Crouch's Home Improvement

September 15, 2014Attention: [redacted]
I am responding to a complaint by [redacted] a neighbor and a person who I thought was a friend for over 40 years. I have done small odd jobs including painting for [redacted] and her family as a friend and neighbor.
In June [redacted]...

asked me to help her get a rental property ready for occupancy which I did at a Family /friend price of 1000.00On or about August 18th I attended a Birthday party where [redacted] was a guest and I avoided personal contact of any kind which obviously annoyed her causing her to react by filing a complaint on august 23 with Revdex.com containing untrue facts and statements approximately 2 1/2 months later after the job was completed.Incident[redacted] and I (without down payment to me) visited [redacted] where she purchased 5 gallons of eggshell white [redacted] paint with a primer, High Gloss White for doors, door frames and molding also 100.00 worth of prepping material (tape, Paint app. Etc.) that I needed which would be deducted from my 1000.00 payment. These materials would be used to paint and prep. 3 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, Living Room, kitchen, Laundry Room, Basement/Family Room and 4 Hallways and “I didn’t have to paint the Ceilings because they hand a stucco finish that she stated she didn’t want painted”.
I began the work by removing wall plates, vent covers etc that could get paint drippings on them also putting drop cloths and plastic to protect floors and wooden base boards and cabinets where there could be a paint spill. Please find attached pictures attesting to this, pointing out her false claims and showing clearly that areas were prepped and covered because I take pride in my work and final results.
                                                                                                               (2)I pointed out small areas of dropped and smeared paint on base boards and light fixtures from previous painting to [redacted] some areas such as quarter round molding that was stained wood in appearance she asked me to paint over in the high gloss paint which was not included in our original agreement so [redacted] was aware that this paint she speaks of was already there. It would be very careless and hard to get paint on light fixtures ect when you’re not painting ceilings.
Following completion of second floor (3 bedrooms, bedroom doors, closet doors hallway and 2 bathrooms) [redacted] having checked/observed my work gave me a 450.00 as partial payment at this point she was satisfied with work done.
We discussed the fact that I would need additional paint to complete the job where upon she stated she didn’t have the money to purchase more paint and she has to pay two mortgagees now and is not sure when she might get another renter. [redacted] had some other eggshell paint that was probably previously used in her basement that she wanted to use. I explained to her that it was a different brand and different aged and would not match the [redacted] paint but she insisted that we mix the two paints. I did so against my better judgment and personal experience with paint but I didn’t mix it all perceiving that it wouldn’t be a perfect match I was being paid to paint the walls so I had no argument with what she wanted done with mixing the paint (she is paying). She was present when I began to use the mixed paint and I pointed out that the two paints did not match in color/shade. Her response was it will be ok when it dries. The next day I called her and stated that the areas where the mixed paint was applied would have to be repainted because it did not match. So I used the paint I had saved and painted over the areas where the mixed paint was applied (I didn’t charge extra for the repainting of these areas) but we would need more paint. I suggested that the mixed paint be used in the first floor bathroom and the basement laundry room and the bathroom in the basement, she agreed.
I offered to go and get the [redacted] paint we would need to complete the job to ensure that it was a perfect match and prevent repainting again “she said no I would get it, I know how to buy paint!”
I used the paint she bought and realized that again something was different about the paint when it dried. Later finding out that to save money she bought the same paint without the primer in it which the original [redacted] contained. She requested that I repaint this area which I refused to do as it constituted another paint job at my time expense and labor caused by her refusing to listen to me a person that has a little more experience and skills than her in this area.
I finished the last area with two different shades in the basement from that paint she bought. There were areas I did final touch ups with this paint. I called her told her I’m finished and that there were areas where that paint was applied that she bought that didn’t match and I’m done, exhausted from
                                                                                                                                     (3)The paint games to save a few bucks, instead of getting me what I needed to complete the job right especially when I gave her such a family /neighbor price thereby saving her thousands of dollars to complete a job that size.
[redacted] stated that she had to go check the final work done before bringing me the balance of 450.00 due at the finish of work agreed upon at her rental property. I returned her rental property keys paint pan and two brushes that she requested. [redacted] asked me if I would return and finish grouting I told her I would think about it. I got my money and have not spoken to her since, I felt she abuse our friendship.
Tile IncidentWhile painting the kitchen [redacted] asked me if knew how to replace 4 tiles in the kitchen which were damaged and I told her yes. She stated that she wanted to be there when I removed the tile seemly to supervise me which I felt was an insult but I did it anyway out of friendship. When I replaced the 4 tiles I asked [redacted] if she had some black grout needed to complete the installing of those tiles. She gave me some old lumpy rock like grout I told her I couldn’t use this because of it texture and it was hard from the dampness in the basement she then wanted me to break it up with a hammer and reuse it. I told her that I would need new workable grout which I never received especially when I removed and replaced the 4 four tiles out of friendship to help her get her property ready for rent because I knew she was in a bind paying two mortgages.
Micro Managing[redacted] constantly refused to accept my advice and constantly tried to use inferior or useless materials, requesting that I do things that we had not discussed. [redacted] wanted to use the friendship card to control my work and tell me how to do the job. [redacted] didn’t understand about colors and mixing paint to achieve a desired color. I am very proud of the work I do. [redacted] needs to be willing to listen to those who have had some experience whether they are handyman, neighbors or others.Sincerely,Eric *. C[redacted]

