Stoneman, Inc.

I contacted Richard (Stoveman owner) about a chimney repair. Probably not wise since he's located a significant distance from me. He was very personable and said he was already scheduled to be in Maggie Valley (where my home is) and would be glad to swing by to take a look. I said OK. He got there after sunset, never went on the roof to inspect, called to say it would likely be $1000-$1500 but he'd have an exact estimate soon. Charged me $100. to not look even after he said it would be no charge since he was already in town. After 2 weeks, he sent me a quote for $2400 still having never done any kind of inspection. I am in Florida right now so I was not there but I have a sophisticated video surveillance system---picture worth a thousand words. I believe he never wanted the job because he'd have to climb on the roof with a ladder vice operating from a lift. Saw this as a great opportunity to jack up the price since I'm not there. Anyway, in 10 minutes I found a reputable alternative company that does this work all over North and South Carolina who'll do the job in a week and initial estimate is $500-700 at the most. I can't say for sure this is Richard's normal way of doing business but if he's capable of pulling this once, he's obviously a man of low integrity. Steve Zuffoletti, Col, USAF (Ret)

Stoveman (aka Stoneman) installed glass fireplace doors but the manufacturer, Stoll, had sent the wrong size screen. He called them to have the correct size sent to him that he was then to bring back to complete the installation. I then noticed he had scratched the metal on the doors, so arranged to have touch-up paint sent also. A couple of days later, his wife called in the middle of a work day to say that he would be at my house in two hours to install the new screen. There was no advanced notice or attempt to schedule a time when I could actually be there. She also said he did not have the touch-up paint. I told her that would not work, and that I wanted to schedule a time when he could do both at once rather than making two visits. She said that he was busy and it may be a few weeks before he could get to me. I said that was fine. Stoveman then called me and after the first few words, I could not hear anything he said (driving with poor cell service). I tried to tell him the same thing I had told his wife, but after many attempts to communicate still hearing nothing, I hung up. I called back immediately hoping for a better connection but he did not answer. I left a voicemail saying the same and also emailed. He later emailed and said that I would have to got to his house to pick up the screen and paint and install myself. His wife later explained that he was angry that I hung up on him. I paid a very high price both to purchase and to have these doors installed, but no matter what the cost, it is extremely unprofessional to refuse to complete a job for which one has already accepted payment. He also expected me to pay for the touch-up paint to fix the scratches that he created. I called the manufacturer, Stoll, asking them to send me the screen directly. Stoll first said they would, but then would not. They instead tried to talk Stoveman into coming to complete the job. He never responded. Stoll sent the wrong size screen, Stoveman scratched the doors during installation (and expected me to pay for it) and refused to complete the job. Stoll was not willing to work with me directly to help resolve the issues with their contract dealer/installer. Both parties were paid in full; the job was incomplete and one of the more frustrating experiences I have had. I would highly recommend others avoid this product and his service.

unknown

He did a excellent job. If you are looking for a true work of art. Someone who will take their time and listen to your direction, with the result being a piece of art, Stoneman is for you. He was responsive, on time and professional. He is very knowledgable and guided us through the decision process.

There were complications with the insert, with the remote. Richard and his wife Lucy made all the phone calls necessary to straighten it all out. The Fireplace is awesome. I'd recommend him to anyone that wants a quality product and a very professional intaller. Richard installed the firplace exactly as I almost demanded he do, to find out it was a very big mistake on my part. He graciously re-intalled the entire fireplace, making numerous trips to Highlands. His charges for the correction were quite in line with what he did. UPDATE: unexpected problems came up - these things happen, even to Vermont Casting. BUT, Richard went way beyond the ordinary response. I could not estimate the hours he devoted to 1. finding the problem; 2. dealing with the company; 3. correcting and replacing all the things that were wrong. I am appreciative, and grateful!

This is a great company...I will happily use them again. On time, on price...terrific customer service!