I've even done 12 hours' extra labor on a large reconditioning job to get rid of problems they implied were my fault, even though these things were not in the job estimate, but from their tone of voice and attitude you can tell that it's either fix everything for free or get into a big argument, much unpleasantness, and maybe even a lawsuit. But of course you can't deduct the value of your time on your tax return, since the IRS doesn't see your time as being worth anything. --David Nereson, RPT David, I'm involved in the same thing, the difference was I was doing the work for the store, who promised the customer a new piano (rocker capstans, fire damage and all) for a reconditioning and refinishing. Now I am not working for the dealer any more, am working to improve the old upright as much as possible, for free, in a realistic time frame, for it's owner, a lawyer. The piano is in his law office and I really enjoy myself when I go over there, because he is fascinated with the workings of the piano and always asking me questions about this and that. I have also learned a lot. I think the major problem with the action being too heavy was the new upright jack springs I installed. They are much stiffer than the originals. Now I am installing spinet jack springs and will find out next time I go back whether that was the main problem or not. I'm sure I don't wish for that kind of think to happen again, but it certainly has humbled me a bit. Also, I am putting a copy of your post in his file ;-) Thanks! Diane Hofstetter
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