Review: I hired Mr. Crouch to paint my rental property. I am not one to watch over a handyman but he needed to be micro managed. He did not prep all areas before painting, therefore I had to go back and get paint off of the sink counters, cabinets,light fixtures, toilets, etc. He also removed kitchen tiles from the floor (something he wasn't hired for) and did not replace them. He did not complete the job nor call back as he stated he would. His work ethic is poor and he does not listen to his client. I had to get someone else to finish the job. This is a tough lesson learned that is why I am sharing this information. He now has business cards that also say he does electrical work. He is not licensed or bonded. Hopefully this will help someone else save money and time. Next time I will hire a professional contractor not a handy man. ExhaustedDesired Settlement: To let the world know about this handyman and his work,

Business

Response:

September 15, 2014Attention: [redacted]I am responding to a complaint by [redacted] a neighbor and a person who I thought was a friend for over 40 years. I have done small odd jobs including painting for [redacted] and her family as a friend and neighbor.In June [redacted] asked me to help her get a rental property ready for occupancy which I did at a Family /friend price of 1000.00On or about August 18th I attended a Birthday party where [redacted] was a guest and I avoided personal contact of any kind which obviously annoyed her causing her to react by filing a complaint on august 23 with Revdex.com containing untrue facts and statements approximately 2 1/2 months later after the job was completed.Incident[redacted] and I (without down payment to me) visited [redacted] where she purchased 5 gallons of eggshell white [redacted] paint with a primer, High Gloss White for doors, door frames and molding also 100.00 worth of prepping material (tape, Paint app. Etc.) that I needed which would be deducted from my 1000.00 payment. These materials would be used to paint and prep. 3 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, Living Room, kitchen, Laundry Room, Basement/Family Room and 4 Hallways and “I didn’t have to paint the Ceilings because they hand a stucco finish that she stated she didn’t want painted”.I began the work by removing wall plates, vent covers etc that could get paint drippings on them also putting drop cloths and plastic to protect floors and wooden base boards and cabinets where there could be a paint spill. Please find attached pictures attesting to this, pointing out her false claims and showing clearly that areas were prepped and covered because I take pride in my work and final results. (2)I pointed out small areas of dropped and smeared paint on base boards and light fixtures from previous painting to [redacted] some areas such as quarter round molding that was stained wood in appearance she asked me to paint over in the high gloss paint which was not included in our original agreement so [redacted] was aware that this paint she speaks of was already there. It would be very careless and hard to get paint on light fixtures ect when you’re not painting ceilings.Following completion of second floor (3 bedrooms, bedroom doors, closet doors hallway and 2 bathrooms) [redacted] having checked/observed my work gave me a 450.00 as partial payment at this point she was satisfied with work done.We discussed the fact that I would need additional paint to complete the job where upon she stated she didn’t have the money to purchase more paint and she has to pay two mortgagees now and is not sure when she might get another renter. [redacted] had some other eggshell paint that was probably previously used in her basement that she wanted to use. I explained to her that it was a different brand and different aged and would not match the [redacted] paint but she insisted that we mix the two paints. I did so against my better judgment and personal experience with paint but I didn’t mix it all perceiving that it wouldn’t be a perfect match I was being paid to paint the walls so I had no argument with what she wanted done with mixing the paint (she is paying). She was present when I began to use the mixed paint and I pointed out that the two paints did not match in color/shade. Her response was it will be ok when it dries. The next day I called her and stated that the areas where the mixed paint was applied would have to be repainted because it did not match. So I used the paint I had saved and painted over the areas where the mixed paint was applied (I didn’t charge extra for the repainting of these areas) but we would need more paint. I suggested that the mixed paint be used in the first floor bathroom and the basement laundry room and the bathroom in the basement, she agreed.I offered to go and get the [redacted] paint we would need to complete the job to ensure that it was a perfect match and prevent repainting again “she said no I would get it, I know how to buy paint!”I used the paint she bought and realized that again something was different about the paint when it dried. Later finding out that to save money she bought the same paint without the primer in it which the original [redacted] contained. She requested that I repaint this area which I refused to do as it constituted another paint job at my time expense and labor caused by her refusing to listen to me a person that has a little more experience and skills than her in this area.I finished the last area with two different shades in the basement from that paint she bought. There were areas I did final touch ups with this paint. I called her told her I’m finished and that there were areas where that paint was applied that she bought that didn’t match and I’m done, exhausted from (3)The paint games to save a few bucks, instead of getting me what I needed to complete the job right especially when I gave her such a family /neighbor price thereby saving her thousands of dollars to complete a job that size.[redacted] stated that she had to go check the final work done before bringing me the balance of 450.00 due at the finish of work agreed upon at her rental property. I returned her rental property keys paint pan and two brushes that she requested. [redacted] asked me if I would return and finish grouting I told her I would think about it. I got my money and have not spoken to her since, I felt she abuse our friendship.Tile IncidentWhile painting the kitchen [redacted] asked me if knew how to replace 4 tiles in the kitchen which were damaged and I told her yes. She stated that she wanted to be there when I removed the tile seemly to supervise me which I felt was an insult but I did it anyway out of friendship. When I replaced the 4 tiles I asked [redacted] if she had some black grout needed to complete the installing of those tiles. She gave me some old lumpy rock like grout I told her I couldn’t use this because of it texture and it was hard from the dampness in the basement she then wanted me to break it up with a hammer and reuse it. I told her that I would need new workable grout which I never received especially when I removed and replaced the 4 four tiles out of friendship to help her get her property ready for rent because I knew she was in a bind paying two mortgages.Micro Managing[redacted] constantly refused to accept my advice and constantly tried to use inferior or useless materials, requesting that I do things that we had not discussed. [redacted] wanted to use the friendship card to control my work and tell me how to do the job. [redacted] didn’t understand about colors and mixing paint to achieve a desired color. I am very proud of the work I do. [redacted] needs to be willing to listen to those who have had some experience whether they are handyman, neighbors or others.Sincerely,Eric *. C[redacted]

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 because:

[redacted],