So, this actually happened today… It never ceases to amaze me how a client thinks that they can just sign a disclaimer and have us build things that are inherently unsafe.
The client wants an under-counter wine fridge built in to their master bath cabinets.
The design has gone through a couple revision cycles, but they had not yet provided the model number and specs for the fridge.
Finally, they provide the specs and it is not an appropriate model for the application.
They decided that a $350 big-box-store freestanding fridge will work rather than the proper $1100 built in unit.
So, I circle the relevant portion of the installation manual and break the bad news to the client.
Email exchange as follows; (Names omitted)
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(to Our Sales Lady),
The client may want to reconsider their choice of UC Ref here.
I could add 1.6" to each side and call it a day, but they may not like that look.
(from) DS (Me)
------
(to Our Sales Lady),
I have (the client) copied. We discussed and they would like the 1.6" space on either side. They would like to add a trim piece that can be installed "aftermarket" to cover the space. They understand it is not per manufacturer recommendations and will accept the liability. Can this be done?
(from the Client's Designer)
--------
(to) DS (Me)
Can we do this? Please see below
(from Our Sales Lady)
------
At this point I was beside myself and had just about had enough.
-------
(to Our Sales Lady)
So, they will accept the liability for the appliance burning up?
Or, for their house burning down?
Or, for the injuries and potential deaths of the firefighters trying to put out the house fire and the resulting negligent homicide criminal charges and wrongful death lawsuits?
Please be more specific.
I'm pretty sure the lawyers will blame us, as the experts who should've known better.
Just sayin'.
(from) DS (Me)
----------
Just remember, no waiver or disclaimer can excuse reckless endangerment of others and can never be used as rationale to install something in a manner contrary to the manufacturers warnings and safety requirements.
The worst case scenario can and does happen all the time and many a builder has paid the price for thinking, it'll be okay this one time.
e.g.
My former business partner's $5M home burned down 15 years after it was built because the original builder did not use triple insulated pipe to exhaust a gas water heater and it took that long to char the wooden rafters enough to ignite.
And yes, it cost the builder everything he had and he was lucky there were no injuries or deaths as a result of his negligence.
Don't be that guy.
I can't be the only one who always has to look like the (expletive) jerk trying to protect people from themselves.
I gets old pretty fast.
Whew! Thanks for letting me vent.
The client wants an under-counter wine fridge built in to their master bath cabinets.
The design has gone through a couple revision cycles, but they had not yet provided the model number and specs for the fridge.
Finally, they provide the specs and it is not an appropriate model for the application.
They decided that a $350 big-box-store freestanding fridge will work rather than the proper $1100 built in unit.
So, I circle the relevant portion of the installation manual and break the bad news to the client.
Email exchange as follows; (Names omitted)
------
(to Our Sales Lady),
The client may want to reconsider their choice of UC Ref here.
I could add 1.6" to each side and call it a day, but they may not like that look.
(from) DS (Me)
------
(to Our Sales Lady),
I have (the client) copied. We discussed and they would like the 1.6" space on either side. They would like to add a trim piece that can be installed "aftermarket" to cover the space. They understand it is not per manufacturer recommendations and will accept the liability. Can this be done?
(from the Client's Designer)
--------
(to) DS (Me)
Can we do this? Please see below
(from Our Sales Lady)
------
At this point I was beside myself and had just about had enough.
-------
(to Our Sales Lady)
So, they will accept the liability for the appliance burning up?
Or, for their house burning down?
Or, for the injuries and potential deaths of the firefighters trying to put out the house fire and the resulting negligent homicide criminal charges and wrongful death lawsuits?
Please be more specific.
I'm pretty sure the lawyers will blame us, as the experts who should've known better.
Just sayin'.
(from) DS (Me)
----------
Just remember, no waiver or disclaimer can excuse reckless endangerment of others and can never be used as rationale to install something in a manner contrary to the manufacturers warnings and safety requirements.
The worst case scenario can and does happen all the time and many a builder has paid the price for thinking, it'll be okay this one time.
e.g.
My former business partner's $5M home burned down 15 years after it was built because the original builder did not use triple insulated pipe to exhaust a gas water heater and it took that long to char the wooden rafters enough to ignite.
And yes, it cost the builder everything he had and he was lucky there were no injuries or deaths as a result of his negligence.
Don't be that guy.
I can't be the only one who always has to look like the (expletive) jerk trying to protect people from themselves.
I gets old pretty fast.
Whew! Thanks for letting me vent.