Freedom Construction of Rock Hill, LLC

The insurance company that holds the policy on this property determined that wind damage was likely to cause serious problems sooner rather than later and approved a new roof. I called in three contractors, as suggested by Angie's List to submit proposals, just to make sure that there was a level playing field. I did not want the insurance company to pay more than what was required, as so often happens. Freedom was recommended by my neighbor. I thought this would be good as they are friends. Matt made an initial appointment and came over to look at the job. I told him that the insurance were going to cover the cost and that I would also get three contractors to bid the work, not for my benefit, but to ensure fair play. He became very agitated at this and told me bluntly that I did not need to seek other quotes as what the insurance company would come up with would be the true cost. I was taken aback by his tone, and informed him that not having been in this situation before, that I wanted to make sure everything was above board. He was still most unpleasant. He gave me an "agreement of expectations" to sign, that said he would do this and that, etc. I unwittingly signed it without reading the fine print, as this man was a friend of my neighbor and I felt I should trust him in spite of his attitude. On a second visit to the house, when I asked him to give me the estimate, he refused because he said he needed to see the insurance company's offer first. I though that a little suspicious considering he is an experienced contractor, and bids jobs all day. I said as soon as I got it, I would sent it. He said he would then get me the estimate. I emailed it to him within a day or so. I never heard back from him. No phone call, no response to my email. After a week, I called my brother and told him about this. He told me to hire a contractor who wanted the work more, and I told him that Atlantic had been all over the paperwork, and the estimate, and had given me good customer service. On my brother's okay, I told the Atlantic company that Freedom had failed to submit any numbers or make any further contact, so they go the job. About a week after the job was finished, Freedom sent me a $250 bill for a second trip to my home. He claimed it was for a second trip out to the house, and because I did not award him the job, he demanded I pay him $250. I sent the bill and a letter back refusing payment due to his lack of performance. He had an attitude from day one, and he failed to respond to my request for an estimate. Then he sent a registered letter threatening a mechanics lien on the property. This is too much. He is aggressive, he is rude and he has zero customer communication skills. I refuse to be threatened by someone who failed to take care of my requests. He did no work on the property in any way. I would never recommend him to any of my friends who ask about the new roof on the house. In fact, quite the opposite. He gives roofers a really bad name, and basically perpetuates the stereotypical character of the roofing contractor. Steer well clear of Freedom Construction.