Unexpected Good News Regarding Our Bathroom Remodeling Projects

/ Ally Bean

➡️ If you read The Spectacled Bean because you like to see me get snarky, thank you but this post isn’t going to be one of those posts.

Instead today I’m going to share a slice-of-life story that has a positive spin to it.  One that’s left me feeling all warm and happy inside about, of all things, a home improvement company.

They’re not all scoundrels.

Also I’m going to talk briefly about money which I know is tacky but in this case, under these circumstances, I’m going to ignore that [outdated?] rule of decorum.

➡️ Here’s what happened.

You may remember that we had our bathrooms remodeled earlier this year.  We started planning the project last fall, but because of supply chain difficulties the actual destruction of the old bathrooms/installation of the new bathrooms began in May.

In the interim between fall 2021 and May 2022 we made MANY decisions about things that go into a bathroom.  Some decisions held firm, but others had to be re-decided along the way, sometime multiple times, because what we wanted was no longer available– or would be available at an unspecified time in the future.

To keep the project moving forward we changed our minds MANY times because honestly we/I couldn’t be bothered to worry about slight changes in bathroom decor.

[One transitional-style toilet paper holder in brushed nickel is about the same as another one, right?]

I also couldn’t be bothered to keep strict account of the addendums that reflected the MANY changes we made along the way.

I. just. couldn’t.

➡️ In August 2022 the projects were finished, we were pleased with our new bathrooms, and we made our final payment to the home improvement company, thinking no more about it.  HOWEVER, come to find out courtesy of their accounting department, we overpaid by $281.00.

Now this company could easily have never told us this and we’d never have figured it out, BUT they did tell us and sent along a check to reimburse us.

Below is the what was written on the post-it note affixed to the check.  It’s an indication of why we’ve used this particular remodeling company for MANY projects.

And so with that I’ll end this upbeat post about goodwill + honesty.  You gotta support the good ones.

Any good news, unexpected or expected, you’d like to share, my wordy cherubim? 😇

Please tell all in the comment section below.

230 thoughts on “Unexpected Good News Regarding Our Bathroom Remodeling Projects”

  1. Love this! And your comment about toilet paper holders? LOL. With you there re: issues we’re facing with a kitchen remodel that is never-ending…because it’s yet to begin…due to the supply-chain issues you mentioned and a constant reshuffling in the ‘this is what’s REALLY available’ game. 😉 Still, grateful that we (so far) think we’re working with someone who MIGHT be as nice as your Marty. What a find. And congrats on getting the job done — the pics looks great.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Yaayyyy! There are good companies out there and I’m so happy to see it! Good for y’all and the bathroom looks great.
    Good news for me is….. We’ll be leaving tomorrow to spend the weekend with our son!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Well said! That is good business. It’s Great business. It’s a FANTASTIC business. If you lived in my area, Ally, I’d ask you for their details and make sure we go with them. Yes, that good.

      When I was a young(er) girl, I once took a cab late at night, and the bulk of the cab ride, the taxi driver chided me for not first crossing the street (in my defense, a 6-lane street, late at night, I preferred not to), since he had to make a u-turn, and I had to then pay for the extra time in the cab. All these years later, I still remember the honest cab driver.

      GREAT story. What I missed is what rule of decorum you supposedly broke?

      Liked by 1 person

      • Endless Weekend, we’ve been pleased with this remodeling company over the years. They’re one of those quiet groups, that does well by word of mouth.

        Isn’t that something about the cab driver? I remember taking cabs home from work downtown not wanting to take the bus late at night. Some of those drivers were pleasant sorts.

        I was raised to never speak of money. ‘Twas tacky, so that’s the rule of which I speak. Whatever

        Liked by 1 person

    • Dale, Marty hasn’t steered us wrong with any project. The funny/good thing about this guy is IF he thinks your idea is loony, too expensive, dumb he says so. No cloying sales pitch, which I’ve appreciated over the years. Have you started on your projects yet?

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      • That is fantastic. Ironically, my guy is Martin 😉
        And yes, the destruction is done, the electrical (my son) is mostly done, the plumbing is done – the basic part, the heated floors are in… now they close up walls and hopefully soon start laying the floor tiles.
        I’m moving back home on Monday and will have to live sans kitchen for a month… almost.

