So how do you plan to keep the lights on while you wait for people to catch up with your values? It's a tough spot, sticking to your guns when it hits the wallet. Are you looking for a different kind of customer now, or just hoping your old ones come around?

Oof, triple-check your grid alignment, it's a lifesaver.

How good are paper templates, right? I used the same trick last month on a wall with a bunch of weird angles, not a fireplace, but the idea is the same. Cutting that paper first lets you see the exact shape you need without wasting a single plank. I just trace the wall onto some craft paper, cut it out, and then use that as a perfect pattern on the vinyl. It takes a few extra minutes but saves so much headache and messed up material. That method is a lifesaver for any cut that isn't a simple straight line.

What if the moisture meter itself is picking up ambient humidity and giving you skewed numbers? I was reading about this the other day, and it turns out that some cheaper models can't tell the difference between surface dampness and deep moisture. My buddy had an issue where his meter said everything was fine, but he still got mold because it was reading the air near the wall, not the wall itself. It's like when you touch a wall and it feels cool, but that doesn't always mean it's wet, you know? So even with a meter, you might still need to double check with old school methods like the plastic sheet test or just waiting to see if mold grows. Those meters are handy, but they're not magic wands that solve all moisture problems.

I'd start by pointing out that thin walls often split or flare out. I've seen that exact rasp technique lead to chips along the quarter. You could mention you're aiming for a balanced trim that holds up between visits, and his method might not last. It's a tough spot when they watch so close.