My painter did a terrible job, how to deal with this? (VIC)

11 days ago

We employed a painter to paint the interior of our house while we were away on holidays.

The painter didn't do all of what was requested, and there's a LOT of issues with what they have done. They came recommended from a friend who had a glowing review, and unfortunately we didn't do any further investigation into them.

Our neighbour says they were at the house for two days (working until late on one of those days).

At this point I have paid nothing of the $7.5K requested. I don't trust them to return to finish the job properly, and they've said they're unavailable for a while due to other work anyway.

What's legally expected at this point? Do I get someone else in to complete the job, and a cleaner to deal with the mess they left then subtract that from the $7.5K? If they don't agree to the amount deducted is VCAT the next step? Any tips appreciated.

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Comments (5)

Jan Dobson
10 days ago
Did you sign a contract for the work, Anthony? If so, this will advise on your rights and responsibilities. Additionally, a call to consumer affairs Victoria and Legal Aid Victoria would be worthwhile as, whether this falls under their jurisdiction or whether you’re eligible for assistance, they will be able to give you some tips and point you in the right direction. (Definitely not a lawyer) but just withholding payment, can backfire, so you want to ensure whatever you do is within your rights. Probably unnecessary advice, but ensure you’re documenting everything and having a few neutral witnesses is always a good idea. Shoddy work is so disappointing on so many levels, I feel for you. Good luck
Jan Dobson
10 days ago
Forgot to add ➡️ https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/other-support-business-and-commercial-issues Note the chat box, brh corner
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I really feel for you. I had a similar experience when a neighbour recommended someone she knew who was 'really good'! He was extremely lazy and, apparently, suffering from depression and he had split up with his girlfriend! He did a dreadful job which took a week - because he was too depressed to work on some days - he only did about half the job and I wasn't impressed. It has ruined my relationship with my neighbour because she knew him to be really good. She won't even come into my place - I assume she doesn't want to see the mess he created! To top it all off (I had paid him cash - fortunately only half of what he 'wanted' (not 'earned') so he wouldn't be paying tax on it )- I didn't get a receipt. He also took my house keys so I had to have the locks replaced. Such a mess and then, I had some tradies through a couple of weeks later for an unrelated job and they asked me when I was getting the place painted? When I told them it had just been done, they really didn't know where to look. I seem to constantly get ripped off, so I'm not getting much done any more - too expensive and depressing.
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Unfortunately Erina, your best bet sometimes in this industry is to cut your losses and if it important enough to rectify, outsource a separate contractor/company to come in and re-do it at your own expense.....you just have to look at it as part of the cost of your project.......many people will have stories of deciding pay twice (sometimes more!) to eventually achieve the satisfactory results - ultimately you have to live with it long term and sometimes it's worth it to get it right....ultimately only you can make that decision one way or the other........it's not necessarily right or fair, but unfortunately these are the risks (& hard lessons) of building Best of luck Erina, PD :)
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dreamer
10 days ago
You were not at the house, so who painted the house, any proof that they were the people that you contracted to do the job. This entire painting is unprofessional and doesn’t constitute as a painting job that would be paid for. As above, have you got any signed documents that confirm the charge and company name with abn or acn details. If not don’t pay them. If they ask for payment, I would settle at $500 and get a new painter to start again. You will have to spend your good time cleaning the paint off surfaces that should never of been touched with paint. A terrible unprofessional job.
Anthony C
Original Author
10 days ago
Update: the painter has agreed to cut ties with no payment - though they still believe they did nothing wrong and they didnt cause the mess.
Jan Dobson
10 days ago
That’s a decent solution, although no doubt you would have preferred not to be dealing with the issue in the first place. Good luck with the clean up and rectification, and here’s to never having to deal with unprofessional professionals again

My painter did a terrible job, how to deal with this? (VIC)

Comments (5)

Jan Dobson

Jan Dobson

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My painter did a terrible job, how to deal with this? (VIC)

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