        Liked by 1 person

        • You’re making great progress. I’m impressed. It’s all a process and you can’t rush it no matter how much you want to. We had our kitchen remodeled years ago and went without one for 6 weeks. It’s amazing how differently you shop in the grocery when you have no fridge and only a microwave! We survived, sanity intact.

          Liked by 1 person

          • Ugh. It’s gone quite a bit slower than planned as my son can only work on the house after his work… he’s impressed the hell out of me, tell you what!
            It will be over 6 weeks without for me as the work started September 19. However, my friend has let me stay at her house while she is off galivanting around Tuscany! I will survive. I have a second fridge, a full freezer, a microwave – and I’m going to get myself a toaster oven as I gave mine to my son…
            I’m thinking it’s probably a good thing I’m living on my own…

            Liked by 1 person

    • Deb, thanks. We like how the bathrooms look [only featured one here] and everything works in them. I cannot overemphasize how wonderful that is: drains that drain, toilets that flush, lights that shine. Almost too good to be true.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. It’s so gratifying to find a contractor who is trustworthy and easy to work with. The upside is there for both of you, and that’s as it should be. Here’s to that and to jobs finished!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Nance, yes, I agree with you. Interesting thing about this company is that they no longer do print advertisements, using word-of-mouth referrals to grow their business. Around here, that’s unusual.

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  10. Honesty makes us feel valued as a customer. Good for them for doing the right thing! (I am a little jealous because the pandemic threw a wrench in all our remodeling plans. It is still impossible to find a contractor who has any availability.)

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Wonderful to hear. So nice to know that you were dealing with an honest company. The bathrooms look nice. I agree about finding alternatives when the one you want isn’t available. It’s only a toilet paper holder.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bitchy After 60, I knew we were fortunate to hook up with this company and the refund check confirmed it. As for the toilet paper holder– EXACTLY. I’m detail-oriented, but not a crazy control freak.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Oh, that is just wonderful! Yay!

    Good news, good news. Well, my son went camping last week and did not get giardia! Essentially they were to get water from a pump that serviced the area, but that water was not potable and would have had to be treated/ boiled. Turns out the pump was shut down for the winter so they hauled in fresh water!

    Other good news – it’s Thanksgiving this weekend up here, and so that means a little break from routine! That’s kind of nice. I’m sure I have many more good things but I am blanking right now *pours more coffee*

    Liked by 1 person

    • Nicole, I love your good news. It’s the kind of small thing that’s really a big enough thing to celebrate. And talk about. It might have been a bother to haul in the water, but…

      I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. It’s wonderful to sit back and intentionally appreciate the positive things in life, which I suppose is the subtext of all thanksgiving celebrations. Drink some more coffee, enjoy!

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    • Deborah, your reasoning is how mine went too when confronted with choosing a toilet paper roll… again… and again. The metal is the same, the scale is in proportion, the style blends– and that’s good enough.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Yay for honesty and integrity and sharing good stories (instead of just spreading around the doom and gloom).

    Hurricane IAN was bad news for so many . . . but the GOOD NEWS is that the weather after IAN blew through has been unseasonably cooler and less humid with no rain in sight ~ perfect for rescue and recovery and return to normalcy. So we got that going for us!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Nancy, I thought you’d like a positive story. In personal blogging I find that people tend to snarl about the bad stuff more than gush about the good stuff. I do it too, but I can spin it happy.

      Your good news about your weather is wonderful. I didn’t know that about Ian’s aftermath temps and it’s encouraging. Heading back to normalcy is the way to go.

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      • So many people default to the negative . . . it’s almost like they do not want to be happy.

        I have decided that I will allow anyone around here to vent about their storm issues for the next week or so . . . but if they start raking old negatives (e.g., gossip about something someone said or did to annoy them last year) over the coals to get them to spring to into flame again, I’m not listening. Life is too short.

        BFF and I survived the storm. So did our villa. So did our cars. So did our stuff. We have food, clothing, shelter, A/C, refrigeration, connectivity, etc. There are so many other people around the globe who could not say the same right now. So I will not let other people harsh my buzz by bitching and moaning and complaining about irrelevant issues of a non urgent nature. Phew! Glad I got to share that factoid with you . . . a fellow positive person!

