Another brilliant customer

[Stanios]

Just got this through the email.
She called up and told me the towel rail isnt right because the pipes are " bent out of shape and look wrong"
This is after Ive told her two times the pipes will come from boxin into the towel rail, pipe holes were there for like a week
Probably my last bathroom project for a while..

 

[AlexGas]

It is a lot to look at...

 

[ShaunCorbs]

so is that getting boxed in? if not tbh that looks a mess and too low

 

[Riley]

I hate bathrooms so much. Too much going on in them and customers always seem to be pains

 

[hammers4spanner]

so is that getting boxed in? if not tbh that looks a mess and too low

I assumed it was as stanios said from boxing

 

[AlexGas]

Box it and drop the rad a bit lower.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

I assumed it was as stanios said from boxing

thats what i thought until i noticed all of it was in chrome got me thinking then

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Box it and drop the rad a bit lower.

i would say rad height was fine so your going to box the pipes in and shes happy with this?

 

[Rickster123]

Boxing in compression joints?? Mmm....

 

[Phil]

For me chrome pipes coming either straight out of wall or floor or boxing, takes longer and never gets me home for 4pm (not that I ever am) but its looks right.

 

[AlexGas]

For me chrome pipes coming either straight out of wall or floor or boxing, takes longer and never gets me home for 4pm (not that I ever am) but its looks right.

Just like this:

 

[AlexGas]

Boxing in compression joints?? Mmm....

There will be access though. Tiling over or laminate floor is a no-no.

 

[AlexGas]

Just like this:
View attachment 27382

That's more money.

 

[Stanios]

Nah that was the finished product, the boxin i was refering to was the one on the right of the rad. The holes were there and told her twice it will be run in chrome from them holes. Dont know how I could do any neater with that method. She came back with that after i've fitted it.

This job already caused me enough grief just like all my previous bathroom jobs, pretty much every plumber I've ever worked with moaned about bathroom jobs and I spoken to two who quit self employment after a bathroom job gone wrong.

 

[mfgs]

Bathrooms are a nightmare, they cause me more hassle than any other job. Customers get ridiculously picky about the smallest of things. However that pipework doesn't look great, unless you explained to the customer about pipe routes etc before hand then I can see why they may not be too happy. Is it not possible to drop them under the floor so you just have two straight pipes going down?

 

[hammers4spanner]

Surely if you spoke about pipe route and they want it changed to another option they wish for its an extra?? Even if its 40 quid and cover materials?

The plumbs that i know that do bathrooms usually sub out a good 50 % of it saves on hassle then i guess.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Nah that was the finished product, the boxin i was refering to was the one on the right of the rad. The holes were there and told her twice it will be run in chrome from them holes. Dont know how I could do any neater with that method. She came back with that after i've fitted it.

This job already caused me enough grief just like all my previous bathroom jobs, pretty much every plumber I've ever worked with moaned about bathroom jobs and I spoken to two who quit self employment after a bathroom job gone wrong.

Tbh pipes too low and bend the horizontal pieces in (sets) so everything is above the skirting and tight

 

[Stanios]

Thing is I have to be nice she hasnt paid for anything yet and she can get a whole lot pickier I know that.

Il just stick to repairing other's bodge bathroom jobs i.e shower wastes that been cross threaded and sealed with expanding foam or brand new bathroom I've just had to smash up because shower valve had hot and cold mixed up and leak on bath waste with tiled panel.

 

[AlexGas]

Thing is I have to be nice she hasnt paid for anything yet and she can get a whole lot pickier I know that.

Il just stick to repairing other's bodge bathroom jobs i.e shower wastes that been cross threaded and sealed with expanding foam or brand new bathroom I've just had to smash up because shower valve had hot and cold mixed up and leak on bath waste with tiled panel.

You'll be fine. Just keep your head down, plough through, get paid and off to a pub to forget this.

 

[AlexGas]

 

[hammers4spanner]

Thing is I have to be nice she hasnt paid for anything yet and she can get a whole lot pickier I know that.

Il just stick to repairing other's bodge bathroom jobs i.e shower wastes that been cross threaded and sealed with expanding foam or brand new bathroom I've just had to smash up because shower valve had hot and cold mixed up and leak on bath waste with tiled panel.

Thats all i do easier money.

 

[Best]

Pipes are too low for sure.
Never looks well to have pipes going through a skirting.
Fit them above skirting using chrome solder elbows and fairly close together.
Tbh, I think horizontal pipes coming out of a wall is the least preferred way to do pipes neat for a bathroom.

 

[Masood]

chrome solder elbows

Never seen them! Does the chrome not discolour when you heat it?

 

[Best]

Never seen them! Does the chrome not discolour when you heat it?

Chrome plated Yorkshire copper elbows?
No, they won't discolour at all.
I only use them where I really have to.

Ignore the retail price
http://www.plumbcenter.co.uk/product/yorkshire-yps12c-elbow-90-degree-15mm-chrome-plated/

 

[Stanios]

OK this epidemic is in full swing. Got an email from a guy I quoted to put in a boiler. He only gone and annotated 3 photos of where the boiler is to be sited, with various flue options (that are pretty much made up and have no measurement basis)

He also put in a picture from IGEM document regarding flues in timber claded houses showing me how to put the flue in.

I have never been more put off..

 

[Rickster123]

OK this epidemic is in full swing. Got an email from a guy I quoted to put in a boiler. He only gone and annotated 3 photos of where the boiler is to be sited, with various flue options (that are pretty much made up and have no measurement basis)

He also put in a picture from IGEM document regarding flues in timber claded houses showing me how to put the flue in.

I have never been more put off..

Share the pictures with us all!!

