Replies

1. 
   RonTeti | Mar 07, 2002 06:48am | #1

   *
   Based on the info given I would say the restraunt owner is. But I have a question what was the agreement/contract. Where you responsible for the finish? Do you like Bar B Que enough to eat it the job and make it good for him eat some of BBQ gratis and maybe get more work? These are questions that only you can answer.

1. 
   Mark_McDonnell | Mar 07, 2002 06:53am | #2

   *cuttawooda35,Sounds like a nice job. Bet a couple of weeks ago, that door was way cool.And I bet you didn't have in writing, the stipulation of Him getting a finish on the door and why.....And who's fault is it......his of course!And who's reputation will suffer because of His negligence?Yours.So if you can afford the time, suck it up, fix it, finish it.If he's a good BBQ man, you'll always have a hot plate waiting.It's the only way you'll come out a winner........and with class.Luck

1. 
   bake_ | Mar 07, 2002 07:31am | #3

   *I'm with Mark, best to swallow a bit here and have a happy customer rather than someone bad mouthing your work. People tend to remember the bad they heard rather than investingate the facts. Let us know the outcome.Cheersbake

1. 
   Joe_Hennessey | Mar 07, 2002 07:47am | #4

   *Cutyourlosses35, Do what it takes to make it fit, take it off & strip the by now 100 layers of BBQ sauce & grease off & finish it on all surfaces. Pointing fingers is for the Tavern, and we can all see how much good that's doing anyone. It won't fix your door either. Joe H

1. 
   George_Roberts | Mar 07, 2002 09:24am | #5

   *I think it is your error. You knew the door would warp without a finish and you installed the door without a finish.BBQ guys don't know about doors (or he would have built the door).I would have put some finish on the door. Perhaps not enough forever, but sufficient for a year.

2. 
   Dick | Mar 07, 2002 10:43am | #6

   *Over the years I have learned that clients, despite their best intentions, rarely live up to their promises to perform important tasks to ensure the job is completed properly. As a consequence, I ensure those critical steps are done (and charged for) by me. If the customer is not willing to go that route, I don't want the job because invariably, their failing comes back to haunt me.Another thing I have learned is that I prefer to get money rather than goodwill. I can always use the money to buy BBQ, for instance, and it's good for other things as well. The goodwill that was supposed to be there always seemed to disappear as soon as the job was done. Lose some jobs because of that, but I get paid better.

3. 
   FredB | Mar 07, 2002 10:14pm | #7

   *Whose fault: Both; Yours for installing something you knew wasn't finished but had your name on it. His for taking on a task he didn't understand.Remedy: Take the door out, repair, refinish and reinstall. Make him a happy customer. Don't let your ego get in the way of that.Lesson: Never sell someone a half-done product unless you are absolutely sure they understand what is going on. That circumstance is rare indeed unless you are a sub for a contractor or an experienced DYI.

4. 
   Robert_Weiner | Mar 07, 2002 10:27pm | #8

   *It was my fault. At least that's what my wife tells me ;-)Peace.-Rob

5. 
   David_Mason | Mar 07, 2002 10:49pm | #9

   *I would have to agree with everyone else. Go back fix the door and be done with it.Dave

6. 
   AJinNZ_ | Mar 08, 2002 02:50am | #10

   *I am going to say it is the BBQ guys fault.I once did a floor repair. The area needing to be done wasnt big, but the timber alone was $800. I did all work to a high standard, fixed up other stuff etc. The manager ( it was a bar floor ) said that the whole floor was going to be sanded and sealed as part of renovations. When I had finished I told him to get the thing sanded and sealed ASAP or the beer etc getting spilt on it would ruin it, and as it cost as much as it did...... No problems he said, am right on it.A few months later I went back for a look, no sanding, no sealer, floor looked like crap. My response was , well, I told you, over and over, If your so dumb as to ignore advice and risk all that expensive work, tough.I cant help but think that the BBQ guy falls into a similar bracket.Only way out of it is to price for a totally finished and installed door. Some want to save on costs however and say they will do elements themselves.........then dont. So is it the fault of the tradesman? I dont think so.

7. 
   Rebildit_ | Mar 08, 2002 06:43am | #11

   *I hate to say this, but I agree that the BBQ owner is at fault here. While it may be true that fixing the door may be worth it to you and your reputation in the long run, I do not agree that it is your fault. If you buy an exterior door from a lumber yard the sticker on the unit describes the finish process and voids all warranties if they are not followed immediately upon installation. If I install that door in your home and you agree to do the finishing that responsibility becomes yours. We as contractors can not baby sit our clients and spoon feed them every maintenance item. When I make a purchase/investment in a product I make an effort to understand what my responsibility is to maintain that product, be it a truck or a tool or a piece of furniture. I would not expect Ford to replace my truck because I never changed the oil, nor would I expect the grocery store to replace the chicken cutlets because I did not refrigerate them.Having said all that, Fix the door.Bill

8. 
   cutawooda35 | Mar 08, 2002 07:15am | #12

   *I appreciate all the responses. I noticed many of you said "fix the door". I cannot fix a warped door.It would have to made again. I am still uncertain of what I will do. If he raises a big fuss I am more likely to be a jerk. If he asks if we can work somthing out I am more apt to re-make a door. It wont be treated yellow pine either. This episode is the last time I use treated yellow pine for anything other than a sill plate. Thanks for the opinions

9. 
   Stephen_Hazlett | Mar 08, 2002 03:17pm | #13

   *My opinion was that it was clearly the BBQ guys fault----right up untill you said you used treated pine. Then it became your fault.Poor material selection---sorry,but you should have known better.Very unstable material

10. 
    Rebildit_ | Mar 08, 2002 09:47pm | #14

    *How do you get #1 kiln dried...treated yellow pine??? What is that???When you said > "I used #1 kiln dried material. I used polyurethane glue for all the joints. The joints were mortise and tenon. I even pegged the tenons with square whit oak dowels in case the glue failed." I assumed (my mistake) a kiln dried cedar or redwood for an exterior screen door...yellow pine...bad move!Bill

11. 
    David_Mason | Mar 08, 2002 10:01pm | #15

    *I would put that in the "lesson learned" file, and not do that again. Isn't it great having your own business. :-)Dave

12. 
    Bucksnort_Billy | Mar 09, 2002 02:48am | #16

    *Now fellers, I've used #1 PT SYP for plenty of critical projects, and no complaints. You've got to pick the right stuff, get a little extra, and dry it out. Then make your door, and seal it up, and charge for the finished job. Oak pegs and poly glue don't keep a door from warping, but proper judgement when yer pickin' out materials can...or you could adjust the stops...