        Liked by 1 person

        • I get what you’re saying about people. I have a theory that people hang onto problems because to solve them involves change– and for many people that’s the worse thing there is. Better to have a problem in hand to talk about rather than attempt a solution all by your ownsome.

          [Yes, I’m cynical but in a charming way!]

          I agree with you that you are in good shape compared to many Floridians and people around the globe. As long as your food chain remains stable, you’ll adapt to what is to come. Such a strange thing, though. Hurricanes are wicked.

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  17. My husband loves to tell employees: you make customers, not money. It is SO true. There are several local businesses we completely avoid because of lousy customer service and/or taking advantage financially. And there are other companies we are fiercely loyal to because they have always acted ethically. When you find someone that is reliable and trustworthy it really is mutually beneficial.
    You know I’ve been walking a renovation tightrope along with you; we are done all but a few small aesthetic updates! After almost 5 years of having something on the go, this feels amazing. I had serious decision fatigue.

    Like you, we’ve been so fortunate to work with an amazing contractor. He’s efficient but careful. He cleans up when he’s finished for the day. He’s also probably in his 60s and has the gentlest grandfatherly spirit. Working with someone like that took some of the sting out of my renovation anxiety.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Elisabeth, I like your husband’s business philosophy. You’re right: “When you find someone that is reliable and trustworthy it really is mutually beneficial.” Sadly many businesses don’t get that, the lure of Benjamins is too much for them.

      Your grandfatherly contractor sounds like a carbon copy of our project manager on our projects. Tidy, calm, with a few amusing anecdotes to tell. I’m glad you’re not feeling too anxious about your renovations. It’s something to live through the mess, isn’t it?

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  18. Finding someone/a company like that is such a blessing. I hope you give him great reviews on Yelp and the like. Finding a good mechanic is a place where we’ve been blessed. When we lived in Ohio, our mechanic originally belonged to our church but then moved further away. We followed (only for car work, not an actual move). If I took the van in for a pre-vacation check and he found nothing wrong, he wouldn’t charge us. We also had a good one in Illinois, another small business. Here in Arizona we use Big O Tire and while not the same, we have no complaints so far.

    Thanks for good news to start my day.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Janet, yes we’re singing the praises of this company for them. We’re voluntarily on their satisfied customers list that they give to potential new customers. So far, two conversations.

      Mechanics are difficult to find, let alone trust. Some seem to be so reliable while others, and I can’t quite tell you why, I don’t trust. I’m glad you found somewhere to go that is keeping your vehicle in tip-top shape. That’s important.

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  19. What a great story! I recently started working again for the same company I’d been severed from last year and this right here is one reason I went back. I always appreciated the honesty in paying someone, even if they don’t know it’s owed to them.

    As to remodeling, sadly, I am too obsessive. Our bathrooms are in desperate need of remodeling, but… I’m still holding out for that vanity, et al, that’s on back order. Sigh… I need to take a lesson or two from your thoughts on TP holders! 🤔

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    • An Audience of One, I can understand why you went back to work for a good company. It seems sensible to associate yourself with the honest ones. For peace of mind, if nothing else.

      Backorder limbo is tricky. You don’t know if you should give up on Plan A and move onto Plan B [or C or D]– or hold firm. I suppose it comes down to how quickly you want the new bathroom to happen. In our case there were *issues* with things that we could no longer live with, so I said “whatever” to many deets.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. All to often we hear about this or that company doing the wrong thing in some aspect or other. Too many folks spouting hate and discontent. That said Ally a huge thumbs up to you for doing the right thing by giving us good news about a company with good ethics. Well done and well said.

    Over the years I’ve used a small local contractor for this or that project. I keep using this company for many reasons, integrity being high among them. I’ve given reviews of their service as well as recommendations and the like, and even went so far as to give them a shout out on Trust Pilot. Credit should always be given when credit is due.

    Keep up the good work Ally, yours is one blog I really look forward to reading.

    Johnny

    Liked by 1 person

    • Johnny, you said it: “Too many folks spouting hate and discontent.” Amen, brother. Couldn’t agree more.

      I’m not familiar with Trust Pilot, but if you can use it to help a good company thrive then I’m all for it. For us, not being originally from this area, finding reliable contractors and tradesmen has been hit or miss. Some not so good ones along the way, which I suppose is why I wanted to write about Marty & the gang.

