Home Depot remodelling services?

[alpha]

Anyone considering using Home Depot remodelling services?

http://consumerist.com/consumer/clip...ces-217858.php

[cabinetman]

Anytime a retailer gets that big there's going to be a share of problems. Here's a site that has two clickable "Caught on Camera" type videos about Home Depot, called Part 1 and Part 2 of the Investigation.
http://www.nbc4.tv/homedepotinvestigation/index.html



"I'M NEVER WRONG - BUT I'M NOT ALWAYS RIGHT"

[Handy Al]

Home Depot (and Lowes) do not do any of the "services" type work themselves. They contract it out. If was going to have anything done by HD, I would find out what company is actual doing the work and investigate them.

That siad, BORG shouuld stand up for work done in their name.

[crokett]

I wouldn't hire them or Lowes to do anything other than install carpeting.

[mmgross144]

Home Depot Remodeling?

As Handy Al said...check out the contractors. I have seen Home Depot jobs and Lowes jobs that went well and those that required a complete redo, all in the same area. The individual contractor makes all the difference, and remember, you get what you pay for...

[gjat]

An ancedotal story from a good friend who used to be a HD remodeler.

He is a very good flooring contractor and used to do a ton of business for HD. He had his own business also and treated HD customers the same as if they came to him. He quit HD because of the way HD forced rates, dictated how problems were dealt with, and ignored polices that used to consider customer feedback when considering whether or not to continue using a particualr contractor. He quit because HD got so cheap it effectively priced out good contractors and only used cheap contractors that did shoddy work.
You get what you pay for and Joe's business plan was to get a fair wage for a great job so he could look the customer in the eye a month later, a year later and his reputation was his marketing tool, not HD.

[Rand]

I'm not a big fan of the Home Despot but I feel I should let you know that I had a good experience with their service.

I bought kitchen cabinets and corian countertops from them. I installed the cabinets myself and they subbed out to a local company that did the countertops. Everything went fine and on time.

[cgallery]

I know some people have had success using HD and Lowes for this type of work. Having spoken to some of their designers, though, and observing these designers work with other customers, I just can't imagine trusting them with a kitchen or bath remodel.

[alpha]

The last time I had carpet installed, Home Depot offered a free measuring and Lowes charged $35 for measuring. I always do my own measuring to make sure I know what I am paying for.

When Home Depot figured the quote it was quite a bit higher than I figured. I asked them why and they said they always add 10% in case the mill cuts the carpet wrong--but guess who pays for that 10%. Not only in the cost of carpet, but also pad, old carpet take-up, and moving furniture (if necessary).

I had Lowes measure and they add 2-3 inches for the crooked mill cuts.

In my current situation, the carpet installer from Lowes measured the job. The carpet I selected comes in both 12 ft. and 15 ft. rolls. He figured the job using 12 ft. rolls. I insisted that he use 15 ft. rolls.

From his perspective, it is easier to handle 12 ft rolls and he can make more money doing it. Not only did I save $200, I will eliminate 1 seam in the job.

[Wood_workur]

there are 2 ways to remodel your home:

1: do it your self
2: find a friend/relitave to do it for you, and pay them for itt
3: find a good contractor, and have them do it.

never go through Homedepot- they just arn't consistent

[scorrpio]

I am trying to minimize my dealings with HD. I will never order their install service. It's like playing Russian roulette with all chambers but one loaded. If I decide to hire a contractor to do something in the house, it will be via personal recommendation from someone I can trust. I also try to get stuff online rather than at HD.

And their salesmen are a whole different story. I am going to replace a toilet, and made some research. Looks like everyone is raving about Toto Ultramax. At a bit over $400 delivered, not cheap, but I figure extra hundred or so to get the best is worth it. During research, I also not that Kohler's Santa Rosa looks about identical to the Ultramax, but is a much worse unit.
Next day, I stroll by the commodes on display in nearby HD Expo, a salesman comes by with 'can I help'. I tell him I am interested in Toto Ultramax. His response: HD does not carry Toto, but that unit (points at Kohler Santa Rosa) is identical in every aspect and is cheaper too! Must have been something in my face to cause the guy to evaporate before I actually had time to laugh.

[broschultz]

If you use Home Depot you have to make sure Home Depot is guaranteeing the work. I had a case involving Sears years ago where the window installation contract clearly stated that Sears did not guarantee the work and any guarantees were from the installation contractor. Such a guarantee is worthless is this day and age as corporations come and go in a flash.