Bill-town Builders

Complaint: [redacted] I am rejecting this response because: September 24, Dear [redacted] ***:Please allow this letter to serve as a response to the letter dated September 10, received from MrGlenn W***, Bill-Town BuildersOnce again, it is my position that Bill-Town Builders has been paid in full for services rendered in accordance with the contract dated September 9, 2013, which sets forth the agreed upon final cost of $5,This amount included all parts and labor necessary for the remodeling of a bathroom in the amount of $5,000.00, as well as an additional specified cost in the amount of $300.00, for bathroom tilesI will reiterate, under Pennsylvania law, a contract shall include a description of the work to be performed, the material to be used and a set of specifications that cannot be changed without a written change order signed by the owner and the contractorMoreover, I was not aware of my rights as a consumer and I fully believe that I was overcharged for work that I was told was included in the agreed upon contractAs expressed in my previous letter, I take issue with the following: Electric Baseboard HeatingTo clarify, the contract was signed on September 9, 2013; however, Bill-Town builders did not begin the work until September 16, Before Bill-Town Builders began construction at my residence, I purchased a heating system to be installed in the bathroomPlease see the attached credit card statement from ***'s Home Improvement Center indicating that on September 14, a heating unit was purchasedIt was my understanding that the installation was included in the original agreed upon amount of $5,300.00, following a discussion I had with JW***JW [redacted] never produced a written change order stating that this work would be additional which contributed to the understanding that this work was to be includedFurther, I did not sign a written change order or any other documents wherein I agreed to installation of the heating system at an additional cost, than that set forth in the document dated September 9, Had I been informed that the installation of this system would cost an additional $310.00, and was not included in the amount stated, I would have been in a position to evaluate my options with regard to the heating systemI would not have had the heating system installedInstead, I feel JW [redacted] saw an opportunity to take advantage of the situation without informing me of these additional costsAt no point during the remodeling phase of the bathroom did anyone from Bill-Town Builders ever state “water lines were on the outside wall and this could cause a problem in the winter.” Finally, my letter states the final price was $because the cost of the heating unit was $and the installation from Bill-Town Builders was $Bathroom TilesThe document dated September 9, 2013, specifically states that the customer is responsible for purchasing the tiles to be installed in the bathroomOn October 11, 2013, I paid $to Bill-Town Builders for the tiles, yet later come to find out the purchase price was in fact only $270,00—a difference of $The final pricing sheet from BillTown Builders specifically states “purchase tile floor $250,00” and “Tile for backsplash $Bill-Town builders credited me $for tile, however, the out of pocketcost was only $Finally, Bill-Town Builder's final pricing sheet indicates that I am being overcharged $for tileCrown MoldingAs set forth in my letter dated October 18, 2013, the crown molding was unprofessionally and shoddily installedThe crown molding was not aligned properly above the door and overlapped in several placesI was not happy with the installation and spoke with JW [redacted] with regard to these issuesFollowing this conversation, JW [redacted] came to my house to examine the installation and agreed to redo the crown molding upon observing the workBill-town Builders allege that $is now owed for the installation of crown molding but the September 9, document specifically provides that the crown molding was included in the total priceI, as the customer, should not be responsible for the poor workmanship of the employees of Bill-Town Builders, especially in light of JW***'s obvious agreement to reinstall the crown molding properly after reviewing the initial installationI am not responsible for materials that had to be purchased by Bill-Town Builders in order to remedy the improper and shoddy initial installationIt should go without saying but had the employees completed the installation properly the first time, the purchase of additional crown molding would not have been necessaryJW***'s agreement to remedy this issue only supports the position that it was installed poorly the first timeFinally, I have attached a letter from MrsCrystal DeMedici dated September 22, explaining the poor installation of the crown molding Bathroom SinkAs part of the remodel, the sink was removed and subsequently reinstalledHowever, upon reinstallation it began to leak immediatelyOn October 18, 2013, Billtown Builders were immediately informed of the issue and failed to correct it, thereby necessitating repair by an outside plumbing company in the amount of $JW [redacted] was given an opportunity to fix the issue in which he declined to do soJW [redacted] indirectly stated to my wife that he didn't know how to fix the problem and that the leak was present prior to Bill-Town Builders beginning services on September 16, 2013; Y?, I was never told about this issueHad this leak been present prior to Bill-Town Builders beginning the remodel, why would this issue not have been discussed and/or such repair work to be included in the remodel? The sink was not leaking prior to its removal and reinstallation by Bill-Town Builder's employeesFinally, the reasons here within, along with other poor workmanship defects (different color paint blotches on door and wall andpoor caulking in tub) which had to be corrected by GW [redacted] at a later date are the reasons why my wife became irateGroutThe grout between the floor tiles is producing stains because it was not sealed correctly upon completion of the projectI consulted with several flooring contractors, all of whom informed me that the grout would need to be cleaned and if the cleaner did not remove the stains, the area will need to be re-groutedI purchased grout cleaner, tile/grout brush, and grout sealer from ***'s Home Improvement for $The grout cleaner was used and the stains are still present and the floor will need to be re-grouted.Finally, I have seen numerous homes with grout that was correctly installed in the bathroom with a sealerBathtubThe newly purchased bathtub was visibly scratched in several places during installationThis was immediately brought to GW***'s attention but never remediedIn fact, in late October when GW [redacted] came to my house to correct JW***'s mistakes, he specifically stated he would take additional money off of my bill because the bathtub has visible scratchesFinally, I have provided a receipt from Roche Supply datedAugust 23, stating I purchased and picked up a brand new tub without any scratches for $GW [redacted] states in in his letter dated September 10, 2014, “He ( [redacted] ) told us he was not receiving a pay check from the federal government at the time and I made up a payment plan that [redacted] agreed to and signed.” When I signed this document, I was in disbelief about the overage chargesI was not aware of my rights as a consumer in regards to being overcharged by a contractorI specifically told JW [redacted] how upset I was in not being explained about any overages during the construction processI specifically told JW [redacted] and GW [redacted] that this kind of practice was ethically and morally wrong and I was not going to pay the $785,they allegedly stated that I owedFurther, I contacted JW [redacted] on October 25, via letter explaining my dissatisfaction with the workmanship of the bathroom remodelJW [redacted] refused to do anymore work at my residence and GW [redacted] had to perform the correctionsAfter GW [redacted] made the corrections to his son's (JW***) poor workmanship, I did not receive any communication regarding the alleged debt until August I considered the balance paid in full and I did not complain about any of the workmanship defects until GW [redacted] sent a letter in August Finally, I am using the Revdex.com as an option to explain my situation to other consumers who are not familiar with contractor laws and the rights they have as consumersContractors are continuously overcharging clients for work they agreed upon or failed to complete.As previously stated, I consider that Bill-Town Builders has been paid in full for services rendered in accordance with the contract dated September 9, 2013, which sets forth the agreed upon final cost of $5,At no point throughout the construction process did I sign any written change orders indicating an increase in priceFinally, I am demanding that Bill-Town Builders considers this matter closed as payment has been satisfied.Please contact me at your earliest convenience.Sincerely, [redacted] & [redacted]