      I’m glad you like this blog. I’m flattered. I know I’m not everyone’s cup of tea– and that’s fine by me! 🤓

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  22. I love this. Hooray! Score one for the good guys. I was thinking I had nothing to report seeing as we had not one but two crooks work on our kitchen . . . well the final guy that came in 3 years later was VERY nice and timely and fair. Hard not to focus on the two guys who ripped us off and caused us so much grief and required lawyers, etc.

    The great story that comes to mind though . . . my husband has a patient who comes in every so often. Coach reached out to him to ask him for references to do our siding. Coach thought this guy only did roofs. Turns out he does siding too. He did the sidings. So trustworthy and hard working, and full of honest advice.

    This guy has shown up at Christmas and a few other unexpected visits with beer for my husband and other gifts for us. A neighbor asked for our siding guy’s info. So, over the weekend he showed up with more beer and a $100 bill for the referral. We tried to refuse, but he insisted. Wish they were all that grateful and trustworthy and downright friendly.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ernie, I understand why you’d focus on the scam artists. I would too. Probably find ways to dis them whenever I could so that I could send bad juju their way. At least, though, you found a good guy in the end and the kitchen is functional.

      Your roofing/siding guy sounds like a winner. Hang onto him. Spread the word up and down your street. I like how he rewarded you with beer [yay!] and money. Wish you could send him our way… 🫤

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  23. Great story, Ally. Reminds me of a couple years ago when we got a new roof installed. The very next day it rained a bit, and a small mark appeared on a ceiling. We knew this company was booked solid and wondered when someone would be able to come out to review and remedy the situation. When we called, one of the managers answered and asked if we were at home right now. He came over immediately, explained why the drip occurred, and made sure we were satisfied before he left…also giving us his personal cell number in case it re-occurred. There ARE some good businesses out there! I know that old adage if you provide bad service to someone they’ll tell 25 people about it. It should also be the case if you get GOOD service to tell 25 people about it! Happy to hear you had a good, honest experience as well. Take care, Bruce

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bruce, what a wonderful timely resolution to the leak. I’m impressed with this company’s can-do spirit. I’m sure you’ll use them again if you need another roof… which I hope you don’t because those things are expensive… and boring… in my opinion.

      I’ve never heard the adage about telling 25 people about bad service, but I believe. Focus on bad news, people pile on. Talk about good news, people yawn. Don’t know why that is, but that’s my observation.

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  24. I do not understand why more people don’t just live by the Golden Rule, as this company you use clearly does. (Yay for them!) I mean, the world would just be so much nicer–and work so much better–if we’d all just be nice and fair with each other. But, clearly, we don’t, or it wouldn’t be so remarkable for a company to give a refund for overpayment. I’m glad you found a good one, and that you are satisfied with the work/final project. Must feel so nice to have that done. And done well.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Rita, I agree with you wholeheartedly. I don’t get it either, just do good work, play nice, be fair. How hard is that? YET we live in a society that shows me it must be difficult for many people.

      You’re right that this refund is remarkable in that it shouldn’t be remarkable but it is. You’re also right that it is wonderful to have these bathrooms all finished, useable, with all the various things in them working again. Yay!

      Liked by 1 person

      • Well, now your words (“it must be difficult for many people”) have me thinking that my thinking may be a sign of my relative good fortune. It’s easy to play fair when the rules work for you–when you feel as if you’re being treated fairly, at least for the most part, in the larger game of living. And have at least a chance of winning it. Or not losing it. And there are a lot of people for whom that isn’t true (and so many now who are winning in so much bigger ways than so many others it just doesn’t seem right, muddying ethical/moral waters) which my relative good fortune kept me from seeing for so many years. Gah.

        I’m glad Marty is winning enough to be able to help you win, too. At least in this.

        Like

        • Yes, I take your point, having found myself at times on the other side of the equation, realizing the system was rigged against me and I was lied to/manipulated. Immoral and amoral people create and cling to deceit making sure to keep the *wrong* people from succeeding.

          But in this instance the system worked for me, treated us fairly, and I’m pleased.

          Like

  26. I had a very good experience with a HVAC repairman. Danish daughter wanted me to have someone check out systems before winter. The repairman doesn’t usually do this, but he found a bad breaker and replaced it. I found him to be an honest worker, and I hope he thinks I’m one of his best customers. It’s a two-way street.

