lesson learned: never ask the homeowner for approval on the vanity (funny plumbing fail)

So today I'm wrapping up a bathroom reno, just the toilet and that damn Moen vanity left to install. I get the faucet hooked up, drop the sink bowl in, drill the holes for the PEX lines and drain, and I'm about to bolt it to the wall before caulking. Figured I'd call the homeowner over to make sure it's centered right, ya know, because sometimes the walls in these old houses ain't square. Been in the Chicago area my whole career, and I always double-check with the customer on stuff like this before it gets too far, like holding up a grab bar for a shower okay before punching holes in the tile. Takes two seconds and saves headaches later if they think it's off visually even if the measurements are spot on. Lady comes over, stares at it like I grew a second head, and asks why the hell I'm bothering her. I explain how light can play tricks and even perfect math might look crooked to the eye, pointing out the shadows from the window. She nods, says it's fine, but then squints and goes 'wait, isn't that supposed to be higher?' Now I've gotta redo the whole mount, and she's acting like it's my fault for asking. Saw a similar rant in Plumbers United group last week about picky clients.

Haha, classic homeowner second-guessing after you already did the work. Shoulda just caulked it and called it good.

Dude, same shit happened to me with a kitchen faucet. Homeowner approved, then hubby comes home and freaks. Felt that frustration all day.

How'd you talk your way out of redoing the whole thing? Need tips for next time.

FML, customers like that make me wanna stick to commercial gigs only. No approvals needed there.

Smart move getting approval early. I always snap a quick pic for my records before proceeding.

Just charge 'em for the redo. $150/hr ain't cheap for their opinions.

In my experience, explain the why once, then if they push back, walk 'em through the measurements with a tape. Shuts 'em up quick.

Watched a Roger Wakefield video on customer interactions, he says same thing: overcommunicate but set boundaries.

This is why I hate residential bathrooms. Everyone's got an opinion on their 'throne room'.

Agreed, but hey, at least it was just the vanity and not a full tile redo.

Man, I feel you. Been there with crooked walls in old builds too many times.

Lol, the light casting shadows bit is gold. Next time blame the sun.

We all been burned by that. Stick to your guns next time, bro.

Haha, imagine if she said it was fine then posted a bad review anyway.

Don't do approvals mid-job. Finish and let 'em nitpick after invoice.

Sucks, but better than a callback complaint. Seen guys get sued over less.

This is the BS we deal with daily. Homeowners think plumbing's easy till it leaks.

Finally wrapped a job like that last week without drama. Proud of dodging the bullet.

Shoulda told her 'ma'am, this is centered per code, trust the pro'.

Every damn time with these folks. Makes you miss the solo jobs.

PE firms buying up plumbing shops ain't helping; they push for faster installs, less checks.