Washington St Kitchen & Bath

1. When we informed Erin at the contract signing on 5-14-20 that we needed our project to start right away because it needs to be finished before 7-27-20, he wrote on the contract that our project will start as soon as materials were in stock. Although he would not promise us our finish date by writing it on the contract, he said that it was realistic as long as we selected materials that were in stock. After several calls, texts, and e-mails to WSKB inquiring about when our project would start, they finally began 36 days after the contract was signed. When we inquired about our project’s status on several occasions, we found out that our project was only delayed because materials were not being ordered immediately after we selected, approved, and payed for them. As a result, our project finished 15 days later than the date that we indicated it needing to be finished. When we spoke with another contractor about our project, they said that it should have taken less than half the time to finish. When we spoke with a WSKB employee, they told us that the reason why our project didn’t finish sooner is because they have other projects at the same time.
Cabinet Example: On 5-15-20, we selected cabinets. 7 days later, WSKB did measurements for the cabinets. 12 days later, WSKB sent us cabinet renderings. 19 days later, WSKB notified us that we need to switch cabinet companies because our original cabinet company did not make a 33” lazy susan. When we asked WSKB if this change affected the timeline, they said that it wouldn’t because they still have not ordered the cabinets.
Tile Example: On 5-18, we selected tile. 39 days later, WSKB was notified by their supplier that the tile wasn’t not going to arrive until the end of July. WSKB did not notify us. 3 days later, a WSKB sub-contracted tiler showed up without notice. WSKB said that they tried calling us, but my phone did not indicate a missed call and they didn’t leave a voicemail. Without our consent or knowledge, WSKB told the tile installer to cut 12x24 tiles down to 3x3 tiles and install them instead of the 2x2 tile sheets that we selected. When we refused because we had already paid for the more expensive 2x2 tile sheets and we were worried about the look/finish, they told us that we would need to select another tile from the supplier.

2. WSKB requires customers to purchase all materials through their suppliers, which are not allowed to share invoices with you, and they require customers to replace all existing materials no matter their age or condition. For example, we had to replace our garbage disposal that was only 3 years old and still had a 7 year warranty on it. When we called the suppliers and inquired as a 3rd party, we found out that WSKB increases supply costs around 25% above their invoice. When we confronted Erin about this, he said that WSKB chooses to do it this way rather than adding additional charges in the contract. When we asked him why he would even tell us that we would be reimbursed if we were under the spending allowance, which is not possible given the 25% mark up on items and the requirement to replace all materials, he refused to answer. This practice also applies to sub-contractor work not specifically listed in the contract because WSKB requires customers to hire their subcontractors, which are not allowed to share invoices with you, and they increase labor costs around 25% above their invoice.

3. WSKB’s contract is in opposition to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries guidelines about liens. First, they will not post performance bonds for the costs of projects. Second, it says that they will not give any lien releases until after final payment is received. Third, they will not accept joint payments to them and the sub-contractor/supplier.

4. When we complained to WSKB sub-contractors, WSKB suppliers, and a WSKB employee about our issues with Erin, several of them told us that numerous other customers have complained to them as well. As a result of our strained relationship with him, communication with him ceased half way through our project and communication was done via e-mail through other individuals in the office.