Expert: maura macaluso - 5/22/2008

Question
QUESTION: I paid to have my kitchen cabinets made of maple (inside too) and just found out that some of the boxes are made of birch.  Should I be concerned?  Should by overall cost be lowered?

ANSWER: Hi Mandy,

The problem with any agreement between homeowner and contractor is that both must have a clear understanding of what is desired, what is possible, how and when and by who the work will be done, what materials should be used and how the contractor is to be paid. I call all of this a "meeting of the minds" so everyone is on the same page. This is why it is so important to have a written contract. I can't quote you prices as wood is a commodity and as such its price fluctuates. Birch is a slight bit cheaper than maple, perhaps 10- 25% less.  As far as structural issues, you needn't worry. It is generally common in cabinetry and furniture construction to use cheaper woods on interiors, casings and drawsides and is referred to as a secondary wood.  The secondary wood is usually cheaper as its aesthetic appeal is not up to the par of the primary wood. The issue here is that you simply did not get what you are paying for.  If these are already installed, its a bit more of an issue as you can't just say you don't want them, especially if you have already given the contractor any money.  You can ask they be removed and ask for any money you are out to be reimbursed but.....well, good luck with that.
Hopefully, there is something in writing that maple was the agreed upon wood.  Rightfully, the carpenter should reimburse some of your money as the order is incorrect but just how much would be for you to negotiate.  Even if the birch were 25% cheaper than the maple, would you be entitled to 25% off your bill?  I don't really think so because its not that simple.  While the cost of the wood is a primary concern, there are other costs not involved with the choice of lumber such as manhours, hardware, overhead for the shop usage, tools and electricity, etc.  However, you also did not get what you wanted and should definitely receive some sort of compensation for that.  How much? Enough so that you feel better about the situation.  You can't assume that the contractor was pulling a fast one unless you are certain that he was fully aware of your wish for maple and purposely switched woods to make more profit.  If he is a reputable guy, the two of you will come some kind of agreement. It doesn't necessarily need to be in money terms either, he can throw in some extras or a few nice touches to make it up to you.  If you don't get any sort of satisfaction from him and need to go to court, he will lose much more probably and lost work time also so it will be in his benefit to at least try and make you happy.  Good Luck to you and thanks for the question.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The same cabinets that I wrote about were rained on and then installed and some areas needed something called "bond-o".  Will they be o-kay?

Answer
Hi again Mandy,  I am distressed by this follow up question. Why were these brand new cabinets left out in the rain?  If it is the contractors fault, then you are now dealing with incompetence. Anyone who works with wood should understand the problems water can cause and all efforts to keep water away from them should have been made.  This is a difficult question to answer because I am not there to see what is going on.  I am assuming that some part or parts of the cabinets have warped. In order for them to now fit correctly and to look right, "bondo" is being added to fill the gaps.  Your birch issue of yesterday is minor compared to this.  It is like buying and paying for a brand new car except that when you go to pick up your shiny new car, it is dented and instead of replacing the fender, it is simply repaired to look okay.  But it is still a damaged car.  I don't know how extensive the damages to your cabinets are and how much bondo will have to be used to make them fit properly and look okay. Most likely they are still structurally sound but I again am limited in my assessment as I can not examine them in person. In your situation, I would now not be happy at all. You will have to decide after the bondo work is done, if you can live with it.  If the bondo is only needed on interior places, that may be able to be overlooked but if it is being applied to the outside anywhere, it may affect the finished look of the maple exterior.  I would now be looking for a serious adjustment on the price as damaged cabinets are now being installed.  If I were the one responsible for making and installing these I would be kicking myself right now, knowing that I had just screwed up.  Again you must either come to an agreement on a final price that you can live with or have them completely remove the cabinets and take him to court for the return of any monies paid, if need be.  While going to court is stressful and not fun, I do believe that you would be fully reimbursed.  It is very very important that you take good pictures of all the areas of the cabinets which are causing you concern, and document all other matters regarding this contract.  Good luck with your situation and thanks for the follow-up question.