[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the responseIf no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved] Complaint: ***I am rejecting this response for the following reasonsI have included an attachment discussing the reasons stated withinFinally, my wife and I are consumers, not contractorsFollowing completion of the bathroom remodel, we were unaware of what rights we had regarding the overcharged amountAfter thoroughly researching contractor laws, we were overcharged for materials and labor that we weren't aware of.Regards,*** ***

9/10/2014
Dear [redacted]:I am responding to the response on 9/3/14, which I am rejecting.
The heater: The bathroom originally had a cast iron heater. They decided they didn’t want heat in the bathroom when the contract was signed. During the remodeling they were reminded that the water lines were on the outside wall. Without heat in the bathroom that could cause a problem in the winter. They decided they wanted us to install and electric heater. We told them it would be extra time and material, they agreed. So we installed the heater and thermostat. In his letter he states that the installation of the heater was $450. In my enclosed breakdown you will see it was $310. (We ran wire for electricity and also to run wire for the thermostat) Added cost to install the electric heat was the labor, wire, conduit, thermostat wire, circuit breaker and the thermostat etc.
The electric heat. It was not discussed before the contract was signed, because in would have been in the contract. Also, if the heater was purchased before the contract he would be supplying a receipt. This is something they added during the remodeling. This remodel started on Sept 9, 2013. I enclosed receipts from [redacted] dated 9/24/13 - 9/24/13 -9/25/13 for supplies to install the baseboard heater. This would have been done before the new drywall was installed. Instead of fishing wires through the walls.
The tiles. The [redacted]’s were credited $300.00 for tiles. That is shown on the enclosed breakdown of the changes done. That is how we arrived at the balance due of $785.00.
The crown molding: I had purchased crown molding, they liked it, I installed it, painted it, and caulked it. I installed a pocket door in which I used a wider molding to cover the tracks. They saw the wider molding and said they liked that better and wanted me to take down the molding I just put up. I asked them if they were sure because it was going to be extra time and materials. They said yes change it. So I took down the molding and replaced it with the wider molding. There was nothing wrong with the workmanship of the first molding. I installed the wider molding just like the first molding was installed.The crown molding. I enclosed two receipts from [redacted] one dated Oct. 8, that shows I purchased 5 pieces of 2% inch mold along with 3 / molding for the door. After I had the 2 % molding on they changed there minds and liked the wider size. If it was done poorly or unprofessionally it would have been replaced by the same size molding. I enclosed a receipt dated Oct 9 for 5 pieces of 3 % molding to replace the 2 % in molding. It was done correctly they just wanted the wider size. The workmanship was done correctly both times.
The sink leaking: He called on Oct. 21, 2013 and said there was a problem with the sink. Joe went to the [redacted] residence to address the problem. When he first got there [redacted], started an argument with him about the bill. He told her that they added the addition work and that they both agreed to it. She became irate and told him to leave. He told her he would look at the problem, but she said to him no, just leave. So they called in a plumber to fix the problem. ([redacted] sent us a copy of the bill because he thought we should pay for it). - The sink issue did not occur until 10/21/2013. This is eleven days after the bathroom was finished, final bill was 10/10/2013. Enclosed is a copy of the bill from [redacted] describing there work as open lavatory drain. (nothing about a leak)
The sink. The plumber unclogged a drain. There is nothing on his receipt that there was any kind of leak.
The grout - It was explained to the [redacted]'s that grout cures at different rates, shade variations will result. I also enclosed reason why you don’t seal the grout. That was explained to them. If they sealed the grout then they will have discoloring because the moisture can’t escape.
The tub: First of all the tub was given to the them. We are not sure if it was new or not, however it look good. The tub was covered throughout the remodeling. [redacted] would go in after we would leave and clean. On a couple occasions the covering was left off when she was done. We would recover it before we started working. When the job was complete she went in to clean and didn’t say anything about scratches.
The tub. If the tub was brand new like is stated he would be supplying a receipt for the tub. If there were scratches during the installation why wasn’t anything said then. We kept it covered and were very carefully keeping it covered. [redacted] kept uncovering it and cleaning.
First, let me inform you he agreed to pay the outstanding balance. Enclosed is a signed copy. He told us he was not receiving a pay check from the federal government at the time and I made up a payment plan that **. [redacted] agreed to and signed. I sent the [redacted]’s a reminder bill on August 6, 2014. Now almost a year later he is complaining about the workmanship because he doesn’t want to pay what he and his wife agreed too. We had not received any correspondence from the [redacted]'s since November 7, 2013 when they wanted us to pay the plumber bill.
**. and [redacted] are using the Revdex.com as a weapon to get out of what they agreed to and ultimately signed. If these issues where so bad why did they wait until now to complain. Why not Nov 2013? Why did they wait until we sent them a reminder letter? Then they came up with these fabricated accusations about the bathroom. We acted fairly and are prices are more than reasonable. Please make you decision using all the facts and receipts. If you need more receipts for materials used on job we can provide if needed.Thank you,
Glenn W

