Metal & Wood General Contractor

Hi fellow renotalk-ers,

I took my keys in Nov 2011 and started renovation Feb 2012.

To minimize third-party cost, we decided to opt for 2 contractors to help us with different expertise they are proficient in. One was a contractor that has his own carpentry workshop, the other helped us with all our other renovation matters (electricity, plumbing, hacking, flooring etc).

Working with the contractor who helped us with the "other" renovation matters went on smoothly with considerable results.

Well, as the saying goes, **** happens! And that's what happened to a new house owner like me.

The work of this carpentry contractor is horrible! And when you highlight to him why it is done this manner while the standard practice among the industry is not the case. Take for example below,

This is the photo taken after the contractor was asked to do a pelmet for the sliding glass panel. Initially I thought this was half done as the standard practice is to cover up with a layer of cement screed or something, but to my horror!

HE PAINTED OVER THE WOOD SURFACE AND CLAIMED THAT ITS THE FINISHED PRODUCT. Imagine you can see the wood grain lines upon a closer look?!!!

*HIGHLIGHT OF THIS POST*

We found out during renovation that this portion of our island top has a cracked chipped portion! And unless they change the entire strip, we reserve the right not to pay them since it was defective goods. As we still have yet to finish the total payment amount, we duly informed that unless the island top gets a relamination, we are not going to honour the contract and pay him the rest of the payment (10% of the total quoted sum). His answer is,"we can only help you patch up; no reduction in the payment". He also mentioned that the reason of the crack could be inflicted by the cooler box that weighs less than 2kg with nothing inside! Aren't our table top supposed to withstand weight higher than this?!!!

Can you imagine the crack to spread downwards as times goes by? even they patch back, how much better can it help the damaged condition?

After a few months, we thought that fine, we will hold onto the remaining payment since they didn't honour their product as per contract. To our disbelief, we receive a letter from Small Claims Tribunal that we did not pay the remaining sum, and the damage was inflicted AFTER the renovation!

So the lesson is, please please please do not use this contractor:

Metal & Wood General Contractor

Lucas Lau Chee Meng 9681 2033

This is a warning, try engaging him if you do not believe my words.