Construction is a human endeavor. We combine materials, skills, and judgment to create a finished product, and because people are involved at every step, mistakes happen. Reducing their frequency—and responding well when they do occur—can mean the difference between a long career and a frustratingly short one.
Most mistakes fall somewhere between not knowing better and knowingly cutting corners. The ones I’m sharing here belong to the first group: knowledge gaps, misplaced trust, time pressure, or assumptions from past jobs that didn’t fit the one in front of me.
“I’m either winning or learning” sounds inspiring—until your money and reputation are on the line.
Epoxy Grout Remover Isn’t Your Friend
The job was a full bathroom renovation. The client had researched extensively, had strong opinions about best practices, and checked in often while working from home. Her expectations were fair, but constantly voiced.
One request was epoxy grout for both the floor and tub surround. We thought it was overkill for a secondary bathroom, but she was convinced and willing to pay the extra costs, so we agreed.
I had used epoxy grout several times, mostly on floors, but never on walls above an acrylic tub. The next day, the glossy wall tile was still hazy. I told the client I’d get a specialty cleaner and the tile would be right in the end. At the supplier, I asked whether the remover was safe near acrylic. I was told to wipe the tub afterward with clean water and all would be fine. It was not fine.
The remover cleared the haze but stripped the tub’s gloss. I committed to making the tub right—or replacing it at our expense—and we finished the remaining work under heavier scrutiny.
Before replacing the tub, I found a highly recommended refinisher. A week later he and his assistant arrived, and the four of us—client included—stood in the bathroom under a cloud of tension.
The client was skeptical and said so in French. I understood enough to intervene just as the refinisher blurted, “Who am I working for here?” I told him I was paying the bill, but she was the one who had to be happy. The client apologized and left us to work. The refinisher restored the tub to better than new.
The following week the client had payment ready—and a smile. She and her husband were happy with the job, but more impressed that we did whatever it took to make it right.
What Do You Mean It’s the Wrong Color?
My partner and I were hired for an extensive first-floor renovation, including a new kitchen.
The project was on schedule, so we felt good when the cabinets arrived. After unloading and unpacking, we installed the sink cabinet, laid out the island cabinets, and called it a day.
On my drive home, my partner called. “The homeowners just got in, and it’s the wrong color.” Silence followed, then multilingual expletives. We called the cabinet designer, left a message, and prepared for a difficult meeting.
The next morning, we met the designer and clients onsite. The clients had chosen Cappuccino, but the designer had left the order system’s default stain set to Espresso.
The mistake wasn’t ours, but the mess was ours to manage. The job would be delayed, the clients would be without a kitchen, and the designer—whom we valued—was carrying the cost. We focused on helping both sides through it. For the clients, we built a larger temporary kitchen in the basement, including a vented full stove, counter space, and a sink. For the designer, we repackaged the cabinets and helped resell them. In return, she pushed to expedite the correct kitchen.
The clients eventually got the kitchen they wanted, three weeks late. The designer lost some money but sold the wrong kitchen for a respectable price. My partner and I lost time and opportunity, but compared with buying two kitchens, it was manageable.
Lessons Build Character
I have more stories like these: a patio door ordered with the wrong opening side because I assumed it was reversible; a cultured-stone sink that arrived wrong three times. Each lesson forced us to improve.
We started double-checking each other’s work, confirming major purchases against client notes and supplier records, and double-checking instructions.
Solving the problem before it happens is best, but what do you do when things go wrong? I just wish these lessons came with fewer ulcers.
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