Expert: Dan Griffin - 1/8/2011

Question
I am building a home in Alberta and it's almost complete now. In the kitchen area builder has hung pendant lights 12" away from the edge of overhang of eating bar and closer to sink which is purposeless. Moreover, the chandelier in the nook was not centered in the available space. It's 5' from wall and 3' from island.
On making complaint, they say that they have done job as per signed off plan. Let me clear one thing, while I was signing the paper, I pointed these discrepancies out and I was told that the electrician will take care of the location.
The construction part has done and only leftover works are being done. In order to relocate these lights, builders demands additional money.

Please guide an appropriate action.

Thanks

Answer
Hammad, I always hate it when customers are unhappy.  This is a new home.  There should be a blueprint available.  These fixtures should be indicated on the print.  They are either where drawn or they are not.  Your chandelier may be centered in the room which may or may not have anything to do with the island.  I don't happen to be able to understand the dilemna with the hanging lights.  When the lights were roughed in, did everyone know what type of fixtures would be used?  Was the location of the island on the print?

If the builder can show that he did hang them where drawn, I think you would have to pay to relocate them.  If you have any written or recorded information where you objected to the rough in location before hanging the fixtures and finishes were applied, especially if handled by a change order, then he must pay to relocate and mend finishes.

This would be a bit like saying you didn't like the fireplace where they put it and you want it moved over.  This is not a cheap or easy relocation.  If you have a witness to the verbal promise to relocate or anything in writing, you have a great leg to stand on.  If not, I fear you must depend on the contractor's good will or pay to move.

These things are so frustrating when they are simple matters of common sense - good builders find most of these things and fix them  long before completion.  Would using different fixtures solve the problems?