I contracted with Home Depot to have them install a ceramic tile kitchen floor, ceramic tile backsplash, and Silestone countertop.
Home Depot was responsible for the measurements and installation of all three projects.
In the case of the backsplash, the job was grossly overestimated. I paid for materials and installation of 216 square feet
of backsplash. Only after the job was completed, when eleven (11) of the fourteen (14) cartons of tile were left in my
garage, did I realize how much I had overpaid. The prepaid labor on these eleven (11) cartons came to $1,013.49 (labor at
$5.55 per sq. foot).
In addition, Home Depot double charges for the border tile, charging an additional $5.00 per linear foot for border tiles,
without reducing the estimated square footage of the backsplash tile. Finally I was charged for more wall outlets that were
not present.
My kitchen floor experience was similar, although not as grossly overestimated. I paid for installation 472 square feet of
ceramic tile (at $7.97 per sq. foot). When the job was completed, I had two unopened cartons of tile (for which installation
was prepaid).
Home Depot refused to refund the labor charge on unopened cartons of tile. The store management cites an 'industry standard'
policy of 'materials handled'. According to this policy, if the installer simply brings the cartons of tile to your house,
you must pay for installation regardless of whether the cartons were even opened. For the kitchen floor, this resulted in an
unethical, and I believe illegal overcharge of $271.00.
The store refuses to refund this overcharge. Home Depot corporate refuses to credit this amount unless a sign a 'settlement
and release' agreement that requires me to:
'fully release and discharge Home Depot, and its officers and employees from any and all claims, causes of action, and
liability of every kind which customer had or may have arising from or concerning The Transaction.'
I don't believe anyone should have to sign such a release for an unethical and illegal overcharge.
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