Dry Force, Inc.

Review: We had water damage at our house located at [redacted] on 9/22/12. On 9/22/12, [redacted] & [redacted]. did the plumbing repair and referred us to Dry Force. I called Dry Force on 09/24/12. Dry Force was hesitant to do our repairs because the "job was too small and was not worth their while", (quoting [redacted] at Dry Force). Dry Force agreed to come out to house and gave me a verbal discount of $650.00 upfront ( I had requested $1,000.00 discount based on competitor offers, but "job was too small"). Dry Force told me both over the phone and in person not to contact my [redacted] insurance company stating they would deal with them directly ( I contacted my [redacted] agent anyway). Dry Force started water mitigation on 09/24/12. Dry Force tried to bill $5,363.00 for water mitigation, but after we called our [redacted] claims rep, they settled for $2,658.58 and was paid in full on 11/30/12([redacted] check#[redacted]J, accepted by [redacted] at Dry Force). Dry Force agreed to do repairs on 10/18/12 based on the itemized list of repairs from [redacted] dated 10/06/12 with total cost at $6,286.87; Dry Force requested payment upfront, but [redacted] accepted $2,818.00, check #####(receipt #[redacted] signed by [redacted]) on 10/18/12 with remaining balance due after repairs completed. On 11/28/12, Dry Force sent a revised invoice #[redacted]-IN with a balance of $2895.13. After 2 months passed and repairs were still not completed, Dry Force started to collect for payment by phone and mail and schedule a final inspection, at which time I explained to Dry Force that the repairs were not completed yet, Dry Force reps apologized and said they would look into it. [redacted] at Dry Force schedule an appointmet to come out to our house to see repairs pending and he never showed up, instead Dry Force rep [redacted] who had never been to our house before and admitted he had no knowledge of our case came and took pictures of all repairs pending and said was going to follow up with [redacted] and us regarding the pending repairs. After another month passed collections calls from Dry Force began again and on numerous times I explained to Dry Force reps the situation and they apologized and stated they would look into it. I finally talked to [redacted] and he mentioned he must have "had an emergency" and that was the reason he did not show up for appointment to see repairs still pending, at this time I told Mr. [redacted] that I took care of the repairs and considered Dry Force in breach of contract. Mr [redacted] said he still had to look into it and after several back and forth calls all Mr. [redacted] offered was a final inspection of repairs (which were never completed by Dry Force) and I refused to schedule appointment for final inspection because Mr. [redacted] had already come and taken pictures and notes of repairs pending and there was no follow up from Dry Force. Dry Force collection calls continued with threat that the invoice would be sent to a collector, in addition to collection letter left at my door and as of 11/2013 the invoice was sent to a collection company Corporate Collections International.Desired Settlement: I request a final settled Dry Force bill with $0 balance for Dry Force invoice #[redacted]-IN due to an unreasonable or excessive delay in completing a repair (and faulty repair).

Business

Response:

Please see the email below, this was submitted direct to the customer in hopes of a direct conclusion with them. Dry Force offered to settle the bill at an over 80% discount, we have not received a response from the customer. Please advise as to how we should proceed. Thank you for your assistance!

Mr. [redacted]: Nov 21 (11 days ago)

I am General Counsel for Dry Force, Inc. [redacted] asked that I respond to your correspondence directly.

As a matter of business practice we do not respond positively to customer threats to bring a debt dispute to the "media, state, licensing, etc". Instead we typically assign the case to our litigation counsel to pursue breach of contract and business disparagement claims, in addition to collecting the full amount of the debt owed.

However, I have reviewed files in this matter and it is clear that you failed and refused to respond to repeated requests to do a final walk-thru and discuss any punch list items you may have had at that time. In addition, the supplements requested of the insurance company were in fact denied. It is also quite clear from the file that the original scope of work was completed timely except for speaker replacement and your punch list items.

Thinking that perhaps the walk-thru and punch list process was not fully explained to you in the manner I would have hoped, and that at that juncture the we require a Certificate of Completion, I want to offer a settlement proposal. Dry Force is willing to compromise and settle the $2,895.13 balance you owe Dry Force for an immediate payment of $500, provided however that you withdraw any and all Revdex.com or state complaints and agree to abide by a mutual release of claims.