8/25/2014
Dear [redacted]:I am responding to your letter on 8/20/14 regarding a complaint by [redacted]. The letter was assigned an ID # [redacted]. I would like to address each issue in...

order of your letter.
First, let me inform you he agreed to pay the outstanding balance. He told us he was not receiving a pay check from the federal government at the time and I made up a payment plan that **. [redacted] agreed to and signed. I sent the [redacted]'s a reminder bill on August 6, 2014. Now almost a year later he is complaining about the workmanship because he doesn’t want to pay what he and his wife agreed too. We had not received any correspondence from the [redacted]'s since November 7, 2013 when they wanted us to pay the plumber bill.
The sink leaking: He called on Oct. 21, 2013 and said there was a problem with the sink. Joe went to the [redacted] residence to address the problem. When he first got there [redacted]. [redacted], started an argument with him about the bill. He told her that they added the addition work and that they both agreed to it. She became irate and told him to leave. He told her he would look at the problem, but she said to him no, just leave. So they called in a plumber to fix the problem. ([redacted] sent us a copy of the bill because he thought we should pay for it). - The sink issue did not occur until 10/21/2013. This is eleven days after the bathroom was finished, final bill was 10/10/2013. Enclosed is a copy of the bill from [redacted] describing there work as open lavatory drain. (nothing about a leak)
The tub: First of all the tub was given to the them. We are not sure if it was new or not, however it look good. The tub was covered throughout the remodeling. [redacted]. [redacted] would go in after we would leave and clean. On a couple occasions the covering was left off when she was done. We would recover it before we started working. When the job was complete she went in to clean and didn’t say anything about scratches.
The crown molding: I had purchased crown molding, they liked it, I installed it, painted it, and caulked it. I installed a pocket door in which I used a wider molding to cover the tracks. They saw the wider molding and said they liked that better and wanted me to take down the molding I just put up. I asked them if they were sure because it was going to be extra time and materials. They said yes change it. So I took down the molding and replaced it with the wider molding. There was nothing wrong with the workmanship of the first molding. I installed the wider molding just like the first molding was installed.The heater: The bathroom originally had a cast iron heater. They decided they didn’t want heat in the bathroom when the contract was signed. During the remodeling they were reminded that the water lines were on the outside wall. Without heat in the bathroom that could cause a problem in the winter. They decided they wanted us to install and electric heater. We told them it would be extra time and material, they agreed. So we installed the heater and thermostat. In his letter he states that the installation of the heater was $450. In my enclosed breakdown you will see it was $310. (We ran wire for electricity and also to run wire for the thermostat) Added cost to install the electric heat was the labor, wire, conduit, thermostat wire and the thermostat etc.
He is stating to you that he does not feel he should pay any of the extras that they requested. As we were working they were making changes. We would tell them it was extra time and material and which they agreed to pay. He is disputing all the extras. At the completion of the work **. and [redacted]. [redacted] inspected it while I was there. They were happy with everything. The only reason now almost a year later is they don’t want to pay for the extra time and materials they agreed to. I am enclosing a copy of the contract, the extra changes and a copy of the payment plan (because they didn’t have the funds at that time, because the federal government wasn’t paying their employees) Which he agreed to an signed on October 11, 2013. Also, if you need we have pictures of the finished bathroom.Thank you,Glenn WBilltown Builders