    Liked by 1 person

  27. Having recently gone through kitchen and deck projects, I get it. Tomorrow we start on our “office” project. It simply closing off a wall so it’s a private area and people can’t see our junk. This is the more dependable contractor but I still have some anxiety. Materials are simple so there shouldn’t be any supply chain issues but you never know. Although this guy is Mr. Dependable, when he was doing the kitchen he hurt his knee and lost a week and half so my anxiety is founded. I don’t think I ever got a refund. When we moved it didn’t cost as much as they estimated (because we had been taking carloads over ourselves) and they could have not adjusted our bill. We would have never known. Gotta hope that some people have scruples.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Kate, I’ll be fascinated to see how your office project goes. I’ve never added a wall, usually focusing more on working within the existing ones, but I can understand how this will be wonderful. I hope Mr. Dependable lives up to his name.

      When we moved here 22 years ago we did what you did, boxing things up ourselves, hauling them to the new house. Ultimately the estimate from the moving company was less than quoted. They had scruples too.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. What a gift – an Ally Bean post on Wednesday! Wuhoo. Love the story. And this aside really made me laugh although I don’t know what transitional-style is: “One transitional-style toilet paper holder in brushed nickel is about the same as another one, right?”

    But the thing that made me shiver most was that my favorite hardware store guy is named Marty. And somehow I love that your note came from a Marty too!

    Congrats on being done. I hope you have a lovely dinner or date with $281. Yay!!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Wynne, I missed posting on Tuesday so why not Wednesday? Mustn’t get locked into anything here in blogland.

      If you’re not into interior design it probably means nothing to you but transitional style is a look that is somewhere between traditional and modern, incorporating elements of both, creating a relaxed look.

      Your hardware guy is a Marty, too! It’s not a common name so that’s oddly coincidental. You’re right we should use the money and go out to eat somewhere swanky. Good idea

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  30. Marty sounds like a good guy. I’ve had three bathroom remodels done and not enjoyed a single one. Yours looks great! My kitchen will stay as is since I know that one would be excruciating. Let the next owner of this house deal with it!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Margaret, we’ve done all three bathrooms, too. They’re less stressful than our kitchen remodel, but a new kitchen is a thing of beauty! But I get your point. When the time comes will you be able to sell your house without a new kitchen?

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  32. Yes! I went to Subaru for an oil change Saturday. Due to unforeseen circumstances it took them two hours. They apologized and the oil change was free! Plus they gave me a doggie toy for Chester! And I was busy chatting with another customer so it turned out ok all around. Your bathroom looks fantastic!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Martha, this is a great story. A free oil change as compensation for you waiting so long. That’s smart business plus a toy for Chester! Talk about a win-win. Thanks about the bathroom. It’s been a long time in coming but we’re pleased with it.

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  33. Awww, that’s nice to hear. I don’t often have good customer service to report, but I recently used Safelite for the third time and they know how to run a business! Prompt, courteous, and do a good job.

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    • Bijoux, I’m encouraged to read about your experiences with Safelite. I see them around but have yet to need to call them. Occasionally you gotta call out the good ones.

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    • Robin, I’m not a Pollyanna by any stretch, but I do want to share some positivity from time-to-time. For balance. To add good vibes into our world, ‘ya know?

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  35. That is wonderful! A refund cheque and a great new bathroom that looks terrific is the stuff of dreams. There are good businesses out there; it’s just that the bad ones get all the attention, unfortunately. But in keeping with the theme of your post, I have good news. I thought I was confronting a very serious medical situation, but it turned out to be a medication snafu and I now have a clean bill of health. Good news all around. 😁

    Liked by 1 person

    • Lynette, YAY about your good health. That’s wonderful and is worth celebrating. I agree with you that the bad businesses get our attention while the good ones, the decent ones, are often overlooked. Isn’t right, but seems to be the way of the world.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Jan, I’m smiling here at your comment. We, too, spent a lot on remodeling the bathrooms. While this refund isn’t much in light of the total price tag, I’ll take it.

