CAN YOU JUST?
This is our number one question, by a longshot! Can you just … figure out why the dryer isn’t working, even though we hired you to work on our kitchen? (it was jammed with birds’ nests, yes multiple). Can you just … move that light fixture again? (yes, for the 5th time, true story!) Can you just … change the countertop—now that we see it installed in our kitchen we don’t love it?! (actually yes and no, unfortunately countertops cannot be returned or exchanged, we would need to order and pay for an entirely new countertop).
But just because we can do a lot of things, doesn’t mean that we should. Many years ago we were asked to install a marble floor, in an entryway, for a senior citizen, in a community with 6 months or more of snow. It was clear to everyone, except the senior, that this would create an extreme falling hazard. We did not say yes to that project.
The marble floor was an extreme example. Typically the answer is yes, but there is a cost associated with the request. Maybe it’s just one hour of labour (for bird nest removal).
It is our job to explain what the request involves, and then provide a cost for materials and labour. It is each homeowner’s job to then decide if the “can you just” item is worth it to them.
Let’s talk real world examples. A homeowner orders a tub, or a sink, or a toilet after viewing it in a showroom. But when it is installed in their home – uh oh, that’s not quite what they wanted. Can you just … get a new tub/sink/toilet? Some items can be re-boxed and returned, for a simple re-stocking fee. Most items are not returnable. So each homeowner can decide if they want to sell the problem item on Kijiji (FB Marketplace or a garage sale), keep the problem item, and install it in another room (for example in a guest bathroom), or ask the contractor (us) to dispose of it for them. Honestly, we don’t usually have time to sell items on behalf of clients. Philanthropists can also donate household items to Habitat for Humanity, or other recycling places.
Can you just … change the paint colour? Typically we do one to two coats of primer, then two coats of a customer’s choice. When a homeowner says, “I’ve changed my mind, I don’t want pink anymore, I prefer blue,” it’s just about having a conversation. We provided what was originally requested and quoted. Yes, we can do 2 more coats of blue paint, but those materials and that labour goes beyond the original quote. We get it, people change their mind. Unfortunately no one on our crew can work for free during these inflationary times.
Can you just … add 500 square feet to this project? Yes, but that’s a really big deal. The drawings need to go back to the architect, then back to the structural engineer, then back to the development and building permit offices, …. It can all be done, but we want to make sure that choice is worth it for the homeowner in terms of time and money.
If you ever hire us, and find those words coming out of your mouth, “can you just?” just know that you’re normal. We hear it on almost every project. And know that you have choices. We can do a wide variety of projects, but we will be honest if we have concerns about your request, or if a request has extra costs (time or money costs).