ᐅ Damaged New Interior Doors – Defect Resolution

Haus2021 schrieb:

I didn’t buy a pig in a poke. I had a sample shown to me, and that was perfectly fine for a standard hollow-core door. I’m adjusting my statement from “not exactly cheap” to more like a standard price (€1500 for 4 doors with frames including handles and installation).
There are still various other defects, including damaged strike plates (filed down completely and then pried open with a screwdriver when nothing else worked), and 3 out of 4 doors still don’t close properly… classic mistake, and from a carpenter no less.

He’s now asking for €900 from me before he will start fixing the issues (I have already sent him a notice of defects). I refused the repair with touch-up paint, and if I don’t pay, it will go to his lawyer. I’m willing 😎 Thanks again to everyone and have a nice evening

As long as you can now prove you didn’t cause the damage intentionally yourself, keep going and see if he runs out of steam or gives in. It would be unacceptable to sell you defective materials and then refuse to replace them when you report the issues.

I would actually charge him instead! (Include costs for removing and disposing of the doors and frames). Then buy and install new doors yourself (not rocket science with Bessey door clamps). I wouldn’t pay a single cent for something like that. But I would push this issue now—you want to live there eventually and not keep getting annoyed every time you notice it.

evelinoz schrieb:

The doors look cheap, I never wanted paint as a door finish since you can count the days until you cause the first scratches yourself. Especially during the move.

You have to check what is actually sold as "painted." The inexpensive ones are usually laminated and lightly painted. But it can be done quite differently...

Yes, don’t let the idiot talk you into backing down and under no circumstances pay anything. Once he has the 900 euros, you’ll never see him again. It’s unfortunate, but they are just doors. I would find someone else who can replace the doors with something decent and list the removal separately on the invoice. Then charge the idiot for that!

But first, send at least one letter to the idiot.

May I ask whether it is an established window and door carpenter or one from MyHammer? Regardless of the answer: I would take the risk anyway. The important thing is that you can prove you are not held responsible for any damage afterwards. Also, take clear detailed photos: an overview of each door, and close-ups of the damage with a scale indicator.

I sent the notice of defects with photographic documentation by registered mail with return receipt, so everything is properly documented. Especially the extensive repainting can hardly be attributed to me. Legally, not paying anything is risky; I will hardly be able to avoid paying a small amount (even though my sense of fairness strongly opposes it). Generally, it is acceptable to withhold double the amount it would cost for defect repair by someone else; since the door only has minor damage and the frame is in good condition, some payment will be necessary.

The challenge in such a case is finding someone who can explicitly confirm what counts as acceptable defect repair on my part. This almost leaves only an expert appraisal as an option.

Response to local carpenter/MyHammer: This is a local carpenter who was initially very agreeable and professional; I dealt with many tradespeople on my construction site, and there was nothing at all to complain about regarding him personally... until I calmly confronted him on site with the defects. He was completely uncooperative and even accused me of having poorly installed my parquet floor in one spot and said I was being picky with him now. I think this says a lot about his character. I would personally be very embarrassed by such work and do not understand this person at all.

I will keep you updated on how things proceed. This might also help someone in a similar situation.
Have a good evening, everyone.