We're looking to have some work done and we are wondering if having Lowe's contract the work will we actually get a contractor to, first, give an estimate and, second, actually show up to do the work?

Also, if there is any issue do we deal with Lowe's for a resolution or will they just pass the buck to the contractor?



Thanks.

I always recommend against HD installers, I assume it is some with Lowes. The contractors they use do the work way, way below market rate and HD marks it up to make their profit and be comparable or even less than market rates.

Think about it from contractor perspective. Big box store is their customer, not you. Also they are recieving shit rates for the work. How much do you think they really care about your project? Also why are they accepting less than market rates? Can they not get their own customers? Just started business?

I would research whatever company they select for you before agreeing to anything.

Just bought kitchen cabinets from lowes, their ballpark estimate wast 2.5x the cost of the CraftMade cabinets. Luckily I've got a buddy for that.

I've only used Lowe's or HD's install services (carpet, appliances, garage door opener, etc.) but never for multi-trade services like I assume you mean by home improvements.

I got Lowe's to replace some windows in my house. The guy providing the estimate worked for Lowe's. The installers were subcontractors. They did a good job. I would use them again.

It is a crap shoot.
We had a Lowe’s contractor install an exterior French door. 4 years later it is doing great. Had an issue with the door itself but that was nothing the installer did. Lowe’s said to contact the manufacturer.
The door manufacturer sent a fella over and fixed the minor issue.

Flooring, doors and appliances all without a hitch. We used Home Depot for carpeting and it was not a good experience.

I would use a contractor I could vet myself. My understanding is you have no idea who is going to show up to actually do the work. Guessing it hit or miss.

Although I have no real-world experience as I have never used them myself.

Neither Lowe's not Home Depot would be my first choice for contractors.

My theory is that the really good, experienced contractors don’t need to get their business through Lowes or Deep Homo.

quote:

My theory is that the really good, experienced contractors don’t need to get their business through Lowes or Deep Homo.

Yep.^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Both Lowes and HD are a disaster for contractor services. Look up Home Advisor for contractor leads.

quote:

Originally posted by SHOOTIN BLANKS:
Flooring, doors and appliances all without a hitch. We used Home Depot for carpeting and it was not a good experience.

Mine was a twelve month battle. In the end, HD sent different company to restrech carpet and redo seems. My credit card company credited me 1/2 the cost. I ended up renting carpet for three years before I refinished the hardwoods underneath. First six months and final year included failing seems and carpet pulling off tack strip in some areas and bunching up in others.

Carpet is one thing (probably all things) I will never, ever buy from box store.

I had an all glass, very heavy duty shower door installed by Lowes within the past month and the door and labor were excellent.

The door was about $400 and install $300. Over the past years I think I've installed about five of these, but I'm too old, can't see and this one was way to heavy for me to manage. I would have them do it again.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Gutpile Charlie,

I had two exterior doors installed by a Lowe's contractor. I would use him again. I'm sure it depends on the contractor.

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:
I always recommend against HD installers, I assume it is some with Lowes. The contractors they use do the work way, way below market rate and HD marks it up to make their profit and be comparable or even less than market rates.

Think about it from contractor perspective. Big box store is their customer, not you. Also they are recieving shit rates for the work. How much do you think they really care about your project? Also why are they accepting less than market rates? Can they not get their own customers? Just started business?

well from a contractor's perspective - I can think of several advantages:

steady stream of business

familiarity with the products sold by the 'big box'

no concerns about sourcing the job - that's handled by HD / Lowes

known cost structure going into the job

billing / collections handled by the 'big box'

etc

we had carpet installed by a Lowes crew once. No complaints. But I can certainly understand how it could be 'hit or miss'

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Use a reputable local contractor and don’t pay a penny up front. Only pay when the work is completed to your satisfaction. And don’t be talked into paying the contractor for materials up front either.

quote:

Originally posted by PowerSurge:
Use a reputable local contractor and don’t pay a penny up front. Only pay when the work is completed to your satisfaction. And don’t be talked into paying the contractor for materials up front either.

indeed

https://www.wfla.com/news/pine...jobs-arrested-again/

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quote:

Originally posted by PowerSurge:
Use a reputable local contractor and don’t pay a penny up front. Only pay when the work is completed to your satisfaction. And don’t be talked into paying the contractor for materials up front either.

Oh, there's no worry about paying anything up front. We can't even get these jokers to give an estimate. I think the industry attracts a certain type.

I'm just going to end up doing the work myself.

Thanks.

We had them do our laminate floors upstairs, and bedroom carpet.

2 different crews, one did the hardwood, one did the carpet.

I have no complaints, they did a good job.

If you have more specific questions, let me know.

When we did it, the guy that lowes hired came out and measured, and brought the info back to the store sales person, who then compiled and gave us the bid (for both the carpet and hardwood floors)

Then once she gave us the bid, she scheduled it and they all showed up on time (two different dates as we requested).

They did just fine, and we returned the unneeded supplies to Lowe's for a full refund.

We didn't really have any problems, so i can't speak to how to resolve any.

Crapshoot. The French doors were shit and never completely installed. The credit card refunded me and I went with Pella. We are currently arguing with them over carpet, similar issues as described above. Both roofs went well.