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  41. Hi, Ally – I had to reread the title of this post several times before I could begin to comprehend it’s meaning. In my experience, “Good News” and “Remodelling Projects” don’t usually go together. Thank you for sharing this uplifting story. It gives incredible hope for the rest of us.

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  42. That is wonderful news, Ally…not just the unexpected refund, but the fact that you are happy with the results and were treated fairly. My good news at the moment is that my sister and her husband are coming to spend the weekend with us and we have tickets for a play at the beautiful outdoor Tuacahn Amphitheater.

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    • Christie, am I allowed to say I am jealous about your planned weekend? It sounds like fun and family and all that is good. Thanks for sharing it here. Have fun!

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  43. This is a win-win: a prize-winning bathroom and money back.

    We remodeled a bathroom in our previous house, resurfacing the outdated pink and green tile (gag!) and then installing pretty granite on the vanity. I liked both bathrooms in our new house and didn’t change a thing.

    It’s nice to report good things happening in this world of woe, that’s for sure. Thanks, Ally!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Gigi, I’m sorry but Marty and gang are here exclusively. I understand your dilemma, it’s tricky to find any contractor anywhere, let alone the good ones.

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    • Jean, the refund came as a surprise, but like I said I hadn’t been keeping strict accounting on all the addendums. I know what you mean about the surprise often being “you owe us more” rather than here’s a check.

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  51. Congratulations on getting the bathrooms finished! I don’t doubt you are loving it. I cherish my remodel every day. And how special to get a refund! We didn’t get THAT lucky – more like way more than the estimate, but we were happy with our contractor in spite of it.

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  52. I’m sure you’ve told this story to some of your closest friends in your town. I’ve never owned a business, but I have to imagine that the goodwill and future business they may get from this story far outweighs the $281.

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  53. Nice 👍 The only sort of positive news i can share is that my wife hasn’t been fired from her new job yet (i thank God on the daily, the generosity that this company has kept a placeholder on her position), my wife worked a grand total of 7 days while unknowingly working on a fractured foot after a bad fall, and has been out of work with a foot boot the last 2 weeks.

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  54. Your story reminds me of the response my parents gave when my wife wondered why they kept going to a certain car garage a city away when there are so many nearby. They said that everyone else wonders the same thing, but my parents have been going to that garage for ten years and the people there have been nothing but kind to them in so many ways, to a point where they’ve even gotten to know them as people too.

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    • Strangely Irid, your story is exactly the sort of story that explains why we stick with good people, too. We’ve used this particular home improvement company many times, know many of the employees, can ask after their kids, and we like their work ethic too. I understand why your parents keep going to that garage.

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  55. When you find good quality people, I can understand why there’d be a reluctance to move. It was something I worried about when we moved out of area, but we were fortunate in having Himself’s boss who’s lived here all her life and is a treasure trove of great contacts.

    My good news: I had a scam message overnight purporting to be from my daughter. I *nearly* swung into rescue mode, but fortunately stopped to check. My daughter is absolutely fine. She also never says “hey” to me (or anyone else).

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    • Deb, I agree that it helps when you have a contact in the area to guide you toward who to call first. We stumbled around when we first got here, and still do sometimes, but Marty and the gang are a good group.

      What an awful scam message! I’m glad there was no problem– other than the fact that you got an awful scam message. You just have to wonder about why anyone would scam you like that…

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    • At a certain point in the decision-making process, I gave up worrying about most of it. As long as it was brushed nickel and transitional style, I didn’t care anymore. Just get this project done, you know?

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  57. Life is good when one has a trusted contractor. We have an honest small engine repair gentleman, and we appreciate his help every time. On the other side of the coin, we called a plumber recently for a water leak, they sent two men who were here 30 minutes, did not find the leak, but billed us $240. With that wonderful experience, with family help, we found the leak ourselves and fixed it ourselves. If only Marty lived closer. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Judy, I’d happily give your Marty’s name were you here. Your experience with the plumbers is frustrating– and pricey. How did they miss the leak? That’s frustrating and stupid. I’m glad you got it fixed, but sorry that you had to.

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  58. What a pretty bathroom and I love the brushed nickel faucets. Sounds like it was well worth the wait and the needed choice alterations to the original plan. You’re lucky to have such an honest contractor, definitely one of the good ones.

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    • Barbara, thank you. I like how the bathroom looks, our choices came together in the end. And everything in the room works now, so the added bonus of having the refund check makes it even better.