Complaint: [redacted]I am rejecting this response because:
September 24, 2014
Dear [redacted]:Please allow this letter to serve as a response to the letter dated September 10, 2014 received from Mr. Glenn W[redacted], Bill-Town Builders. Once again, it is my position that Bill-Town Builders has been paid in full for services rendered in accordance with the contract dated September 9, 2013, which sets forth the agreed upon final cost of $5,300.00. This amount included all parts and labor necessary for the remodeling of a bathroom in the amount of $5,000.00, as well as an additional specified cost in the amount of $300.00, for bathroom tiles.
I will reiterate, under Pennsylvania law, a contract shall include a description of the work to be performed, the material to be used and a set of specifications that cannot be changed without a written change order signed by the owner and the contractor. Moreover, I was not aware of my rights as a consumer and I fully believe that I was overcharged for work that I was told was included in the agreed upon contract. As expressed in my previous letter, I take issue with the following:
Electric Baseboard HeatingTo clarify, the contract was signed on September 9, 2013; however, Bill-Town builders did not begin the work until September 16, 2013. Before Bill-Town Builders began construction at my residence, I purchased a heating system to be installed in the bathroom. Please see the attached credit card statement from [redacted]'s Home Improvement Center indicating that on September 14, 2013 a heating unit was purchased. It was my understanding that the installation was included in the original agreed upon amount of $5,300.00, following a discussion I had with J. W[redacted]. J. W[redacted] never produced a written change order stating that this work would be additional which contributed to the understanding that this work was to be included. Further, I did not sign a written change order or any other documents wherein I agreed to installation of the heating system at an additional cost, than that set forth in the document dated September 9, 2013. Had I been informed that the installation of this system would cost an additional $310.00, and was not included in the amount stated, I would have been in a position to evaluate my options with regard to the heating system. I would not have had the heating system installed. Instead, I feel J. W[redacted] saw an opportunity to take advantage of the situation without informing me of these additional costs. At no point during the remodeling phase of the bathroom did anyone from Bill-Town Builders ever state “water lines were on the outside wall and this could cause a problem in the winter.” Finally, my letter states the final price was $450.00 because the cost of the heating unit was $140.00 and the installation from Bill-Town Builders was $310.00.
Bathroom TilesThe document dated September 9, 2013, specifically states that the customer is responsible for purchasing the tiles to be installed in the bathroom. On October 11, 2013, I paid $300.00 to Bill-Town Builders for the tiles, yet later come to find out the purchase price was in fact only $270,00—a difference of $30.00. The final pricing sheet from BillTown Builders specifically states “purchase tile floor $250,00” and “Tile for backsplash $350.00. Bill-Town builders credited me $300.00 for tile, however, the out of pocketcost was only $270.00. Finally, Bill-Town Builder's final pricing sheet indicates that I am being overcharged $330.00 for tile.
Crown MoldingAs set forth in my letter dated October 18, 2013, the crown molding was unprofessionally and shoddily installed. The crown molding was not aligned properly above the door and overlapped in several places. I was not happy with the installation and spoke with J. W[redacted] with regard to these issues. Following this conversation, J. W[redacted] came to my house to examine the installation and agreed to redo the crown molding upon observing the work. Bill-town Builders allege that $200.00 is now owed for the installation of crown molding but the September 9, 2013 document specifically provides that the crown molding was included in the total price. I, as the customer, should not be responsible for the poor workmanship of the employees of Bill-Town Builders, especially in light of J. W[redacted]'s obvious agreement to reinstall the crown molding properly after reviewing the initial installation. I am not responsible for materials that had to be purchased by Bill-Town Builders in order to remedy the improper and shoddy initial installation. It should go without saying but had the employees completed the installation properly the first time, the purchase of additional crown molding would not have been necessary. J. W[redacted]'s agreement to remedy this issue only supports the position that it was installed poorly the first time. Finally, I have attached a letter from Mrs. Crystal DeMedici dated September 22, 2014 explaining the poor installation of the crown molding
Bathroom SinkAs part of the remodel, the sink was removed and subsequently reinstalled. However, upon reinstallation it began to leak immediately. On October 18, 2013, Billtown Builders were immediately informed of the issue and failed to correct it, thereby necessitating repair by an outside plumbing company in the amount of $65.00. J. W[redacted] was given an opportunity to fix the issue in which he declined to do so. J. W[redacted] indirectly stated to my wife that he didn't know how to fix the problem and that the leak was present prior to Bill-Town Builders beginning services on September 16, 2013; Y?, I was never told about this issue. Had this leak been present prior to Bill-Town Builders beginning the remodel, why would this issue not have been discussed and/or such repair work to be included in the remodel? The sink was not leaking prior to its removal and reinstallation by Bill-Town Builder's employees. Finally, the reasons here within, along with other poor workmanship defects (different color paint blotches on door and wall andpoor caulking in tub) which had to be corrected by G. W[redacted] at a later date are the reasons why my wife became irate.
GroutThe grout between the floor tiles is producing stains because it was not sealed correctly upon completion of the project. I consulted with several flooring contractors, all of whom informed me that the grout would need to be cleaned and if the cleaner did not remove the stains, the area will need to be re-grouted. I purchased grout cleaner, tile/grout brush, and grout sealer from [redacted]'s Home Improvement for $17.31. The grout cleaner was used and the stains are still present and the floor will need to be re-grouted.Finally, I have seen numerous homes with grout that was correctly installed in the bathroom with a sealer.
BathtubThe newly purchased bathtub was visibly scratched in several places during installation. This was immediately brought to G. W[redacted]'s attention but never remedied. In fact, in late October 2013 when G. W[redacted] came to my house to correct J. W[redacted]'s mistakes, he specifically stated he would take additional money off of my bill because the bathtub has visible scratches. Finally, I have provided a receipt from Roche Supply datedAugust 23, 2013 stating I purchased and picked up a brand new tub without any scratches for $395.34.
G. W[redacted] states in in his letter dated September 10, 2014, “He ([redacted]) told us he was not receiving a pay check from the federal government at the time and I made up a payment plan that [redacted] agreed to and signed.” When I signed this document, I was in disbelief about the overage charges. I was not aware of my rights as a consumer in regards to being overcharged by a contractor. I specifically told J. W[redacted] how upset I was in not being explained about any overages during the construction process. I specifically told J. W[redacted] and G. W[redacted] that this kind of practice was ethically and morally wrong and I was not going to pay the $785,00 they allegedly stated that I owed. Further, I contacted J. W[redacted] on October 25, 2013 via letter explaining my dissatisfaction with the workmanship of the bathroom remodel. J. W[redacted] refused to do anymore work at my residence and G. W[redacted] had to perform the corrections. After G. W[redacted] made the corrections to his son's (J. W[redacted]) poor workmanship, I did not receive any communication regarding the alleged debt until August 2014. I considered the balance paid in full and I did not complain about any of the workmanship defects until G. W[redacted] sent a letter in August 2014. Finally, I am using the Revdex.com as an option to explain my situation to other consumers who are not familiar with contractor laws and the rights they have as consumers. Contractors are continuously overcharging clients for work they agreed upon or failed to complete.As previously stated, I consider that Bill-Town Builders has been paid in full for services rendered in accordance with the contract dated September 9, 2013, which sets forth the agreed upon final cost of $5,300.00. At no point throughout the construction process did I sign any written change orders indicating an increase in price. Finally, I am demanding that Bill-Town Builders considers this matter closed as payment has been satisfied.Please contact me at your earliest convenience.Sincerely,[redacted] & [redacted]

