Geobarns

George Abetti drew up "plans" for garage/master bedroom. He seemed uncertain how to attach new structure to existing home. We later learned George has no formal architectural training, which played into the ensuing (and continuing) disaster. His crew was a bunch of nice young men. George showed up from time to time when payments were due. We live out of state, as this is our vacation home, so we were mostly updated with progress via email pics. When the building was deemed "complete", we arrived to discover barn doors that were to be hung over front windows were not only not hung, but were never built. Also, the roof covering connection between structures was incomplete!!! There was section of roof and soffit missing!!! We contacted George, who by then was out of state. After several weeks one of his crew was sent out in the freezing, snowy weather to complete job. As the winter progressed, it was discovered the entire roof connection was ice damming and leaking into the house. A new contractor and home inspector informed us that the roof had no ice shielding and was improperly ventilated, but even worse the design of the connection was improper to handle the Vermont winter weather. George was contacted and apprised of situation and not only refused to fix problem but also accused us of owing HIM money!?!?!? After discussion with new contractor and home inspector, George agreed to meet with us and his architect who was not involved in our project. Even after George's architect admitted the design was poor, he still balked at the idea of fixing his mistakes. He finally agreed after threats of being sued, to a minimal fix to our problem. Fast forward to this winter (2012-2013) and we now have leakage from the new MAIN structure roof into home. The roof on main new construction has no ice shielding and is improperly vented also. At this point we are having a new builder totally redo connection and having a complete new roof installed on entire new construction. This has been an ongoing nightmare. George Abetti is unqualified to properly construct homes to handle Vermont winters, although he lives in and works out of Vermont. His prices are cheap, but so is his quality and credentials. You definitely get what you pay for. I know this is hearsay, but we have heard of at least three other nightmare stories of Geobarns disasters in this immediate area. Do yourself a favor, pay more money and get a real contractor!