My first difficult client!

[Marvo]

Just tell him you'll make the holes and find the cable at your normal hourly rate. It wasn't part of your original scope of works so it's an extra.

Just for future it's imperative the everything that's agreed or requested by the client, no matter how small and inconsequential it may seem at the time, is in writing. If necessary email him that evening stating every decision he's made during your meeting with a request for clarification within 24 hrs if there's something he disagrees with. Unfortunately verbal instructions and agreements don't cut the mustard, if there's ever any comeback or disagreements later on.

 

[uksparks]

If someone says fit down lights, unless I do the job from start to finish and drill holes, I walk away, none of this, you will do this and they will do that bull. I'd tell them to sling their hook.

 

[uksparks]

Has the ceiling been plastered?

EDit: Positioning rule of thumb -

700-800mm from walls

and

no more than 1200mm apart

Depends on the size of the room does it not...

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Has the ceiling been plastered?

EDit: Positioning rule of thumb -

700-800mm from walls

and

no more than 1200mm apart

I dont know if ceiling has been plastered. I went in 700mm from wall.

The client is really quite difficult Murdoch. I made it clear it was £360 labour and what ever materials cost, they now want the job at £360 inc materials as they say I did not mention this. The couple are both really stressed with each other, their dogs just been put down as it bit the neighbour (huge continuously barking alsation) and the boss (the lady) is just chaotic!!

 

[Octopus]

Depends on the size of the room does it not...

Er no...unless you have a taller room them the spaces can be bigger

 

[Octopus]

I dont know if ceiling has been plastered. I went in 700mm from wall.

The client is really quite difficult Murdoch. I made it clear it was £360 labour and what ever materials cost, they now want the job at £360 inc materials as they say I did not mention this. The couple are both really stressed with each other, their dogs just been put down as it bit the neighbour (huge continuously barking alsation) and the boss (the lady) is just chaotic!!

If its not been plastered at least you'll be able to see exactky where the joists are by the builders screws!

I make a point of dropping in on the client/builder in such situations during the project to ensure things don't go horibly wrong!

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Just tell him you'll make the holes and find the cable at your normal hourly rate. It wasn't part of your original scope of works so it's an extra.

Just for future it's imperative the everything that's agreed or requested by the client, no matter how small and inconsequential it may seem at the time, is in writing. If necessary email him that evening stating every decision he's made during your meeting with a request for clarification within 24 hrs if there's something he disagrees with. Unfortunately verbal instructions and agreements don't cut the mustard, if there's ever any comeback or disagreements later on.

I think thats very sound advice Marvo and I have learnt my lesson on this point.

 

[tazz]

No matter how big or small the job...drawings weather hand drawn or cadded, are important so all can work together....now back to you, as this is your job to fit the lights.....suggest markup and drill the holes then rod out the cables, and get the job finished. Sorry to be blunt, but trusting others without planning, will always result in this situation.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

If its not been plastered at least you'll be able to see exactky where the joists are by the builders screws!

I make a point of dropping in on the client/builder in such situations during the project to ensure things don't go horibly wrong!

That is also good advice Murdoch, thanks.

I make a point of thinking 'How is this going to affect the builder/plumber/plasterer' and expected the same!! I realise that was a bit naive.

 

[Rockingit]

Another golden rule here is photo's. You can never take too many of a job from start to finish at every stage - just in case (like this). I'm going through small claims at the moment with an arse of a client from over a year ago that's £2k down on the deal, claims he never asked for anything other than the original scope. I've got picture after picture of every single extra, modification etc.

 

[uksparks]

Er no...unless you have a taller room them the spaces can be bigger

Bathroom, lights 450mm from edge

 

[Octopus]

Bathroom, lights 450mm from edge

Or centred on the bath/shower!

Small rooms like bathrooms and ensuites are totally different to living rooms, dining rooms and kitchens as joists often "dictate" where lights have to go

 

[edexlab]

You mentioned the builder was a neighbour?

and in a later post the dog bit a neighbour ?

just wondered if it was the same person! lol

 

[uksparks]

Or centred on the bath/shower!

Small rooms like bathrooms and ensuites are totally different to living rooms, dining rooms and kitchens as joists often "dictate" where lights have to go

I just put them where the customer wants them, so long as its possible.

 

[Slowhand]

Sounds like they want you to walk away from it so they can do the second fix like you mentioned earlier.
They know where the cables are and dropping the price on you is just being awkward.

People bang on about cowboy builders and they have progs on the tv about them but you never hear about cowboy customers do you?