Homeowner Rights: Who’s Responsible When Renovation Fails Inspection?
The final stage of a renovation project, which should be a moment of joyful anticipation, often escalates into the most contentious period between homeowners and contractors. As you affix sticky notes to freshly painted walls, marking issues like ‘uneven paint’ or ‘hollow tiles,’ the foreman behind you might frown and say, ‘This is handmade; there will always be slight variations. You’re being too picky.’ In that instant, the air thickens, and the trust built throughout the project crumbles. You begin to question: Are my expectations too high, or is the contractor’s workmanship genuinely subpar?This is a classic case of ‘inspection anxiety.’ In traditional thinking, we’re often advised to ‘prioritize harmony’ and avoid offending the tradespeople for fear of future repair…