Let me know how you wish to proceed.

Regards,

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me as long as Dry Force provides me with a final and complete settlement letter for invoice#[redacted]-IN when $500.00 payment is submitted and proof that we are cleared from any and all collection activity to date and in the future in regards to this settlement. I will wait until the business performs this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved. As a matter of fact, the response from Dry Force stated they had offered to settle with us 11 days ago, however we did not receive any offer to settle from them at all.

Regards,

We had a relatively small laundry room flood that spilled over to the kitchen and carpeted guest room. The plumbing co whose technician's mistake caused the issue, called Dry Force. The gentleman came in a very timely manner and worked for 3 hrs to prepare the affected areas for drying and dehumidifying for 3 days. He was efficient and professional. At the end of the drying period, he returned on time and thoroughly checked the areas before leaving. We were very pleased and impressed. We've never needed restoration services until now.

Review: I had to call them out after an expansion tank on top of the water heater collapsed at the pipe, the water that sprayed out punctured a hole on the ceiling and made the surrounding area in the garage all wet. Mr [redacted] came and fixed the problem and refer me to dry force, they sent two guys out to do a free estimate for demolition and drying only, re-construction is another company, it took them about 30 minutes to do the estimate, they didn't even write down the dimensions of the drywall that needs to be taken out. Days letter, someone name [redacted] sent me a quote for $2700 for this amount of equipment for this amount of day. Since the damage was well over the deductible for my insurance, I decided to claimed my insurance, which my adjuster approved with the price and thought it was reasonable. So I went ahead and signed a document that they required to have before starting the works..

Weeks later after showing up 2 hours late than their promising time and a no show. They sent the invoice to the insurance and to me. when I saw the invoice, I was SHOCKED. They charged me for over $6700; here's the good part, when I asked the girl who sent me the invoice that named [redacted] why the final bill was so much higher than the estimate. Guess what she said?? She said we don't do estimate for water damages and who gave the free estimate? At the time I was thinking if this or joke, two people in the same company that gave two completely different answer on doing estimate. I ended up telling her [redacted] was the one who did the quote, she put me on hold and told me she will let me know. When she did, she said that the job take more equipment to dry than the estimate because you don't see the inside of the wall, etc. Another thing that I have to say is [redacted] told me that the estimate that done was for non-insurance only, I guess that's why i'm paying more because i'm going through insurance? Also, they said they had finished the job, but there were still visible water damage on the ceiling between the crack of two drywall near the middle of the garage door opener. This was made aware by two other contractor as well, question why was it not taken out when you can see the paint was felling out. I got so mad at the company I demanded them to answer my question in an email.

1. Why did one person said dry force doesn't do estimate while the other person sent someone out to do it? what is going on in the company?

2. Why wasn't the wet drywall along the garaged door opener taken out when the damage was visible?

3. In your estimate they had given me, there was not a single statement from that said the quote was an estimate for non-insurance price ONLY. And the way they put it my estimate was for NON-INSURANCE ONLY, it sounds like to me that they charge more if a claim was file with the insurance since they specify non insurance only. So pretty much they are saying that there would there be a difference in price if I were to pay it myself than to file a claim.

4. Since the document I signed at first till the job ended, I did not get any kind of notification or heads up telling me the price is way over the estimate. Why? O right....because I don't have to worry about since I have insurance!! The thing is I don't want the cost to be so high that it will affect my premium in the long run. If I knew that they charged that much before they finished, I would just telling to stop the job.

After writing four or five emails back and forth with [redacted], with each time demanding to get an answer to my questions. He avoided answered ALL my questions, What does this tell you about a company who doesn't answer the customer's questions.Desired Settlement: They had never answered my questions that I asked for 4 or 5 times.

Business

Response:

I am General Counsel for Dry Force, Inc (“Dry Force”). I have reviewed the files in this matter and have spoken to persons mentioned in [redacted]’s complaint. Mr. [redacted] does not own the property at issue here. He is a friend of the owner, allegedly.

