I hired a contractor to paint the exterior of my house, including trim. They were clear about certain exclusions – the (aluminum) fascia, the vinyl window trim – but the contract calls for them to paint the “eaves” (we agreed that referred to the bottom of the area where the roof overhangs the house). They power washed and painted but did NOT paint the soffit vent area (6″ wide soffit venting that runs from front to back of the house). Contractor claims that’s not wood (which is true) and it is therefore not included. To me it seems crazy to say “we’ll paint the soffits” but not a 6″ swath on either side of the house. Question: Am I being unreasonable in insisting that this was part of the deal?
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One Response
As a homeowner, it is not unreasonable for you to insist that the soffit vent area should have been included in the painting contract. While it may be true that the soffit vent area is not made of wood, it is a crucial part of the exterior of your house and is typically painted to maintain a consistent look and protection.
Contractors should be held accountable for fulfilling their contractual obligations, which in this case, includes painting the eaves and by extension, the soffit vent area. The fact that the contract specifies painting the eaves implies that the soffit vent area, being a part of this structure, should also have been included. In my opinion.
It is essential to communicate with the contractor and refer back to the contract terms to clarify any misunderstandings. If necessary, you may consider highlighting the importance of the soffit vent area for the overall visual appeal and protection of your home.
Ultimately, as the homeowner, you have the right to expect the agreed-upon work to be completed satisfactorily. If the contractor continues to refuse to paint the soffit vent area without valid reasons, you may need to seek further resolution through legal avenues or by consulting a professional mediator.