Home DIY

Yes, I'd say so, at least in terms of finishing the job. Your mate had a contract to provide a service; if there is an issue and they offer to fix it, that discharges the contract. The customer can't say "no I won't let you perform the contract and I want you to pay me to get someone else to".

If they caused damage elsewhere (you mention carpet?) that is maybe more tricky

That's unlucky to run into a client like that early in their career. I think most experienced decorators would be shrugging it off at this point. Unless they don't have enough experience to be fully confident in the rest of the work which does affect the outcome here.

Carpets are tricky, should be properly covered by waterproof covers not just dust cloths. It's easy enough to check carpets before and after but we all make mistakes. If she's going to employ some 'specialist' carpet cleaners and have the whole room done because spot cleaning would show then you need to get into quotes or a discussion and try to limit the damage by employing someone directly. On the other hand why not just walk away, there's no written contract and they are making it too difficult to come to an agreement. You should at least have the opportunity to fix it.

I guess it could get to the point where you've fallen out with the client, pissed each other off and they can't wait to get you out of the house hopefully to never meet again.

I would say I've never had this situation happen but there have been some long jobs where relationships become strained and no one is happy.

I suppose the next step is to say, I come back and try to fix it, you have 10% off or forget it. That doesn't seem unreasonable, unless the client has some reason we don't know that means she doesn't want them back in the house.

@Airhead has given some great advice.

I have been caught in situations like this in the past; sometimes from fuck-ups on my part (like the time I dropped a door I was hanging on a bedside table that was clad in mirrors), and sometimes because there are genuine cunts out there who get a kick out of putting you through the wringer (I have had clients vandalise my work when I was working as a sub-contractor for a larger firm).

I find that if it's a genuine fuck up getting the client to describe where it is and what it looks like will jog your memory even if you didn't clock it at the time (everyone has bad days and misses stuff). Most clients are willing to overlook a mistake if you take the steps to put it right, even a big mistake like dropping a door on something. Although that obviously isn't the case this time.

As far as protecting yourself from the cunts goes. I have got into the habit of taking before and after shots of my work. I also check out the area I'm working in and look for chipped woodwork, scratches on wallpaper, stains on carpets etc. and photograph this BEFORE I start working. This has got me out of aresholes trying to blame me for existing damage on a couple of occasions.

She's not really giving him the chance to sort the issue, is there pictures of the issues, why did she jump right in and get someone else. Its sounds like she's at it and id risk it at small claims personally. Sounds like she's got the bill and is trying now to shave money off her end. Cuntish behaviour.