Great company, great service at a VERY stressful time for us! We had serious water damage and they arrived within 40 minutes of my call, instantly went to work, and checked on the drying process every day for 6 days until the problem was solved. Always worked around my schedule. Thank you so much!

Review: A Dryforce salesmen was called to my home by another company to look at a water leak in my ceiling. This person spoke with my wife since I was out of town at he time. He proceeded to lie to my wife about the actual damages to our home and pressured her into filing an insurance claim with our insurance company. He stated there was major water damage and mold growing within our ceiling, and the cost to repair would be $6000-$7000 dollars. He also scared her in to thinking we needed two air machines in our home to filter the air. When I arrived home and checked the damage, I found no mold or excessive water damage. At this point she had filed the claim, so we had an adjuster come out to our home. The actual cost for damage repair was closer to $2500. I had the machines picked up from our home since they actually do nothing but circulate hot air. Dryforce than tried to collect over $1200 for 5 days of these machines being in our home. I felt that they had lied and taken advantage of my wife and refused to pay this bill. They have since turned it over to a collection agency. I tried to speak with them and resolve it, but they think they are due this money even though they used deceiving practices to get there machines in our home.Desired Settlement: I want the money that Dryforce claims we owe settled with the collection agency and any or future monies owed deleted from our credit history.

Business

Response:

Based upon my research into this matter and Mr. [redacted] own correspondence, there was $2,500 worth of damage to the home, based on the inspection of his own insurance adjuster. I have only been in position for the previous 12 weeks and am seeking to change the image of the organization. One of these efforts has been to soften our collections procedures and processes. I apologize on behalf of the organization for his feelings around the sales process. The issue I will continue to work towards is where, customers do not feel "lied to" or misled in how we engage them to perform our services. Clearly there was damage. We did not properly educate the [redacted] family as to the reason for air movement or the machines we leave behind. The drying process is misunderstood but necessary in the remediation process. Mold can often be unseen, and poses long term health risks if gone unchecked. When drywall and insulation becomes wet, it is the perfect breeding ground for explosive mold growth and should be investigated.That Mr. [redacted] desires to pay nothing, when his complaint correspondence indicates $2,500 worth of repairable damage is not made in the spirit of fair business practices. I would ask him to reconsider his position and will accept a lower amount, not below $500 for our services. I will also cease and desist with the collections efforts this calendar week.It is my desire to resolve this matter quickly and fairly. Paying nothing, is not in that spirit. I would ask Mr. [redacted] to pay us $500 for our services, regardless we will be suspending collection activity.[redacted]Executive DirectorDry Force

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.Dryforce lied to my wife in order to get the air machines put in our home. They lied to her so she would file a claim with our insurance company. They lied by telling her we had mold and additional water damage. I have over 40 pictures to prove that they lied about the damage. We would not have an outstanding bill with Dryforce if it wasn't for there dishonest practices. We will not be accepting any offer from Dryforce accept complete elimination of the outstanding bill. Regards,[redacted]

Business

Response:

This will serve to acknowledge receipt of the above captioned complaint on May 12, 2013.We received our first notice of this claim on February 26, 2013 when our customer [redacted] reported that the running boards on his vehicle were damaged while loading his vehicle on an auto transport. We immediately began our investigation by contacting our customer who advised that while driving his vehicle onto the auto transpot1 he damaged his running boards. The auto transport was inspected and was found to be in good working order. The customer was also given additional help with supplies he was not charged for to tow his vehicle. The claim was denied as U-Haul gave the customer an auto transport without defect and assisted the customer in every way possible. There was no liability on U-Haul.Should you have any further questions regarding the claim, please contact me at [redacted], extension [redacted].

I had a very positive experience with Dry Force,Inc. from Fremont,Ca.. Tim L[redacted] came out with his team and totally worked hard for me to dry up the water from a leak I had on March 25th until April 2nd! He is very very smart and gets the job done and has a wonderful personally! He kept me posted on what was going on and worked with the plumber and Insurance company.