Review: Our complaint is with the dissatisfaction of the workmanship of the remodel of our bathroom, as well as issues with the agreed upon contract. Initially, our sink started to leak immediately after reinstallation, and the contractor was informed of the issue and refused to fix it, causing us to call another contractor to fix the problem. Further, our brand new bath tub is scratched in several places because it was improperly covered during the remodel. In addition, the crown molding was initially to be provided and was unprofessional and had to be replaced with all new crown molding. The electric baseboard heating system was installed without our knowledge as to the price for installation and materials. Specifically, if we were informed that the heating system and installation would have cost us $450, we wouldn't have had the heating system installed. Furthermore, the contractor failed to provide us with any work changes that would have indicated an increase in the estimated price we agreed upon in the initial contract. Therefore, we weren't aware of an increase in the price until the contractor asked for an additional $785 after completion. Finally, the agreed upon contract was for $5300.00, paid in full by us (the homeowners).Desired Settlement: The contractor is asking for a payment of $785 in which they claim was owed for additional material and labor. We weren't aware of any increase in price during the entire remodel of our bathroom. We paid the agreed upon amount of $5,000, plus $300 for tile, for a total price of $5,300. We are asking for the contractor to consider the contract as being paid in full. Once again, we were not provided with any work changes that would have indicated an increase in price.

Business

Response:

