertop and chalk it up to a learning experience
Reply Quote
11
cas8019
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
11:53a, 8/31/26
AG
Your only retribution is to track the person down and burn his truck to the ground.

It's the only way to feel better.
Kiss my beans
Reply Quote
9
GAC06
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
11:53a, 8/31/26
AG
Buy a metal spacer that matches the RO faucet
Reply Quote
1
nbbob
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to agnerd • 12:02p, 8/31/26
agnerd said:
713nervy said:
Milwaukees Best Light said:
Maybe don't live in a third world area where you can safely drink the tap water.

Uh our entire country has a microplastics problem

And life expectancy continues to increase. Maybe microplastics are healthy.


Not to mention it wastes 3 to 4 times the amount of water it produces. But that's a worry for another thread!
Reply Quote
1
AgsMyDude
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
12:05p, 8/31/26
AG
Congrats on your new countertops
Reply Quote
5
maroon barchetta
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to cas8019 • 12:24p, 8/31/26
cas8019 said:
Your only retribution is to track the person down and burn his truck to the ground.

It's the only way to feel better.


What if Iowa is in a burn ban?
Reply Quote
4
713nervy
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Slicer97 • 12:43p, 8/31/26
AG
Slicer97 said:
A-A Ron said:
Imagine paying $250 for something a drill and a $30 bit could have done in 5 min. and it be the correct size in the correct spot....

This was kinda where my brain went.

Remember who you're talking to and adjust your expectations.
Reply Quote
3
cas8019
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to maroon barchetta • 12:52p, 8/31/26
AG
Wear a mask?
Kiss my beans
Reply Quote
1
62strat
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:46p, 8/31/26
AG
a few questions;

Is this a newly installed counter top, or an existing one? If new, did this person/company install it, or is this an unrelated trade that cut the bum hole?
Do you have any sort of documentation of location/size the hole was supposed to be? Like a template? Or the instructions to the device you were going to install which shows the hole size?


I put a counter top on outdoor kitchen a while back, and the installer came and measured, I had my sink on site, etc.
They show up a week later with the top, and the sink hole is in the wrong spot. This was a metal framed kitchen, and the sink needed to be 6" from front edge. But the fabricator messed up, he just defaulted to a standard 3". Luckily, we both had the template/drawing that showed the 6" offset.

They ate that full 10' piece of ctop and got me a new one.


All to say, and maybe this is lesson learned, but when you do stuff like this, never just point and say cut a half inch hole. Get documentation to overcome language barriers and miscommunication. Also, never worry about 'bothering' a trade. Who is bothered now?? I watch them like hawks. Trades notoriously **** **** up if you don't babysit them. Not always mess ups, but when it comes to 'judgement' calls, I have found their judgement never lines up with mine.

Also, have the person installing that ctop do the cutting, so they are on the hook for a messup.
Reply Quote
3
Slicer97
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to 713nervy • 1:53p, 8/31/26
AG
713nervy said:
Slicer97 said:
A-A Ron said:
Imagine paying $250 for something a drill and a $30 bit could have done in 5 min. and it be the correct size in the correct spot....

This was kinda where my brain went.

Remember who you're talking to and adjust your expectations.

That's fair, I guess.
Reply Quote
1
713nervy
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to 62strat • 1:55p, 8/31/26
AG
Good questions.

This is an existing countertop installed by my uncle in 2020. The hole being cut is for a secondary faucet, not the primary for the sink.

No documentation. The Culligan guy who is going to install the RO system pointed to the spot he wanted the hole and told me a half inch hole. I then called the company he recommended to cut the hole, repeated exactly what the Culligan guy said, then went back to discussing the HVAC situation with the HVAC guy who was still there. Hole was cut, he packed up and left after telling me to call the office to work out payment details (small town). A little while later I double checked the hole and realized the mistake.

I understand what he did - he did the default, just like your guy did. Unfortunately replacing the entire slab would be pretty significant and unreasonable, from my perspective, because the problem is solvable. It's just an unnecessary fix that wouldn't have been required had they done the work right.
Reply Quote
1 edit
Page 1 of 2 ▼
 
×
subscribe Verify your student status
See Subscription Benefits
Trial only available to users who have never subscribed or participated in a previous trial.