Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  06/21/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I recieved my first initial estimate from ******* on 5/22/23. It included a list of items that will be completed/done to finish my basement space (bedroom, bathroom, and laundry). I asked him for an itemized list/breakdown of cost but he only provided the total. The worker's came to my home and began framing on 6/14/23. The evening of 6/15/23 ******* sent me a change order, which now included an itemized list/breakdown of cost and a total increase of $9900.00 I decided at this point and time that I was being taken advantage of and that he was not honest in his business. I told him that I wanted to end the contract and I requested a portion ($3250) of my deposit ($6725) paid to be refunded. He only agreed to refund me $2500.I then reached out to 3 other contractors to have a new estimate provided and to begin work with a new company. ****** from ************ Services came to my home on 6/19/23 at 1:30pm to provide me an estimate for completing my project. He pointed out a list of concerns:1. He asked if the permits had been pulled to begin the work in my basement.I immediately messaged ******* to find out. He informed me that no permits were pulled. 2. ****** then pointed out the framing was not done to code, no fireblocking done.3. The wall framed in front of the furnace did not have proper clearance.4. The wood used is not pressure treated in the areas installed for the bathroom 5. Framing around the window done wrong 6. framing around access pipe wrong, will not allow for access 7. There was no recovery fund in my contract.I was told that all the framing will need to be removed and reinstalled correctly.I asked ******* for a full refund as the work was not done to code and needs to be torn out and redone. He refused.

  Business response

  06/29/2023

  Date Sent: 6/29/2023 10:06:11 AM
  

  From: ******* Lawson <*******@lawsondevelopmentgroup.com>
  Date: Thu, Jun 29, 2023 at 6:55 AM
  Subject: Case #********
  To: ********************************************** <**********************************************>
  

  
  
  

  This report is totally false. This is a 350 square foot basement. I **** up the plans which were simple. Open concept and add in a bathroom that was roughed in. I had everything ready to submit for plans. When I originally looked at the basement the husband showed me the project. The first day we arrived to work we showed up with materials. At this point I had never received a deposit. The husband once again went over the plan with us. As we're coming out of ***** he tells us there's been a change. Once we get to the house his they have changed everything. They wanted walls, closets, and a hallway. I would have to alter any drawings to submit.  Of course this would be extra. She wanted pocket doors and barn doors. The tub was no longer to be a basic surround but a concrete pan and tile walls. This costs more. I saw where this was going so I told my guys we would just frame the shell because they keep changing. I can't submit until she stopped changing because that calls for amendments. 

  I called out my plumber and electrician because then they wanted a water tank removed and water and a drain hooked up for washer/dryer. Originally we were just running electric to it. The husband added lights, switches and outlets to a room, "his office", beside this room. That's not free. It costs for that. When we sent a change order of the changes that she and her husband had proposed she got distraught. I explained that she doesn't have to accept the order but they had changed the whole project at this point. She told me it's her house and we shouldn't listen to her husband. He has input in nothing. We had framed the shell and the new interior wall at that point. We were still discussing changes they were disagreeing on at that point. I never got a chance to change the drawing for the last time. The contract was clear on the work to be performed. She told us can only charge .15 a square foot to lay tile. She found this rate online. This was a really small basement. We do basements regularly. That rate is unrealistic. 

  She asked for a refund and I agreed. I regretted ever going to the address. She wanted the work performed for free. I deducted the price of the materials and the cost of 3 guys for 2 days. Also the cost of electrician and plumber coming out to give a quote for additional work. I gave her a $2500 check. She told me that this was unacceptable. From her calculations I should've given her $3250. At this point I knew what was going on. $2500 to refund was too much but I just wanted it over with. 

  To her complaints 1) Permits were to be pulled once the plans were finally finalized. First inspection is after framing. We never finished the framing because of all of the changes. I had all of the paperwork prepared. It had to be changed. 

  2) If we would've continued fireblocking would've been completed. This is necessary to pass this phase of inspection. 3) Once again the framing was not completed. They were still trying to figure out the framing around the mechanical area. They wanted a door in another room. Door in the front. They didn't know where the door was going so no framing was permanent. 4) She told me this new guy stated that the lumber in basement had to be all pressure treated. This isn't true. Now she's changed that to bathroom liner. Once again, this would've had to be completed correctly to pass code. We frame regularly. 5) Totally false and she couldn't explain how. 6)False. This doesn't make sense. You allow access through an access panel after it's framed. I don't know what pipe she's speaking of. Framing was incomplete. 7)  I have a copy of the contract. 

  This is a case where the homeowner wanted a lot kore than what was agreed to. Once I explained to them how much more it would be she didnt like it. Added plumbing, electric, tile etc. All of this takes time and money. She wasn't obligated to accept any of these changes. She could accept or deny. Instead she opted to decline the work after we had been there for 2 days. I agreed that it was best to part ways. She wanted us to part ways and give her a full refund after we had been there for 2 days with them being indecisive. It asks for a solution in the correspondence I received. I believe I've went overboard to alleviate this problem. I'd be willing to give them $750. That would make it the $3250 that she originally asked for. After this I would hope I never hear from the homeowner again. I've been accused of doing "our people" wrong. We are a very reputable company. This is one we should've passed on. Thank you. 

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