FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

fair treatment for a dis-honest cntrctr

Fisher1009 | Posted in General Discussion on July 29, 2008 05:04am

Hi All-

Its been a while since i’ve posted here, but i always find good advice in this forum, and i’m hoping to find it again…

last summer i had my roof and gutters replaced by a small to medium sized local outfit who’s been around for a while.  since the installation, i’ve had ongoing problems with the gutters.  in the course of addressing these problems the contractor has demonstrated that he will say just about anything to avoid additional work and that the only way to get things done right is through persistent followup, complaints to the BBB, and refusal to accept incorrect installation methods. 

my outstanding problem at this point is the rear gutter on the 2nd story.  the first time it started pulling out, the roofer denied there was a problem until 2 weeks later when a whole section came loose.  he came back and re-attached it about a month ago, but i recently noticed it is hanging loose again.  This time i climbed up to take a closer look, and the reason for the tear out was pretty obvious: the fascia was being split apart by several of the gutter nails (Note: the house is 1929 era.  i was able to pull loose a piece of the fascia… it definitely was not rotten, however it did seem pretty dry/brittle). 

in the course of my inspection i uncovered an additional problem.  the J-channel on teh siding where the first story breakfast nook meets the second story exterior wall was extremely loose.  i didn’t disassemble it, but near as i could tell there was only one or two anchor points on either side of the gable, and neither seemed very strong.  my guess is that they peeled pack the siding during the breakfast nook roof install to put up new flashing, then got lazy about putting the whole thing back together. 

so- what to do?

1. The J channel seems cut and dried… put it back together the right way, and thats that – right? or am i missing something.

2. The fascia question has me stumped.  is it splitting b/c he was too lazy to pre-drill, and he screwed up a perfectly good fascia? if thats the case, then it seems clear cut that he owes me a new fascia… 

3. but what if the fascia really is shot? if that seems possible, then i’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, and pay a reasonable unit cost for new fascia – maybe 4 or 5 bucks per lineal foot (the rafters are 2 x 6s, so the fasci ought to be 1x 8 i’m guessing)? of course the cost to come back out, take down the gutter and put it back up would be born by the contractor – right?

4. but with a contractor this problematic, should i just find a new guy to come out and do it right, then chalk up the cost to “lessons learned”

sorry this is such a complicated post… really would appreciate anybody’s input and thanks in advance!

 

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Piffin | Jul 29, 2008 05:12am | #1

    1929?!!!!!!

    Sometimes old wood splits.

    I'm glad I'm not your chosen contractor.

     

     

    Welcome to the
    Taunton University of
    Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
     where ...
    Excellence is its own reward!

    1. Fisher1009 | Jul 29, 2008 06:21am | #2

      hey i get it... old wood splits.  thats why i solicited input on BT.  i want to be fair to the guy, but i just don't trust him.  he lost credibility when he tried to convince me that when his crew installed two 18" lengths of downspout to tie in the front porch gutter to the main downspouts that it wasn't done wrong.  problem was, that his tie-in downspouts ran dead-level and were therefore leaking like a sieve.  he ultmiately fixed it, but only after first denying there was a problem at all, then trying to fix it with caulk... meanwhile every other porch in my neighborhood with the same detail has the tie in installed at no less than a 30 degree angle, and most closer to 45...

      so, i'm totally off base about teh fascia... no problem.  how about the j-channel? it was floating pretty loose.  not a concern either?

      i'm trying to avoid being a nightmare customer, but i don't wanna get taken either. i really do appreciate the input here... 

      1. Piffin | Jul 29, 2008 06:36am | #3

        I don't do much vinyl.But from my POV, it is supposed to be loose and flimsy. 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

        1. User avater
          IMERC | Jul 29, 2008 06:39am | #4

          POV....

          isn't that Privately Owened Vehicile???

          you planning unassing the AO??? 

          Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

          WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

  2. bjr | Jul 29, 2008 06:47am | #5

    Hi All-  HI....

    Its been a while since i've posted here, but i always find good advice in this forum, and i'm hoping to find it again...

    last summer i had my roof and gutters replaced by a small to medium sized local outfit who's been around for a while.  since the installation, i've had ongoing problems with the gutters.  in the course of addressing these problems the contractor has demonstrated that he will say just about anything to avoid additional work and that the only way to get things done right is through persistent followup, complaints to the BBB, and refusal to accept incorrect installation methods.  Did you have a written contract with the contractor? If not, you more than likely won't have much leverage to lean on him some. If you do have a contract check out what kind of warrantee is contracted for and how long it's good for. Most reputable contractors offer some sort of warrantee. Mine states that I warrantee my work for one year and any problems in that time I will come back at no charge to fix it. I've never had a call back. But it's in my contract. It appears from your post that this work happened last summer 07? I hope that's not the case. If your contract states other wise and your within your aggreed upon warantee period and he's not performing his part of the bargain....well.......that's why they make lawyers.

     

    my outstanding problem at this point is the rear gutter on the 2nd story.  the first time it started pulling out, the roofer denied there was a problem until 2 weeks later when a whole section came loose.  he came back and re-attached it about a month ago, but i recently noticed it is hanging loose again.  This time i climbed up to take a closer look, and the reason for the tear out was pretty obvious: the fascia was being split apart by several of the gutter nails (Note: the house is 1929 era.  i was able to pull loose a piece of the fascia... it definitely was not rotten, however it did seem pretty dry/brittle). 

    in the course of my inspection i uncovered an additional problem.  the J-channel on teh siding where the first story breakfast nook meets the second story exterior wall was extremely loose.  i didn't disassemble it, but near as i could tell there was only one or two anchor points on either side of the gable, and neither seemed very strong.  my guess is that they peeled pack the siding during the breakfast nook roof install to put up new flashing, then got lazy about putting the whole thing back together. 

    so- what to do?

    1. The J channel seems cut and dried... put it back together the right way, and thats that - right? or am i missing something.

    2. The fascia question has me stumped.  is it splitting b/c he was too lazy to pre-drill, and he screwed up a perfectly good fascia? if thats the case, then it seems clear cut that he owes me a new fascia... 

    3. but what if the fascia really is shot? if that seems possible, then i'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, and pay a reasonable unit cost for new fascia - maybe 4 or 5 bucks per lineal foot (the rafters are 2 x 6s, so the fasci ought to be 1x 8 i'm guessing)? of course the cost to come back out, take down the gutter and put it back up would be born by the contractor - right?

    4. but with a contractor this problematic, should i just find a new guy to come out and do it right, then chalk up the cost to "lessons learned"

    sorry this is such a complicated post... really would appreciate anybody's input and thanks in advance!

  3. fingersandtoes | Jul 29, 2008 07:05am | #6

    If you can afford it, I would chalk it up to experience and get someone else. If it is like pulling teeth to get him to deal with stuff, why prolong the agony? Is he in the wrong? Sure, but I'd put a price tag on how much you would pay to never have to see the guy again, and if it's anywhere close to what having the work fixed by someone you like? well...

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

A Practical Perfect Wall

Getting the details right for a wall assembly with the control layers to the exterior and lots of drying potential.

Featured Video

SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before

The 10-in. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws.

Related Stories

  • Midcentury Home for a Modern Family
  • The New Old Colonial
  • Modern and Minimal in the Woods
  • Bryce Hollingsworth, Dry-Stone Waller

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 333 - August/September 2025
    • A Practical Perfect Wall
    • Landscape Lighting Essentials
    • Repairing a Modern Window Sash
  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data