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  59. What a heartening story, Ally (and it seems we use “disheartening” more often, don’t we?) I sense this honest mistake would’ve been owned up to regardless of your loyalty to the company, but it’s nice to see respect given to repeat customers. Bravo!

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    • Dave, I hadn’t thought of it but I’m sure you’re right that this company would refund to anyone that which they owed them. We just happen to have a history with this company. Also, you’re right about using the word ‘disheartening’ more often than I’d like. What a weird world anymore…

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  60. What a lovely thing to find, not only the check and note in your mail, but also such an honest company. Clearly they are worthy of your business, which is why you have used them so often.

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  61. This post didn’t go where I thought it would, which is probably a good thing (re: money). 🙂 But what a fabulous ending nevertheless. You definitely chose a great company to work with, not to mention your bathroom looks totally fab. Well done. – Marty

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    • Marty, when I saw the return address on the envelope from this company, I couldn’t imagine what was in it. We’d paid in full, so my surprise was genuine. Marty is a good guy, as are all the Martys I know!

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  64. I’d hire Marty and his crew on the spot if they’d come here in Boston suburb and do the job. And if you’d be the project manager. Because I just don’t have the head for ANY redo details. Not. One.

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  66. What a lovely post! I’m glad your bathroom project was a success despite all the COVID delays and changes.

    I agree that not all contractors are bad. In fact, I’ve had some wonderful contractors over the years. I adored the contractor who did my kitchen. She was so sweet and skilled that I was almost sorry when she was finished.

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    • Nicki, yes, despite all that Covid tossed in our way the bathroom is finished and looks/works great and we have a few more dollars in our bank account. Very grateful are we.

      I’m happy to read about your experience with your kitchen contractor. It’s amazing how quickly people working inside your house, people you like of course, can seem like they should be around all the time.

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  68. Wonderful news! If I lived in your area, I would hire that company. Honesty like that deserves business.
    I received a check from the electric company for overpaying! I was very, very shocked.

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    • L. Marie, I’m in awe that you received a reimbursement check from an utility company! You live a blessed life. That trumps our reimbursement by a long shot.

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  69. I have not one, but two, blogging faves who have gone through absolute hell with the companies remodeling their homes, so it’s refreshing to see that good experiences can (and DO) exist!

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  73. That is a nice comment abou the toilet paper holder. You do need one that is just right. I mean, if it’s one that’s going to last for ages you might as well get the one you want 😛

    Very kind of the company to tell you that they overcharged and they are reimbursing you. Marty sounds like a nice person, writing that note. The bathroom looks very good. Worth the wait 🙂

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    • Nabel, good point about the toilet paper holder. It better last for ages because I don’t want to have to replace anything in this bathroom ever. One remodeling is enough.

      The remodeling company was honest about overcharging us, something we’d never have figured out. I wrote this because it’s nice to be able to say something good once in a while.

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  74. First let me say how happy I am for you that this remodel was finally finished. It looks very nice as well! And the congratulations on a contractor that treats you fairly. I had to call the garage door repair folks a while ago, the door was stuck open. They told me immediately that they were going to charge me for after hours but what was I going to do? Well, the nice repair guy arrived well before the time they had told me and finished before “after hours” and dropped that from my bill as well as charged me less for what turned out to be an easy fix. These are the people you go back to when you need further work done. I don’t understand why other people in the service sector don’t get that.

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    • Zazzy, your garage door repair company knows how to treat people well. I’m glad it turned out as well as it did– and that despite them being a good group you don’t have any more problems with your garage door. [I feel the same way about our appliance repair company, a great bunch but I don’t want any appliances to need repair.]

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  75. Awww I love this story! So nice to see a business be honest for once… not that I come across a lot of shady ones but it’s nice to feel like they still exist!

    I made an impression on a former boss once when I came forward to tell him he overpaid me. He said to me, in all his years in business (10+) and of all the people he’s ever employed (500+), very few (less than 3 people, I was one of them), came forward to tell him he had overpaid them accidentally. That always stuck with him and from then on (it was my second year with him), he trusted me wholeheartedly. He never once questioned me and my intentions. It was a nice feeling.

