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Property/DIY

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Would you be happy with this?

47 replies

KitchenReno · 11/06/2026 09:59

Had someone in yesterday to paint our kitchen cabinets. I've always wanted a pink kitchen and even though DH always does our DIY to a standard everyones always impressed with I really wanted to invest in this because its literally been something I've wanted for decades. So I thought I will get a professional in. Paid a lot of money (on a 0% cc so i can pay it off over the year)

Firstly in messages I specifically said moving the large appliances might be an issue because the kitchen is small and was told the only needed to move the slightly to paint down sides. So it was specifically mentioned about the sides being done and the quote includes 'all end panels'
Well the end panels either side of the dishwasher, oven and fridge have not been painted. They are the original wooden cllour still.
I did mention this right after he left and he did say he will come and do them. Ok but

We also had a couple of cupboards that have had steam damage from a kettle previously being there. I sent photos of this and was told that the laminate would be removed with a heat gun, sealed, painted and topcoated to match the other cupboards.

He has just painted over the bumpy laminate. Not removed it.

And then this is the 'high standard' of finish.

Also he put one set of handles on a cupboard that didn't have them put on and the mdf/paint chipped and he just left it like that, didn't touch up the paint.

I would like to point out that I didn't find this guy on FB (though they do have a fb page)
I found him theough google. Through a really professional website with lots and lots of pictures and reviews of massive fancy kitchens in huge houses. Its based in a very affluent/rich area and alongside all the blurb on the website about professional preparation, professional finishes, x amount of years experience I really thought it was going to be worth the money.
It paid in the 4 figures for it.

I just don't know what to do, I have really bad anxiety and I found it really hard to call and ask about the side panels not being painted and now I'm just feeling really upset and shit and embarrassed tbh.

And I'm upset that I convinced my husband to have it done 'professionally' rather than him doing it and now I see that he absolutely could have (and would have) done a better job that this.
The website is so focused on proper preparation and finsishes. My fella would never have left it streaky or left paint lines like that or painted over old silicone or cracked paint!

I feel like an idiot in all honesty, like I was sucked into this fancy website and paying for perfection when I could have spent £200 on supplies and DIYd it like we always do.

Would you be happy with this?
Would you be happy with this?
Would you be happy with this?
Would you be happy with this?
Would you be happy with this?
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KitchenReno · 11/06/2026 10:02

Other photos.

I mean it would take 15 seconds to wipe that paint line clean whilst its still wet?

Would you be happy with this?
Would you be happy with this?
Would you be happy with this?
Would you be happy with this?
Would you be happy with this?
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KitchenReno · 11/06/2026 10:04

And I don't know if it was ever mentioned but he didn't paint the tops of the cupboard.

I spent a good hour up there the other day degreasing them with sugar soap as I assumed that they would be painted?

Am i wrong in the assumption? Would you expect the tops to be painted? Or should I not mention that?

Would you be happy with this?
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Frikadelle · 11/06/2026 10:08

I’d be very dissatisfied too. At least you have everything in writing that was agreed to. I would send your photos of the “finished” work and request that is is brought up to the standard you’re expecting from a professional.

GlaceCherryFromThePast · 11/06/2026 10:22

This is awful. It is not up to the standard you were led to believe it would be, so you are well within your right to complain. Paying attention to the small details; the main reason why I'd pay a professional instead of DIY! It looks as if they sent out the least experienced person on the team if the other pictures are evidence of their actual work standard.

Dozycuntlaters · 11/06/2026 10:34

That is absolutely awful. I could have done it better and I am rubbish at DIY. Have you paid him all the money? Is he a one man band or does he work for a company? Definitely complain and demand either your money back or someone else comes back and does the work to the standard you were expecting.

MotherofPufflings · 11/06/2026 10:37

That's appalling workmanship. I would complain and ask for it to be put right. The good news is that you may be able to get some/all over the money because you paid by credit card.

MajorSamanthaCarter · 11/06/2026 10:43

That's the worst paint job I've ever seen! Did he not mask anything off before he started?

KitchenReno · 11/06/2026 10:43

I don't know what to do.

Should I have him come back or should I phone my credit card company?

Am I obliged to have them come back and fix the issues before that or can I just dispute the payment now?

I'm really stressed and don't even know if I want him coming back to be honest.

I paid with my credit card through Monzo, i think it was?

I paid 1/3 deposit then the rest. Do you think it would be fair to leave them with the deposit (for materials and some of the time spent) then dispute the remainder payment I made yesterday for the work?

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ThisRedStork · 11/06/2026 10:44

No way is that anything near a professional
finish!
More like a slap dash diy job.

And Even if they did come back to rectify the bits you have said about I would be very worried about the longevity of the paint work etc.

What prep did they even do? Did you do all the washing down?

Would like to see some pics off their website!

Periperi2025 · 11/06/2026 10:47

If you've paid via credit card i think your credit card company should offer some degree of protection, so worth looking in to.

Petrine · 11/06/2026 10:53

I would contact the company in writing, with photos, and ask that someone in authority comes out to look at the work. I would be wanting a full refund at least because the kitchen units are ruined.

KitchenReno · 11/06/2026 10:56

ThisRedStork · 11/06/2026 10:44

No way is that anything near a professional
finish!
More like a slap dash diy job.

