Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  08/09/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  see Attached document

  I am an 85 year old han0dicapped widow who lives alone. In May of this year I was contacted by Mr. *******, who was referred to me by a relative of mine, regarding replacing my existing deck. My relative was acquainted with Mr. ******* and had seen pictures on the internet of decks built by Mr. *******. I was assured by my relative that Mr. ******* was a decent, honest man whom I could trust.
  Mr. ******* came to my home approximately two to three days later to give me an  estimate on building the deck. He quoted me a price of $9,500.00. I asked how long he had been building decks and he said since he was 19 years old. He measured my deck
   
  and told me.it was 13 X 12. My original deck was built of redwood and had benches built all around the deck. He asked if I wanted the benches as that was not done today and I said it wasn't necessary. We discussed the material he would use and I. told him I would like to have cedar. He said if he could get cedar it would be very expensive. He suggested using pressured wood, which I. didn't like, but he said it would be the best to use, less expensive and that he was sure I would like it once it was built. He was to bring the contract over the next day or two. At that time, I asked to see a sample of the material he would be using and he said he had some in his truck and he would show it to me the next time he came. He came over several days later, but he didn't bring a contract or a sample. He said he needed to measure again since he would have to make posts for the deck. The original deck was attached to the rafter beams extending from the garage ceiling. He said he would be building what they call a "free standing deck"; that he would cut off the extending beams and patch over them. He said because he had to build the supports he would have-to up his price to $9,900.00. I again asked him  about the sample and he told me the same as before. We discussed at that time about  making the deck.a little smaller. He said he could build it 12 X 12. I told him I was hesitate to that but he assured me one foot would not make a big difference. He said that way he could buy 12 feet long boards instead of the longer ones and not have to waste lumber. I was hesitant, but at that time I wasn't feeling well so I agreed.
  Several days later, they began on the deck. I never saw any of the material for the new deck or the size of the new deck until it was constructed. When I was able to go out on the deck I was upset because it was so small. My original deck would have room for a table, chairs umbrella, deck box and several other chairs. This size deck would barely accommodate two chairs and a deck box. I was quite upset and told him so. I discovered later that he had cut the length of the deck by at least two feet and had also reduced the width of the deck Not only was it very small but the material used was second grade at best. There were cracks in the wood and large Imot holes everywhere.
  Mr. ******* and I did not part on good terms. Although I paid him, I realize how foolish I was to have done that.
  I am enclosing copies of two letters I sent to Mr. ******* expressing my concerns, but have not heard from him, nor do I expect to. I would appreciate any help you might be able to give me in resolving this matter.
  
  

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