I was asked by the [Members] to provide an estimate remodeling a basement in December of 2013. This estimate was to include a bathroom, bedroom, 2 closets, and finish walls and ceilings in the laundry area. There was also 48”x 48”Egress Window that was to be installed in the north wall of the bedroom. The [Members] told me that they were on a budget and I told them that I would do my best to work with them. When I put together my estimate, I realized that I was going to be approximately $1,000.00 over their budget, but decided to discount the estimate to accommodate the [Members], because I knew they were excited about their project. UNDERSTANDING OUR CONTRACT- Our contracts are explicit and very easy to understand. We list everything we intend to do, and we go through them with our customers to make sure they understand. We have them initial every page, as well as sign the back page affirming that they have read and understand the contract. FRAMING AND COORDINATING WITH THE PLUMBER: We started framing the walls in January, coordinating with our plumber on a time schedule so that he could install a power lift sewage pump. The pump had to be ordered, so our plumber told us to go ahead and install wiring/drywall etc. so that by the time the pump arrived, things would progress accordingly TOWEL ISSUE: This is the first time I have heard of this, and I have no idea what she is talking about. I was there 90% of the time and talked to her almost daily. If it had happened, I would have immediately apologized, bought her replacement towels, and fired whoever was responsible. WORK INTERRUPTION: We were approx. 2 weeks into the project when the [Members] informed me that they had neglected to take into account an unnamed financial issue, and that scheduled payments to the contract had to be delayed until after they received their tax refund. Interruption of a contract work schedule is expensive for me, and interferes other customer scheduled to have work done, but I have learned from past experience that it is unwise to continue work if there is a problem with the contract payment structure. I reluctantly drew up an interruption of work agreement and Kimberly signed it. We then had to remove all of our equipment and materials from the job site so that we could work on other projects. Also during this time that one of our employees who was working on the project passed away unexpectedly. Some weeks later, the [Members] told us that they had received their tax refund, and were in a position for us to resume work on their basement. Again, we had to interrupt work for other customers, reschedule, and move equipment and materials back to Philo. We also had to coordinate with our plumber who had to re-order the sewer extractor pump, after the first order had to be cancelled due to the uncertainty of the project. CONCRETE/CONSTRUCTION DUST: We do the very best that we can to put up barriers to limit dust intrusion. It is very messy and unpleasant to cut out a foundation wall. We left the wall open and covered by a tarp to let fans evacuate the residual dust overnight, which the [Members] now are complaining about. MOISTURE ISSUES: When I initially looked at the basement, I noted that there were several issues with water leaking around the basement walls. I also noted a high humidity level which the [Members] were trying to deal with by means of a dehumidifier and by sealant around the foundation walls During drywall finishing and painting, we experienced extreme humidity issues. Drywall mud could not be sanded and finished in a normal manner. We found that the dehumidifier in the basement inadequate to remediate the moisture. There were many times when we came to work that the dehumidifier was unplugged. I asked the [Members] to please make sure the dehumidifier was functioning, and I brought over a number of circulating fans to try dry out the basement (one of which was broken by someone). We had to paint several times due to finish problems caused by the moisture. All of this coming and going is very expensive. During the January, February, and March, we experienced record cold with unusually heavy snowfall and drifting. This was followed by record rainfall and flooding, which was particularly bad for the project because the [Members] live on a flood plain. We had trouble accessing the area for the egress window, so we had to hand dig a 48” x 48” x 72” deep hole for the Egress Window. Working with frozen, muddy ground, we encountered impermeable blue clay approximately 3’ below ground level. After completing the excavation, we installed the galvanized well surround with a rock drain bottom. We then cut out the wall in the foundation and installed the window. Even though the contract did not call for a window well cover, I spent $135.00 for a heavy duty cover SPECIFICALLY MADE FOR THAT PARTICULAR WINDOW WELL. I did not charge the [Members] for either the window cover or the extra time it took excavate the area. Normally this would have resulted in a change order The walls continued to leak at the base, and the sump pump in the basement, as well as an exterior sump pump on the exterior of the east side of the house ran constantly. After installing and trimming out the Egress Window, heavy rainfall caused the window well to leak into the basement because the water table was so high that the field tiles could not keep up. When Justin asked us to fix the leaking, we re-sealed the window area. When the problem continued, I realized that the well was filling up and told Justin that he was probably going to have to install a third sump pump in the window well to avoid future water issues. VENTING: We installed a bathroom exhaust fan vent with a diverter, baffle, and filter in conjunction with the dryer vent because there was no other way to access the outside due to the way the [Members] manufactured home was constructed. Additionally, there were 2 issues involving drywall and plumbing that need to be addressed. The contact called for us to install fixtures and a sewage extraction system. We had to install non-code issues for the main exit plumbing service, as well as repair a leaky sump pump fitting, and water supply line re-routing. Also, to be nice, we installed drywall on the unfinished basement side of the bathroom, as well as a door with a lockset (something that was not part of the contract). When our drywaller was there, Justin had him tape and finish this part, saying that he would pay him for it. We have not yet billed for the extra work (finishing and non-code plumbing remediation). I have worked hard to build a solid reputation for quality and customer service, and I believe my ratings with professional oversight service organizations prove that. If any issues arise with a project, I immediately address them to accomodate my customers. There is nothing in my work history that would indicate unresolved poor performance issues. I’m sorry the [Members] didn’t understand or appreciate my effort, and really believe that this stems from frustration with engineering issues that have always existed with their home.