And Even if they did come back to rectify the bits you have said about I would be very worried about the longevity of the paint work etc.

What prep did they even do? Did you do all the washing down?

Would like to see some pics off their website!

This is what I'm worried about.

There are bits in the paint, like hairs and bits that need 'picking out' so how has he prepped the surface properly if there are bits stuck in there.
Have they even been wiped down properly?

Would you be happy with this?
Would you be happy with this?
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oliviaAustin · 11/06/2026 10:57

That’s shockingly bad. I’d be asking for a refund so you can remedy it yourselves.

KitchenReno · 11/06/2026 10:57

Petrine · 11/06/2026 10:53

I would contact the company in writing, with photos, and ask that someone in authority comes out to look at the work. I would be wanting a full refund at least because the kitchen units are ruined.

It's a one man company. The guy who did it is the owner. Its not a shoddy job by one of his workers.

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Friendlygingercat · 11/06/2026 10:57

If you go to your card company they generally ask if you have made efforts for the service provider/supplier to rectify the fault. The correct procedure would be to contact the company in writing and give them a definite date by which the defective work must be corrected. Email is acceptable. Then go to your card provider if this does not happen.

oliviaAustin · 11/06/2026 10:58

KitchenReno · 11/06/2026 10:43

I don't know what to do.

Should I have him come back or should I phone my credit card company?

Am I obliged to have them come back and fix the issues before that or can I just dispute the payment now?

I'm really stressed and don't even know if I want him coming back to be honest.

I paid with my credit card through Monzo, i think it was?

I paid 1/3 deposit then the rest. Do you think it would be fair to leave them with the deposit (for materials and some of the time spent) then dispute the remainder payment I made yesterday for the work?

Yes generally you should work with the company to get them to fix it. Not just reverse the payment as they could contact your bank and dispute.

KitchenReno · 11/06/2026 11:06

Even if you don't trust them to do it properly or want them to come back to your home after that?

This is so stressful :(

Also his name is ' xyz 'prestigious area' and he told my DH he lives somewhere completely different, like an hours away in a completely 'non prestigious ' area thats known for being a bit rough :/

So it's just alarm bells and I'm just feeling stressed and worried about him coming back now.

OP posts:
Blondeshavemorefun · 11/06/2026 11:11

You paid over £1000 to paint a few cabinets ?

totally ripped off and looks awful

KitchenReno · 11/06/2026 11:18

I won't post any photos of their website because anyone could easily do a 'reverse image search' to find out the companys name and as upset as I am with this I don't want to jump to publicly shaming them. The purpose of this thread was to ascertain if I was justified in my dissatisfaction of the level of work done and just to get some general advice.

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Thebigonesgetaway · 11/06/2026 11:22

Op you don’t need all of those negative feelings. Email him the pics and explain what you’ve explained here. State this was what service as offered, this is what he delivered, he can either come back and finish the job and correct it to the right standard or refund and offer compensation. If he fails notify your card provider.

wherearethesnacks · 11/06/2026 11:22

That's a rubbish job. I was about to suggest he sent a student who'd never painted before instead of himself (happens in the summer) but that's not the case. Painting over the lifted laminate is particularly bad.

You'd nearly have bought new replacement doors for that price.

Untrained · 11/06/2026 11:48

Stop/get back the payment ASAP - if you pay him now he will never come back to rectify it. Then contact him to discuss - eg tell him you will pay when he comes back to correct it all. Ask me how I know....!

ThisRedStork · 11/06/2026 11:56

KitchenReno · 11/06/2026 11:18

I won't post any photos of their website because anyone could easily do a 'reverse image search' to find out the companys name and as upset as I am with this I don't want to jump to publicly shaming them. The purpose of this thread was to ascertain if I was justified in my dissatisfaction of the level of work done and just to get some general advice.

Have you reversed image searched the photos on his website to ascertain if it’s his workmanship or if he’s using someone else’s images? If he is using someone else’s images then that might help with evidence for credit card company? Maybe as I’m only guessing

Petrine · 11/06/2026 12:09

KitchenReno · 11/06/2026 10:57

It's a one man company. The guy who did it is the owner. Its not a shoddy job by one of his workers.

Well it's nowhere near acceptable is it? You know that it's not, despite his worker saying that it is.

I would ask for a full refund in writing with photos to substantiate what you're saying. You'll probably need to take this to the small claims court if he doesn't refund you. You'll undoubtedly win the case if you do.

KitchenReno · 11/06/2026 13:32

ThisRedStork · 11/06/2026 11:56

Have you reversed image searched the photos on his website to ascertain if it’s his workmanship or if he’s using someone else’s images? If he is using someone else’s images then that might help with evidence for credit card company? Maybe as I’m only guessing

Yes it seems to be a legitimate company which makes it just confusing.

I can't see how, if this is their standard, they have such good reviews and reputation.

I've spoken to him via txt and he did offer to come back to 'bring everything up to a standard I am happy with' but I have declined so far because I just don't think anything he could come back and do could rectify the situation to the point I would be happy now.

He chose to sign the job off and walk away with all these issues being left, so this is the standard of work his company is happy to leave customers with. I have no confidence he could come and 'fix' everything and this kitchen will look good in 5 years time.

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