8/25/2014Dear [redacted]:I am responding to your letter on 8/20/14 regarding a complaint by [redacted]. The letter was assigned an ID # [redacted]. I would like to address each issue in order of your letter.First, let me inform you he agreed to pay the outstanding balance. He told us he was not receiving a pay check from the federal government at the time and I made up a payment plan that **. [redacted] agreed to and signed. I sent the [redacted]'s a reminder bill on August 6, 2014. Now almost a year later he is complaining about the workmanship because he doesn’t want to pay what he and his wife agreed too. We had not received any correspondence from the [redacted]'s since November 7, 2013 when they wanted us to pay the plumber bill.The sink leaking: He called on Oct. 21, 2013 and said there was a problem with the sink. Joe went to the [redacted] residence to address the problem. When he first got there [redacted], started an argument with him about the bill. He told her that they added the addition work and that they both agreed to it. She became irate and told him to leave. He told her he would look at the problem, but she said to him no, just leave. So they called in a plumber to fix the problem. ([redacted] sent us a copy of the bill because he thought we should pay for it). - The sink issue did not occur until 10/21/2013. This is eleven days after the bathroom was finished, final bill was 10/10/2013. Enclosed is a copy of the bill from [redacted] describing there work as open lavatory drain. (nothing about a leak)The tub: First of all the tub was given to the them. We are not sure if it was new or not, however it look good. The tub was covered throughout the remodeling. [redacted] would go in after we would leave and clean. On a couple occasions the covering was left off when she was done. We would recover it before we started working. When the job was complete she went in to clean and didn’t say anything about scratches.The crown molding: I had purchased crown molding, they liked it, I installed it, painted it, and caulked it. I installed a pocket door in which I used a wider molding to cover the tracks. They saw the wider molding and said they liked that better and wanted me to take down the molding I just put up. I asked them if they were sure because it was going to be extra time and materials. They said yes change it. So I took down the molding and replaced it with the wider molding. There was nothing wrong with the workmanship of the first molding. I installed the wider molding just like the first molding was installed.The heater: The bathroom originally had a cast iron heater. They decided they didn’t want heat in the bathroom when the contract was signed. During the remodeling they were reminded that the water lines were on the outside wall. Without heat in the bathroom that could cause a problem in the winter. They decided they wanted us to install and electric heater. We told them it would be extra time and material, they agreed. So we installed the heater and thermostat. In his letter he states that the installation of the heater was $450. In my enclosed breakdown you will see it was $310. (We ran wire for electricity and also to run wire for the thermostat) Added cost to install the electric heat was the labor, wire, conduit, thermostat wire and the thermostat etc.He is stating to you that he does not feel he should pay any of the extras that they requested. As we were working they were making changes. We would tell them it was extra time and material and which they agreed to pay. He is disputing all the extras. At the completion of the work **. and [redacted] inspected it while I was there. They were happy with everything. The only reason now almost a year later is they don’t want to pay for the extra time and materials they agreed to. I am enclosing a copy of the contract, the extra changes and a copy of the payment plan (because they didn’t have the funds at that time, because the federal government wasn’t paying their employees) Which he agreed to an signed on October 11, 2013. Also, if you need we have pictures of the finished bathroom.Thank you,Glenn WBilltown Builders

Consumer

Response:

[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved] Review: [redacted]I am rejecting this response for the following reasons. I have included an attachment discussing the reasons stated within. Finally, my wife and I are consumers, not contractors. Following completion of the bathroom remodel, we were unaware of what rights we had regarding the overcharged amount. After thoroughly researching contractor laws, we were overcharged for materials and labor that we weren't aware of.Regards,[redacted]

Business

Response:

