How much would you pay this slacker?
Let me back-track. He came over to begin a job a week ago Saturday that I wanted finished that weekend. This was Day 6 of my Land Park home kitchen remodel. He argued with me because I wanted a primer and two coats of paint when he wanted to do one coat.
He hung around for 3 to 4 hours, taping things off and making a general mess of stuff, including painting over the door trim and baseboards, which I had already painted and finished. Then he abruptly left, promising to return on Monday.
Monday he called to say he'd be over at 2 PM on Tuesday and then never came back nor called.
So, I hired another painter that evening who finished the job the following day.
Yesterday (7 days later), the painter called and demanded 50% of the $500 job estimate. The second painters charged me $485 to finish up the job correctly and caulk.
My second painter says the first painter is not licensed as a contractor. He further says I do not need to pay the first painter anything at all.
Now, I disagree with that statement. Sure, the first painter is definitely a slacker and screw up, but after all, he did prime the kitchen and he tried -- even though he failed -- to give it a first coat of paint. He did cost me more money because I had to pay to fix the trim and baseboards he messed up, which were in perfect condition before.
My second painter offered to call the first painter on my behalf to discuss payment, except the first painter does not answer his cell for this guy. So, I called the first painter last night to explain I wanted him to talk with the second painter before we determine payment. Honestly, the guy sounded drunk. He became argumentative, so I hung up.
I want to be fair. I also want him out of my hair, so I'm tempted to give him the $250 he did not earn. What would you do?
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