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    • Jenn, your story with your boss is wonderful. You were right to tell him he overpaid you, but a rarity if only 3 out of 500 employees ever fessed up. You earned his trust in the best way possible. I’m sure you did, and still do, feel good about what happened– as you should.

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  76. I love the bathroom, Ally! I’m sure it’s such a nice feeling to have it all done. And that is certainly such a great thing to have a good contractor. And one that gives refunds, too! Anyway, we are looking into doing some bathroom and kitchen work in our house but not having a contractor we know/recommended is making me dread these projects.

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    • M, thanks. We love the bathroom too. It looks pretty AND everything works in it now which is nice. It’s difficult to find a good contractor. We’ve had some great experiences– and some less than good ones. I wish you well, I understand your dread. Even with a great one, I felt dread.

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  78. It is the niceties that count in this life and it seems they are few and far between when it comes to contractors. Ally, we both have shared contractor stories and reading yours and Kate’s, I am glad for no contractors in my life right now, well, except for this one which I need to have as I’m not climbing up on the roof to clean gutters, check chimney flashing, etc.

    My trusted, reliable and wonderful handyman told me in the Spring he is now declared legally blind and has given his book of business to his son-in-law. The other day I noticed multiple tuckpointing that was not done, cracks opening up, not only on cement but in the tar on one side of the house, all part of his “Spring chores” for which I paid more than Jim’s annual charge. I am going to have problems with this kid, who seemed sullen to me and when I said “how nice, you’re now in business for yourself and your own boss” his answer was “I’d rather be a roofer – more money in it.” Guess I will be asking around for referrals of someone who wants to take a little ownership for his work.

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    • Linda, the new kid doesn’t sound like he’ll be at it for long. More money in being a roofer? Who knew, huh? We hire maintenance people to clean the windows and gutter– repair exterior things– and it’s hit or miss. Some are great, so they are out there the trick being finding them, and around here, to get on their list as a preferred customer.

      Wishing you well with finding your next handyman person. Or maybe a few speciality handymen.

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      • His heart definitely was not in it Ally. I felt badly for Jim as he came along for the meet and greet and to show Brent what needed to be done, so he heard him say that. I don’t like a lot of people knowing I live alone. although you would hope you could trust a handyman. The handyman my mom and I had for 20 years developed a gambling habit and became obnoxious after my mom died, asking for advances for his Spring and Fall chores and we had him doing the snow for years, so he wanted money months in advance. He started calling repeatedly or banging on the door, so I said we were done, then he’d drive past the house and taunt the new handyman or say I was crazy. He eventually stopped thankfully.

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  79. Finding a good contractor is priceless! We’ve used the same guy for 10+ years and he will do small jobs for us still even though he is now more a big-job guy. (I’ve always paid on time and even up front if he needed to get materials. And been okay with his slower work pace when it was our second home. ) When he measured wrong for some replacement cabinet pieces last year, he was going to pick up the mistake himself! (I split it with him.) He also rushed the second measurement pieces to keep us on schedule…paid for the rush himself. His work is meticulous, and yeah, he’ll tell me if he thinks I’m doing something weird. I don’t know what I’m gonna do when he decides to retire!

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    • Pat, this is a wonderful story that goes to prove there are good guys out there. I’m happy you found this person and that he is meticulous in his work– that’s a big plus when trying to do home improvement. The wrongly measured cabinets were too bad, but you two made its work in a equitable way. Marty has no problem saying NOPE, you’re not going to do that. I appreciate his honesty. I hope your guy doesn’t retire before you get all your improvements completed. That’d be sad

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  80. No. Can’t say as I’ve had any good news. But I’ve had no bad news either. Keep on pounding away. It’ll be worth it.

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  81. I LOVE this so much!! And the bathrooms look amazing, by the way…

    That would make me a lifelong customer and bragger to anyone who would listen about this particular ‘unicorn’ contractor.

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    • Suz, good way to refer to Marty and the gang. The Unicorn Contractor fits him. I’m pleased to have the projects behind us and grateful this group did the work. Now if we can find someone to build a new deck…

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      • Indeed. We recently experienced damage to part of our hallway floor and so my husband suggests that we first remodel the bathrooms, then fix the floor. But that won’t/can’t happen until the patio and hardscaping are done (December–fingers crossed) and a new fence is put up. I can only hope we live so long …

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