9/10/2014Dear [redacted]:I am responding to the response on 9/3/14, which I am rejecting.The heater: The bathroom originally had a cast iron heater. They decided they didn’t want heat in the bathroom when the contract was signed. During the remodeling they were reminded that the water lines were on the outside wall. Without heat in the bathroom that could cause a problem in the winter. They decided they wanted us to install and electric heater. We told them it would be extra time and material, they agreed. So we installed the heater and thermostat. In his letter he states that the installation of the heater was $450. In my enclosed breakdown you will see it was $310. (We ran wire for electricity and also to run wire for the thermostat) Added cost to install the electric heat was the labor, wire, conduit, thermostat wire, circuit breaker and the thermostat etc.The electric heat. It was not discussed before the contract was signed, because in would have been in the contract. Also, if the heater was purchased before the contract he would be supplying a receipt. This is something they added during the remodeling. This remodel started on Sept 9, 2013. I enclosed receipts from [redacted] dated 9/24/13 - 9/24/13 -9/25/13 for supplies to install the baseboard heater. This would have been done before the new drywall was installed. Instead of fishing wires through the walls.The tiles. The [redacted]’s were credited $300.00 for tiles. That is shown on the enclosed breakdown of the changes done. That is how we arrived at the balance due of $785.00.The crown molding: I had purchased crown molding, they liked it, I installed it, painted it, and caulked it. I installed a pocket door in which I used a wider molding to cover the tracks. They saw the wider molding and said they liked that better and wanted me to take down the molding I just put up. I asked them if they were sure because it was going to be extra time and materials. They said yes change it. So I took down the molding and replaced it with the wider molding. There was nothing wrong with the workmanship of the first molding. I installed the wider molding just like the first molding was installed.The crown molding. I enclosed two receipts from [redacted] one dated Oct. 8, that shows I purchased 5 pieces of 2% inch mold along with 3 / molding for the door. After I had the 2 % molding on they changed there minds and liked the wider size. If it was done poorly or unprofessionally it would have been replaced by the same size molding. I enclosed a receipt dated Oct 9 for 5 pieces of 3 % molding to replace the 2 % in molding. It was done correctly they just wanted the wider size. The workmanship was done correctly both times.The sink leaking: He called on Oct. 21, 2013 and said there was a problem with the sink. Joe went to the [redacted] residence to address the problem. When he first got there [redacted], started an argument with him about the bill. He told her that they added the addition work and that they both agreed to it. She became irate and told him to leave. He told her he would look at the problem, but she said to him no, just leave. So they called in a plumber to fix the problem. ([redacted] sent us a copy of the bill because he thought we should pay for it). - The sink issue did not occur until 10/21/2013. This is eleven days after the bathroom was finished, final bill was 10/10/2013. Enclosed is a copy of the bill from [redacted] describing there work as open lavatory drain. (nothing about a leak)The sink. The plumber unclogged a drain. There is nothing on his receipt that there was any kind of leak.The grout - It was explained to the [redacted]'s that grout cures at different rates, shade variations will result. I also enclosed reason why you don’t seal the grout. That was explained to them. If they sealed the grout then they will have discoloring because the moisture can’t escape.The tub: First of all the tub was given to the them. We are not sure if it was new or not, however it look good. The tub was covered throughout the remodeling. [redacted] would go in after we would leave and clean. On a couple occasions the covering was left off when she was done. We would recover it before we started working. When the job was complete she went in to clean and didn’t say anything about scratches.The tub. If the tub was brand new like is stated he would be supplying a receipt for the tub. If there were scratches during the installation why wasn’t anything said then. We kept it covered and were very carefully keeping it covered. [redacted] kept uncovering it and cleaning.First, let me inform you he agreed to pay the outstanding balance. Enclosed is a signed copy. He told us he was not receiving a pay check from the federal government at the time and I made up a payment plan that **. [redacted] agreed to and signed. I sent the [redacted]’s a reminder bill on August 6, 2014. Now almost a year later he is complaining about the workmanship because he doesn’t want to pay what he and his wife agreed too. We had not received any correspondence from the [redacted]'s since November 7, 2013 when they wanted us to pay the plumber bill.**. and [redacted] are using the Revdex.com as a weapon to get out of what they agreed to and ultimately signed. If these issues where so bad why did they wait until now to complain. Why not Nov 2013? Why did they wait until we sent them a reminder letter? Then they came up with these fabricated accusations about the bathroom. We acted fairly and are prices are more than reasonable. Please make you decision using all the facts and receipts. If you need more receipts for materials used on job we can provide if needed.Thank you,Glenn W

Consumer

Response:

Review: [redacted]I am rejecting this response because:

