The Elephant Man

Jeremy McGill, owner of The Elephant Man, claimed he had a man that worked with him who could fix, and repair tornado storm shelters. Everything was by word-of-mouth. There was never a written agreement so he had the ability to change anything he wanted. Originally, he said around $900 + dollars, but less than $1000, of which $500 was for labor. He changed it up and had $500 in materials, supplies, delivery charges ( yes, he wants me to pay for supplies and delivery charges which were never discussed previously). The labor was around $500 and now he's changed it to $650. I told him that I didn't want him doing the job unless he knew what to do. He claimed his partner had done this kind of work before and was very good at it. I am a single mom and rely totally on the honesty of people I hire to do work at my home. I am a teacher and do not receive high wages so money for repair work comes from my son's college savings. This man sent his partner on Tues, came back on Thurs, and said the job was finished. When I looked inside the shelter I was mortified. I called and Mr. McGill never returned my calls. His partner, Mark, returned my call and said it was finished and they did what I asked them to do. I never in a million years would have asked for such lousy work to be done. I needed a safe storm shelter that was completely restored from top to bottom - walls, floors, and ceilings. I have an elderly neighbor who needs to be able to have safe access. Not only did they do a lousy job, it doesn't even look like they put forth much effort. There is paint leaking every where, and why do you paint the inside of a storm shelter? The ceiling has cracks and holes and is falling in at spots. The walls look like they were painted over and not cemented nor plastered. I wanted new walls, floors, and ceiling. The floor, which was dirt, looks like they barely covered it with cement. The front door has a gap at the top, which would allow for insects, etc. The ramp from the door to the road was supposed to be a handicap style ramp that was flush with the road. Instead it looks like a curb with a step up. There are no joints in the cement. It will crack and need repair soon. They didn't patch up nor repair any part of the outside. It's horrible. I feel as if I was taken advantage of because I am a single mother with no choice but to hire someone to fix things for me. I have over 30 photos of all that was done. It will cost me more to take it all apart and rehire someone to fix the mess they have made to my storm shelter. PLEASE ASK FOR REFERENCES. DO NOT BELIEVE THIS MAN. HAVE EVERYTHING IN WRITING OR YOU WILL HAVE CHANGES YOU DIDN'T AGREE ON., I WOULD NOT HIRE HIM AT ALL!!!!!!!!!!! Unfortunately, I gave him half down and I am out that money. I refuse to pay for services like this and now I am out $500 and need it repaired again. My neighbor saw it and she felt bad for me. I have a reputable local area contractor who laughed at the job, and said he would back me up with my complaint. It is horrible how men feel they can take advantage of women, and the elderly the way they do. Jeremy McGill claims he was present during this time and knew what his partner was doing. I had neighbors watching for me while I was at work and he was never present. They also kept track of the materials brought in and when they came each day. We also asked him to come by today and meet with myself and several witnesses. He backed up about 3 hours before we were to meet. He said he came by and it all looked perfect. If he really was impressed with his work, then he wouldn't be afraid to meet with myself and other reputable people to back up his work. Instead, not showing up tells us exactly what is going on. He shows that he can't back up his work and he would be caught taking advantage of people. AGAIN, PLEASE DO NOT HIRE HIM, IF YOU DON'T WANT TO GET RIPPED OFF!!!!