TRUE CUSTOM GLASS

Description of Work: Steam Shower glass install

Description of Work: shower glass

Description of Work: At the recommendation of our general contractor, we hired Sorin Baias (owner) to provide a glass panel for our shower in our newly remodeled bathroom. He took our order, including measurements, color, texture and thickness of glass. When the glass panel was ready to install, he called to arrange delivery and installation. He arrived alone and presented the bill. We asked him if he was alone without helpers to install the glass. He said "they are on another job; I can handle it." We had originally emphasized that we didn't want a green tint to the glass but a light blue tint. We noticed a green tint but he insisted it wasn't green. My husband and I left him alone in the bathroom so he could install without our hovering over him. After a few minutes we heard a huge explosion-like sound that frightened us both. We called to him asking what happened and if he was all right. He said over and over that "it blew up on me," We went to the bathroom and found our entire bathroom floor and bathtub bottom covered in shattered glass. The new tub was damaged in several places from the impact. He is a large man and walked over the glass numerous times which damaged our newly installed floor tiles. He quickly admitted that he propped the glass up on the end of the tub where there is a "half wall" on which the glass would have been mounted. There was no support there except for a two-inch wall recess where he leaned it while he was checking his installation instructions. It fell down on the top of the tub. The porcelain was chipped off in several places on the top of the tub as well as some in the bottom of the tub. He was visibly shaken and we were horrified at the damage. However, my husband invited him to come to the kitchen to sit down and calm himself. We were not rude or angry with him in spite of our great disappointment. He promised to pay whatever it cost to repair the damage. He asked that we not file an insurance claim. Other workers including the general contractor and the electrician saw the damage. I also took photos. From that day forward, he was unavailable. His answering service was full and no messages could be left except on a couple occasions. He ignored us. He called once and said he had received no messages but it made no sense because he responded to one of the calls. Over several months, I contacted another online service where he is represented. I reported him to them but they said since I was not a member of Service Magic, I could not have information. After much pleading, one CS person gave me his insurance company name. When I called, they said he was cancelled due to non-payment of his premium. More calls, no response. I called the State of WA Labor and Industries. They said if he was uninsured, they would cancel his license. I then contacted the State Attorney General's Office who tried to contact him. After a time, they wrote to me and said he did not respond and they did not have any power of enforcement. Months later, I reached him by phone and he said "yes, I am insured but I changed companies." I contacted that company whose rep suggested a couple other things I could try before I filed a claim. By then, much time had passed. Our bathroom was damaged irreparably and only a replacement of the tub and tiles (complete redo) would restore it to original condition. There was danger of damaging the electrical floor heating system which would also have to be replaced. I was so upset I let more time go by. Our contractor goes to the same church and said he saw him every week and asked him why he didn't settle with us. I contacted my own insurance company last year and they said they would restore our bathroom but our insurance rates would be raised due to the claim and chances of his insurance company paying restitution were slim because they would, after all this time, pay minimally saying there had been depreciation. We are seniors and I have some serious health issues so I could not take the stress of pursuing it any further. This person got away with paying nothing and our new bathroom remains damaged. The floor tiles are scratched in several places and even after paying to have the tub refinished, the surfaces are worn off and the damage is apparent. These finishes are not permanent. I would never hire this person again; he is dishonest, irresponsible, and extremely careless. By lying and avoiding us, he got away with not paying or repairing anything he destroyed.