September 24, 2014Dear [redacted]:Please allow this letter to serve as a response to the letter dated September 10, 2014 received from Mr. Glenn W[redacted], Bill-Town Builders. Once again, it is my position that Bill-Town Builders has been paid in full for services rendered in accordance with the contract dated September 9, 2013, which sets forth the agreed upon final cost of $5,300.00. This amount included all parts and labor necessary for the remodeling of a bathroom in the amount of $5,000.00, as well as an additional specified cost in the amount of $300.00, for bathroom tiles.I will reiterate, under Pennsylvania law, a contract shall include a description of the work to be performed, the material to be used and a set of specifications that cannot be changed without a written change order signed by the owner and the contractor. Moreover, I was not aware of my rights as a consumer and I fully believe that I was overcharged for work that I was told was included in the agreed upon contract. As expressed in my previous letter, I take issue with the following:Electric Baseboard HeatingTo clarify, the contract was signed on September 9, 2013; however, Bill-Town builders did not begin the work until September 16, 2013. Before Bill-Town Builders began construction at my residence, I purchased a heating system to be installed in the bathroom. Please see the attached credit card statement from [redacted]'s Home Improvement Center indicating that on September 14, 2013 a heating unit was purchased. It was my understanding that the installation was included in the original agreed upon amount of $5,300.00, following a discussion I had with J. W[redacted]. J. W[redacted] never produced a written change order stating that this work would be additional which contributed to the understanding that this work was to be included. Further, I did not sign a written change order or any other documents wherein I agreed to installation of the heating system at an additional cost, than that set forth in the document dated September 9, 2013. Had I been informed that the installation of this system would cost an additional $310.00, and was not included in the amount stated, I would have been in a position to evaluate my options with regard to the heating system. I would not have had the heating system installed. Instead, I feel J. W[redacted] saw an opportunity to take advantage of the situation without informing me of these additional costs. At no point during the remodeling phase of the bathroom did anyone from Bill-Town Builders ever state “water lines were on the outside wall and this could cause a problem in the winter.” Finally, my letter states the final price was $450.00 because the cost of the heating unit was $140.00 and the installation from Bill-Town Builders was $310.00.Bathroom TilesThe document dated September 9, 2013, specifically states that the customer is responsible for purchasing the tiles to be installed in the bathroom. On October 11, 2013, I paid $300.00 to Bill-Town Builders for the tiles, yet later come to find out the purchase price was in fact only $270,00—a difference of $30.00. The final pricing sheet from BillTown Builders specifically states “purchase tile floor $250,00” and “Tile for backsplash $350.00. Bill-Town builders credited me $300.00 for tile, however, the out of pocketcost was only $270.00. Finally, Bill-Town Builder's final pricing sheet indicates that I am being overcharged $330.00 for tile.Crown MoldingAs set forth in my letter dated October 18, 2013, the crown molding was unprofessionally and shoddily installed. The crown molding was not aligned properly above the door and overlapped in several places. I was not happy with the installation and spoke with J. W[redacted] with regard to these issues. Following this conversation, J. W[redacted] came to my house to examine the installation and agreed to redo the crown molding upon observing the work. Bill-town Builders allege that $200.00 is now owed for the installation of crown molding but the September 9, 2013 document specifically provides that the crown molding was included in the total price. I, as the customer, should not be responsible for the poor workmanship of the employees of Bill-Town Builders, especially in light of J. W[redacted]'s obvious agreement to reinstall the crown molding properly after reviewing the initial installation. I am not responsible for materials that had to be purchased by Bill-Town Builders in order to remedy the improper and shoddy initial installation. It should go without saying but had the employees completed the installation properly the first time, the purchase of additional crown molding would not have been necessary. J. W[redacted]'s agreement to remedy this issue only supports the position that it was installed poorly the first time. Finally, I have attached a letter from Mrs. Crystal DeMedici dated September 22, 2014 explaining the poor installation of the crown moldingBathroom SinkAs part of the remodel, the sink was removed and subsequently reinstalled. However, upon reinstallation it began to leak immediately. On October 18, 2013, Billtown Builders were immediately informed of the issue and failed to correct it, thereby necessitating repair by an outside plumbing company in the amount of $65.00. J. W[redacted] was given an opportunity to fix the issue in which he declined to do so. J. W[redacted] indirectly stated to my wife that he didn't know how to fix the problem and that the leak was present prior to Bill-Town Builders beginning services on September 16, 2013; Y?, I was never told about this issue. Had this leak been present prior to Bill-Town Builders beginning the remodel, why would this issue not have been discussed and/or such repair work to be included in the remodel? The sink was not leaking prior to its removal and reinstallation by Bill-Town Builder's employees. Finally, the reasons here within, along with other poor workmanship defects (different color paint blotches on door and wall andpoor caulking in tub) which had to be corrected by G. W[redacted] at a later date are the reasons why my wife became irate.GroutThe grout between the floor tiles is producing stains because it was not sealed correctly upon completion of the project. I consulted with several flooring contractors, all of whom informed me that the grout would need to be cleaned and if the cleaner did not remove the stains, the area will need to be re-grouted. I purchased grout cleaner, tile/grout brush, and grout sealer from [redacted]'s Home Improvement for $17.31. The grout cleaner was used and the stains are still present and the floor will need to be re-grouted.Finally, I have seen numerous homes with grout that was correctly installed in the bathroom with a sealer.BathtubThe newly purchased bathtub was visibly scratched in several places during installation. This was immediately brought to G. W[redacted]'s attention but never remedied. In fact, in late October 2013 when G. W[redacted] came to my house to correct J. W[redacted]'s mistakes, he specifically stated he would take additional money off of my bill because the bathtub has visible scratches. Finally, I have provided a receipt from Roche Supply datedAugust 23, 2013 stating I purchased and picked up a brand new tub without any scratches for $395.34.G. W[redacted] states in in his letter dated September 10, 2014, “He ([redacted]) told us he was not receiving a pay check from the federal government at the time and I made up a payment plan that [redacted] agreed to and signed.” When I signed this document, I was in disbelief about the overage charges. I was not aware of my rights as a consumer in regards to being overcharged by a contractor. I specifically told J. W[redacted] how upset I was in not being explained about any overages during the construction process. I specifically told J. W[redacted] and G. W[redacted] that this kind of practice was ethically and morally wrong and I was not going to pay the $785,00 they allegedly stated that I owed. Further, I contacted J. W[redacted] on October 25, 2013 via letter explaining my dissatisfaction with the workmanship of the bathroom remodel. J. W[redacted] refused to do anymore work at my residence and G. W[redacted] had to perform the corrections. After G. W[redacted] made the corrections to his son's (J. W[redacted]) poor workmanship, I did not receive any communication regarding the alleged debt until August 2014. I considered the balance paid in full and I did not complain about any of the workmanship defects until G. W[redacted] sent a letter in August 2014. Finally, I am using the Revdex.com as an option to explain my situation to other consumers who are not familiar with contractor laws and the rights they have as consumers. Contractors are continuously overcharging clients for work they agreed upon or failed to complete.As previously stated, I consider that Bill-Town Builders has been paid in full for services rendered in accordance with the contract dated September 9, 2013, which sets forth the agreed upon final cost of $5,300.00. At no point throughout the construction process did I sign any written change orders indicating an increase in price. Finally, I am demanding that Bill-Town Builders considers this matter closed as payment has been satisfied.Please contact me at your earliest convenience.Sincerely,[redacted] & [redacted]