 

[ShaunCorbs]

OK this epidemic is in full swing. Got an email from a guy I quoted to put in a boiler. He only gone and annotated 3 photos of where the boiler is to be sited, with various flue options (that are pretty much made up and have no measurement basis)

He also put in a picture from IGEM document regarding flues in timber claded houses showing me how to put the flue in.

I have never been more put off..

can we see these pics ? and outline everything in writing before starting the job

 

[Stanios]

"Looking at the diagram below, the only additional materials which might be needed are a moisture drip collar, end plate and a non-combustible sleeve for the flue (if it isn’t already non-combustible). I found the regs here: http://www.igem.org.uk/media/80398/UP-7-Edition-2%20_Comm-1722.pdf"

"With this option, the edge of the flue will come out approximately 20cm from the door opening, so a plume management kit will be needed. Worcester’s website says that this allows the flue to come out with a minimum distance of 15cm, before being diverted upwards and away from the door (and is compliant with the regs)."

Looks like he also been on Worcester website. Do you think there is any point in telling him Worcesters arent that great?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Tbh with Internet these days you will find anything, and least the home owner is doing some research but as they used to say a little information is dangerous

 

[Stanios]

Tbh with Internet these days you will find anything, and least the home owner is doing some research but as they used to say a little information is dangerous

This guy got it all in surprised he needs me to fit the boiler..

 

[hammers4spanner]

Personally give that one a swerve , he maybe o.k but from experience i would be going in at BG prices

 

[Stanios]

Personally give that one a swerve , he maybe o.k but from experience i would be going in at BG prices

That's my gut feeling too.

 

[Stanios]

He is currently "weighing up his options" after I've added a plume management kit installation charge aka troublesome customer charge

 

[Masood]

That's my gut feeling too.

I'd either be walking away from that one or writing up a watertight schedule of works with every last detail and making him sign it. He sounds like the type to interfere at every turn, and never be happy...

 

[woodsy]

One to walk away from as big trouble likely to be ahead unless you like a challenge

 

[mfgs]

I would walk away from it too. Suppose it depends how badly you need the work?

 

[Stanios]

I would walk away from it too. Suppose it depends how badly you need the work?

Not badly enough. Hopefully he will go with someone else.

 

[Masood]

Not badly enough. Hopefully he will go with someone else.

Price it at a level that you'd be happy even with his "help" and "advice", then you've nothing to lose!

 

[mfgs]

Price it at a level that you'd be happy even with his "help" and "advice", then you've nothing to lose!

I don't know. I have recently finished a bathroom for the worlds worst customer. If I was offered to chance to take that job on again now and earn 1k a day, I would still turn it down.

 

[Stanios]

I don't know. I have recently finished a bathroom for the worlds worst customer. If I was offered to chance to take that job on again now and earn 1k a day, I would still turn it down.

That bad was it?

 

[mfgs]

That bad was it?

Oh yes, absolute nightmare from start to finish. Nearly all caused by a crazy customer who was caused me a ridiculous amount of stress. Other trades who I used have refused to go back to the job because it was that bad!

It was only in Purley, want me to pass your number on? They need a new plumber as I wont ever be going back haha

 

[rpm]

Talking to a decorator mate in the pub tonight ......

Customer has been on the phone to the office 3 times complaining about paint here, paint there etc the thing is he hasn`t even started in that room yet!

 

[Phil]

Oh yes, absolute nightmare from start to finish. Nearly all caused by a crazy customer who was caused me a ridiculous amount of stress. Other trades who I used have refused to go back to the job because it was that bad!

It was only in Purley, want me to pass your number on? They need a new plumber as I wont ever be going back haha

Do tell...what stress was caused mfgs?

 

[Masood]

Talking to a decorator mate in the pub tonight ......

Customer has been on the phone to the office 3 times complaining about paint here, paint there etc the thing is he hasn`t even started in that room yet!

Flipping chancers! I had the woman of the house asking if a stain on her kitchen ceiling was water spilled from my pipework. I had to point out that my work area was the other end of the bathroom, about 4 metres from the very old and faded stain... Luckily her husband is a very decent bloke indeed. He just rolled his eyes and laughed.

 

[Stanios]

Thats it ive had enough.. She doesn't want to pay for her toilet being moved because "it was only moved circa 10cm"
Her shower waste was blocked which I only found out after the tray been laid down, I unblocked it and now she doesnt want to pay for that either.

Seriously you guys who do bathrooms must have murdered at least several of your customers

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Thats it ive had enough.. She doesn't want to pay for her toilet being moved because "it was only moved circa 10cm"
Her shower waste was blocked which I only found out after the tray been laid down, I unblocked it and now she doesnt want to pay for that either.

Seriously you guys who do bathrooms must have murdered at least several of your customers

why do you think the shower tray rocks not as easy as a bath

 

[Best]

Thats it ive had enough.. She doesn't want to pay for her toilet being moved because "it was only moved circa 10cm"
Her shower waste was blocked which I only found out after the tray been laid down, I unblocked it and now she doesnt want to pay for that either.

Seriously you guys who do bathrooms must have murdered at least several of your customers

What is her reasoning for saying she won't pay for toilet being moved 10cm??
Did you tell her that the materials and labour time are not zero when moving a toilet, whether moving toilet 10cm - or 1metre?

 

[firemant]

Price it at a level that you'd be happy even with his "help" and "advice", then you've nothing to lose!

Nothing to lose? We already know the customer is likely to be a pain. He won't go for a stupid price, but he will decline the quote and slag him off as a rip off merchant to anyone who will listen. If, by some miracle, he goes for it, he will find he has over paid, and be an even bigger pain during the works. IMO

I've never grotesquely over priced a job. If I don't want the work, I just say so. Simple really