Yelled at a homeowner over tack strip placement and honestly it was worth it

I caved and did a job in a new build in Raleigh last week where the builder wanted tack strip hidden 2 inches from the wall instead of the standard 1/2 inch. Told the homeowner it'd be fine even though I knew better. Carpet pulled loose in 3 spots by day two and I had to go back for free. Next time I'm walking off the job if they argue. Anyone else deal with builders trying to change basic install rules?

3 comments

3 Comments

sage_dixon10d ago

3 feet of hallway carpet popped up by the next morning and I had to eat a full redo. @sagew50 I feel you, I swear homeowners think we just make up the rules for fun. Ever think we'd be rich if we charged by the "I told you so"?

sagew501mo ago

Totally get what you mean. I had a similar thing happen a few years back with a homeowner who insisted on putting carpet over some cheap laminate in a basement. They swore it was fine but it buckled after a month and I had to rip it all out. Its like they think they know better than the guys who do this every day. I learned my lesson too now I just tell them straight up that cutting corners costs them more in the long run.

the_fiona1mo ago

Oh come on @sagew50, sometimes the homeowner has a point though. Maybe that laminate was installed wrong in the first place and the carpet was just the final straw.