I’m sure we all have heard someone say this at sometime in our life; “I know someone who can do that for you cheaply.” I get shivers when I hear the word cheaply. Cheaply unfortunately brings pain and suffering to the table. “He knows how to do anything. He’s a Jack of all Trades.” I don’t know about you but I have never met anyone that knows how to do everything well.

I had a friend a few years back shyly tell me that he had done his kitchen over and was sorry that he had not called me in to design and price it. I had a feeling that a long, painful story was coming my way. He continued that his neighbor had suggested a “Jack of all Trades” type relative to help him with his kitchen makeover. This person can save you a lot of money by buying the cabinets wholesale and he can install them for you, his neighbor proudly advised him. No need to hire a plumber and electrician, he can do that also and save you even more money. I don’t know about you but anytime someone says they can save me money, I say I am all set.

Well, my friend eager to save himself some money, decides to hire this person. That’s where the pain starts in the story and where cheap took a back seat. This person he hires comes in on a high horse and tells my friend what he should do and buy, without asking for any opinions. My friend figures that he must know what he’s doing so yeah, why not listen to him. No money was discussed on top of not going over any detail. “I’m going to save you a bunch of money” was repeatedly said during the process.

The cabinets arrive and they look good but really not what his wife was crazy about. They sit in his house for two weeks before the Jack of all Trades arrives to install them. He starts but soon after says he has to run to another job because they need him. This goes on for weeks. Meanwhile, my friend and his wife argue continuously about the tardiness of this man. Somehow cheap doesn’t seem to feel good anymore.

To make a long story short, the job goes on for 3 more months before the finish (if you want to call it finished). Doors are crooked, cabinets are uneven. There are dings and dents everywhere and the joints on the counters are uneven and have big gaps. They keep calling “The Man” and he is nowhere to be found. I felt sorry for their circumstance but have to do everything I can not to laugh.

This is a story of someone who can save you money. It’s about as believable as the the words; “The checks in the mail.” There are no bargains in this life. We work hard and smart for our money so making the right decision on any remodel in your home is crucial. I equate this story to one that asks; “Would you hire your plumber to perform surgery on any part of your body if they could save you money?” I don’t think so.

By the way, my friend has since been divorced over that kitchen remodel. That kitchen he cooks and eats in everyday, cost him a fortune and then some. Be wise, hire the right person to do the right job. Your peace and sanity rely on it.

Tim Holick

This entry was posted in Kitchen Design on May 23, 2013 by THblog.