READY SET GROW

We listed with the Better Business Bureau and I have submitted the same text that we had there: We signed an agreement a year ago (October 29, 2010) for the construction of a new patio. At signing we paid 1/3 of the cost as a deposit. Work was to being in Jan 2011. However, contractor had a break in his schedule and asked to begin the work in November 2010. Work was started and we paid the second 1/3 of the cost on November 17, 2011 . I specifically asked if work began in November, when it would be completed. Contractor stated that they would work on the project until it was completed. He stated that they worked in all types of weather, including cold and wet conditions. Once the project was started, the weather turned with a prolonged period of rain and freezing temperatures which understandably delayed work. However, once the weather improved the contractor did not resume a regular or consistent work schedule. As of today, 10/5/2011 the project remains incomplete. We have spent most of the last 11 months unable to go in and out our back door due to the state of the construction. In addition on many occasions, crews had been out to resume work and left tools and materials out in anticipation of returning the next day. However, it has often been 2 or more weeks before someone returned. The site has often been left in unsafe condition for prolonged periods. More than once we have picked up tools, nails, and other materials in order to mow the lawn and ensure no one was injured. We have made numerous phone calls and had several meetings with the contractor in an attempt to get this project completed. The most recent meeting was on September 6, 2011 during which we reviewed a list of things that need to be finished in order for the project to be complete. At that time the contractor stated that work would be complete in two weeks. Since that time crews have been on site only a handful of times. The contractor responded to our BBB complaint which I will not post here since the content is not ours. All that I can say is that the contract wrote a strange response regarding retaining satisfied customers. I apologize for the sarcasm, but I guess that means dropping us since we were not satisfied. We responded with the following: There has been no accepted proposed resolution. Our expectation was that the project would begin last winter(January 2010) and be completed by last spring (April/May 2010). Our expectations have not been met. We have repeatedly attempt to work with the contractor to negotiate an acceptable completion date. Since filing the complaint in early October, workers have only been on site 4-5 days. The carpenter has put up siding and some of the gutters. However, the electrical, stone work, paver work, and site cleanup remain incomplete. This is not acceptable to us. While the quality of the work has been acceptable the timing and scheduling has not. We have not heard from the contractor since. We sent a certified letter November 1st, stating that we needed a written plan to complete the project by November 15th or we would terminate the contract and requested the return of the advance on the final payment. Well, we never heard from him again. The state of the project at exit: All pavers have been laid but many are loose without paver sand and several are falling from steps Paver steps out the back door are poorly done and only 2/3 complete. Stone columns and benches are complete Pergola is complete The shingled roof is complete, but rain downspouts are not done The ceiling fan, recessed lights and electrical was not completed including an exposed electrical box in the kitchen. We have complete these since the contractor abandoned the site. Cinder boxes have been placed around the posts but the stone work was not started The potting table area is filled with construction waste and weed which we cleaned up before someone got here. The garbage can corral was never started The fire pit was never started

Work was to start within six to eight weeks after the signing of the contract and completed 7-10 working days thereafter. We paid $4300.00 to this company for materials and labor to start the project on the day we signed the contract. After repeated phone calls to the salesman/owner (same person), we had no response for months. When he did return our calls, the excuses started. These included, we are trying to finish up other jobs so we can get to yours, the weather is not working in our favor, we are having issues getting materials (which we were told he already had purchased), and the list goes on. Our first email to him was on 9/22/2011 to state our concerns, this was responded to by the owner after a conversation over the phone regarding those concerns. At that point, the owner came out and "painted the design". Small jobs began to slowly be completed, and on 10/31/2011 another e-mail was sent out with our list of concerns and demands, which included the following: Our concern about how much work had thus far been completed; staying in contact with us (did not happen); a crew present everyday "weather permitting" (did not happen); 7-10 working days to complete (we have had countless "good weather days" in order to see significant progress, but it did not happen); the owner was to come and inspect the base before pavers were laid with us (did not happen); an amended payment schedule stating we would pay him one final check at 2-3 days after the job was complete and we were completely satisfied (at that time we did not feel comfortable giving him any more money with the amount of work that was complete on top of the time lapsed). In response to our email, the owner informed us he had just completed the jobs which were holding him back and would be working on ours next, he also asked for more money. We made one final deal with him; the delivery of the remaining products to finish the project, and all pavers laid front and back (excluding fire pit and grill area). We would then pay him half of the balance due (did not happen). He has delivered about 10% of the materials needed to do the job, and has completed in my best guess around 15-20% of the project. At this time, work is at a halt with nor foreseeable completion date. At almost seven months into this project, we have now terminated our contract with him and his company and are pursuing buying the rest of the materials and doing the work ourselves since the company he purchases materials from has plenty. We have heard every excuse in the book on this one in my opinion, and are not willing to take another step forward with him and have given him too many chances already. This is our first time have attempting anything like this, and to have this blow up in our face, has really left a sour taste in our mouth for his company as well as contractors in general.