Michaels Construction

Michael replaced a 23 year old front step for us in May 2019. In July 2021 we noticed moisture and mold in the basement directly under the front step, including inside the electrical box. We learned that water had been slowing seeping in around the frame of the front door down the wall to the basement because the concrete was not level by about 1/8” and slanted toward the house. I called Michael and he came out to assess. After first insisting that the step was level, he later agreed that it was off by 1/8” where it meets the house. He offered to use a composite molding material attached to the wood with caulking, and do a skim coat with bonding adhesive onto the concrete. Having done some research beforehand and consulting our contractor I knew that this was not a long-term solution. Additionally, the wood framing at the base of the doorframe was rotted from being continually wet and needs to be replaced. When I told him that our contractor suggested that the entire step be replaced, he said “that’s not going to happen” and went on to say that he couldn’t find my contractor’s name and also that he did not have a contract with him. I tried to approach him reasonably, showing him what was indisputably caused by his workmanship. He never even said that he was sorry that it had happened! From the onset, he was defensive, rude, and ultimately walked away from me. He tried to tell me that it likely wouldn’t have been a problem if I had a covered porch “like most people” pointing to other houses on my block. He even went on to insult me, saying that it took us two years to notice. I told him that we are likely going to have to have the damage caused go through our homeowners’ insurance and suggested that he file a claim with his insurance, to which he scoffed and said “then my rates will go up!” We plan to be in our home for a long time. I paid for a job done right, not one with a band-aid applied. This man does not stand behind his work.