Home DIY

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.