Kitchen Remodel

Have you wondered why there is no kitchen update? The update is there is no update - we fired the Dude I hired to do the remodel project.

Totally my fault - I had a bad feeling about him and chose to ignore it. Problems included arriving late every day – once with excuse that "his son was in the hospital". I was also suspicious when whatever I asked him the answer was always "yes".

He left Friday, promising to return Saturday morning. He did mention he had allergies or the dust was getting to him (isn't dust normal for this line of work?). Saturday morning, his HELPER called to say Dude had to go to the hospital because he was sick. I sell on Ebay – “going to the hospital” is a standard excuse I hear often.

Don and I were dissatisfied with the work completed. I have never seen anyone take so many work breaks. The small amount of granite he did lay was not level - the lines are fairly straight - but some tiles are set higher and others are lower, making an uneven surface. The counter on a whole has a downward slope. We told the helper (who called to cancel) no need to come back. We called the Dude as well, and not surprisingly got voice mail. We have heard nothing back from him.

I immediately called another Craig's List guy I had previously spoken to. He is HUGELY more expensive than the last Dude. His references are all good. He will remove everything the first guy did. I could shop around some more and probably find a lower price - but I HAVE NO KITCHEN.

I have lost my confidence in selecting a vendor. I talked to the new guy on the phone several times and when he promises me something - he always follows through. He also works with his wife - if that makes any difference.

I have no cooktop, no sink, no water, no countertops - so I have to do something and I am taking a chance on Anthony.