In November 2024, Florida resident Dominic Lampos paid $43,000 for 22 windows and a sliding glass door from Home Depot for a home renovation. He told Tampa’s WFLA News Channel 8 that, aside from his house, it’s the largest purchase he’s ever made.
Home Depot sent subcontractors to install the windows — but, unfortunately, they botched the job, resulting in damage to the interior trim and water leakage around the windows. Lampos believes the situation was made worse by a second set of subcontractors who were sent out to fix the shoddy work.
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Pinellas County inspectors then failed the project, according to Channel 8. There were reportedly a number of issues, including nail holes that didn’t look like they could hold the windows in place.
A few days later, things went from bad to worse. During a period of light rain, Lampos told Channel 8 “it barely rained and it [the water] poured in, there was a puddle on my windowsill.”
But Lampos’ story is not unique. Each year, a number of Americans deal with botched home renovations and repair projects. In a recent survey, 22% of homeowners said they found it challenging to find a reliable contractor, while 15% of those who remodeled their homes cited poor workmanship.
Choosing the right contractor for the job
Taking the time to carefully vet a contractor doesn’t guarantee there won’t be any problems, but it does reduce your risk a fair bit. Almost all large projects will involve some hiccups along the way, but working with a reputable contractor can make it easier to resolve any issues that might arise.
A good place to start is by asking for recommendations from reliable sources such as family, friends, neighbors or co-workers who’ve had reno work done. You can also check various referral and rating websites, as well as professional organizations such as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.
It’s also helpful to speak to more than one contractor since you’ll be working with them for a decent period of time and — similar to hiring a new employee at work — getting the right fit can be a factor in how the relationship and the project progresses.
Once you’ve landed on a few potential contractors, check with your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) and local or state consumer protection agencies to ensure there are no glaring issues. Then call the contractors to see if they have experience with your type of project, whether they have the time to devote to your reno, and whether they’d be willing to provide references.
The next thing you should do is call their references and ask about their work. You should also investigate the contrators to verify that they’re licensed for the type of work you need and make sure they have liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Also, ask if they offer a workmanship warranty — also known as a craftsmanship or contractor warranty — which means defects will be addressed without any additional cost.
Before the work starts, make sure to draw up a written contract to ensure both parties understand and agree upon the timeline, quality standards and payment schedules. The contract should also outline how changes will be handled and how disputes will be resolved, as well as tackle legal issues such as lien releases and building permits.
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What to do when things go wrong
Many issues between contractors and homeowners boil down to poor communication, so be sure you are getting frequent updates on progress and potential problems from your contractor.
If you do run into issues, getting angry and straining the relationship further won’t help the situation. And if the relationship is deteriorating, communicate in writing, document all communications and try to work out a plan for moving forward.
If the situation still doesn’t improve, you could withhold payment until the problems are resolved or file a complaint with the BBB. You also may need to seek legal counsel, especially if a lot of money is on the line.
Depending on the nature of the issue, your state consumer protection laws may be of help. While they tend to deal more with fraud and financing issues, some states — such as Illinois — have laws specifically governing home contractors. If it comes down to it, you may be able to sue for breach of contract, breach of warranty or negligence.
Home insurance could also cover some of the costs if the renovation causes damage to your home or belongings. It’s a good idea to contact your insurer before any work begins to understand what your policy will cover and to add any additional coverages that may be deemed prudent.
As for Lampos, Channel 8 contacted Home Depot, which then sent out a crew to fix the issue, assuring Lampos that a “comprehensive checklist” will be used to address and resolve the situation.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
