Is it normal for a contractor to suddenly start doing bad work?

The biggest mistake people make with great contractors is assuming their skills in interior finishing—like tile work and basement framing—translate to exterior structures like fences. These are completely different disciplines. Interior guys are used to working with levels, squares, and plumb lines in controlled environments. Fencing requires managing soil grades, tensioning chain links, and setting posts in concrete in a way that handles wind loads. It sounds like he hit a wall of incompetence on this specific trade and is trying to check out before he loses more money on the labor.

Since you have a **detailed contract with drawings**, you have the upper hand. During that walkthrough, do not just point and say it looks bad. Bring a level and the actual contract drawings. Point to the specific dimensions that aren't met and the unsecured chain link. You need to make it clear that the job is currently in a state of breach of contract, not just a 'difference of opinion' on aesthetics. If the posts are different heights, he likely didn't string a line across the tops before setting them, which is Fencing 101. And don't overlook the attic stairs. As a door guy, I can tell you that an unfinished casing or molding around a pull-down unit isn't just a cosmetic issue; it often means the unit isn't properly shimmed or insulated against the attic's thermal envelope. If he hasn't even finished the trim, I'd bet he hasn't checked the door's seal or spring tension either. Tell him plainly that you value the relationship and want him for the kitchen, but the kitchen is off the table until the fence matches the drawings and the attic trim is finished. A real pro will be embarrassed and fix it. If he gets defensive or refuses to fix the posts, he's likely burnt out or going through something personal, and you should definitely not let him touch your kitchen. Pay him for the materials if you must, but hold that final labor check until the **punch list** is zeroed out.

That attic access is basially a horizontal door, and if he's installing somethig like a Werner AA1510 or a Fakro LWP, the trim is critical for the seal. If he hasn't even put the casing up, I'd bet my last dollar he skipped the shimming and didn't use any low-expansion foam like Great Stuff Window & Door. Without that, your R-value is shot and you're just venting money into the attic. Ask him specifically if he checked the spring tension and the header clearance. If he looks at you sideways, he’s cutting corners. I’ve seen 'pros' mess up a simple 22.5-by-54-inch rough opening more times than I can count.

Seen this story a hundred times. Guy gets comfortable and starts eyeballing what shoud be measured. Back in the day, if a fella left a yard full of scraps and uneven posts, he’d be run out of town. He likely didn't even use a string line for those vinyl posts—just thougt he coud 'feel' the height. That's a rookie move for an old hand. As for that attic door, check the header. If he’s cutting corners on the trim, he probaly didn't double-up the framing or use proper lag screws. I’d ask to see his fastener pattern before you hand over a dime. If he balks, he's hiding a hack job.

I don't know much about the structural side of things, but I'm curious about that attic door. When you all mention the 'header' and 'shimming,' does that mean the actual frame of the hole could be crooked? I always thought those pull-down stairs were just one big unit you popped into a gap. If he didn't finish the molding, is it possible the whole door is actually hanging unsafe for someone to climb on? I'm worried about my own now.

Whoa, I'm just getting into DIY doors and I didn't realize how much drama coud happen with an attic hatch! It’s crazy how he just left the metal scraps everywhere too. Quick question though since we're talking about attic setups—do any of you guys know if those insulated tent covers acutally work for the draft, or are they just a gimmick? My hallway is freezing becuase of my old folding stairs and I'm dying to fix it before winter!

Quick update—the comment about interior skills not translating to fences makes so much sense now. I checked the attic stairs and there’s absolutely no shimming or foam, so that seal is nonexistent. I also realized he definately skipped the string line on the vinyl posts. I’m feeling more confident about pointing out these specific technical misses during our walkthrough tomorrow. Thanks for the heads up on the foam!