They showed up when promised, did the work on time and within their estimate. They explained everything that they would do. Would definitely recommend in the future.

I was referred to them after experiencing a burst pipe joint in the wall that caused a serious leak not only on the main floor but also in the basement. I found that all the personnel were friendly, supportive during a difficult time, and very professional. Their work was thorough, accurate, and quick.

Review: Dry Force has failed to provide the refund of $597.31 they owe the customer despite several attempts to collect the debt.Desired Settlement: A refund of $597.31 plus 18% interest per month from Sep.6th 2013. Dry Force threatened the customer with 18% interest if she did not pay the bill in full by Sep.5th 2013, before negotiations between them and her insurance company had been completed.

Business

Response:

Please be advised that we are sending the customer a refund check in the amount of $597.13. On behalf of Dry Force, Inc., let me apologize if our customer service did not meet the complainant's expectations. The customer's account was not updated properly after we installed new accounting software.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.I have emailed Dry Force numerous times since sept. of 2013 in an attempt to recover what they owe me. They responded only once on 11/15/13 in an email from "[redacted] Accounts Receivable Specialist: I am submitting to Accounting for a refund in the amount of $597.31." In regards to the response to my Revdex.com complaint, I doubt it takes accounting software to notice an inbox full of my requests for my money. The only resolution I will be satisfied with at this point is my refund in my hand.-- [redacted] Accounts Receivable Specialist Regards,[redacted]

Business

Response:

Please be advised that Dry Force did in fact issue a refund check on February 4, 2013, in the full amount requested by the customer, and mailed the check to the customer on the same day. This dispute, even according to the customer's own account and demand, should be determined by the Revdex.com as resolved. Furthermore, ownership and management personally emailed Ms. [redacted] informing her of the refund check, and she did not respond.

I had a GREAT experience with Dry Force. My hot wat tank had leaked into the house

and garage. Once contacted they came out immediately. The work was clean and

efficient. The workers were very courteous and informative.

I would not hesitate to recommend them.

From the beginning to end, the Dry Force personnel were very responsive, courteous, professional and willing to adapt to my time constraints regarding access to the home. The staff explained the entire process to me so there were no surprises. Their office staff should be commended for the professional manner in which they handle all requests. They get an A+ in my book!

After we noticed some water damage, we called Dry Force and they came out that afternoon. They assesed the situation and said they could get started right away or come back when it was more convenient for us. They checked in on the progress of the drying each day and gave us an update. Each member of their team has been professional, courteous, flexible, accommodating and very pleasant to work with. You never hope to deal with a damage restoration service, but this is the team you'll want to work with when you have to!

Nothing but good things to say. This is my second experience with Dri Force. Always professional. Very prompt and go out of their way to provide the best service in a timely manner. I would rcommend them to anyone with water damage if you want it done right.

Work was done quickly and efficiently. Staff was very friendly and kept in contact throughout the process. Took a lot of stress off my shoulders since I live in a different state than the house where the work was done. Also I appreciated their patience in waiting for payment since I had to go through my home owner's insurance and then get the check endorsed by my mortgage company. Thank you Dry Force!

I have nothing but good things to say about Dry Force, Inc. They were very professional. They took before and after photos to show the work performed (this was helpful since the issue was under the house in the crawl space). They were timely and complete. They even noted some plumbing issues under the house that, if left unaddressed, would cause issues in the future.

The quality of work was sound.

The approach to billing and the actual billing was unacceptable. The representative was very vague about how the billing was set up and basically said it could cost thousands or more than a thousand. Nothing was broken down. Once some of the work was done, the billing became more detailed on their ipad. There was a fee for an emergency response which was not at night and not on a weekend. It was during business hours. There was double billing for labor - separate fees for demolition and remediation. The total labor was 3 hours (not including the dehumidifier for a few days). The labor being charged was a minimum of 6 hrs. A 3 hour job cost close to $2000! Unacceptable.

Dry Force came out to see whether I had a possible mold issue. They came out and cut a one square foot hole in my floor and charged me $300. That is all they did. The price was totally overpriced.

I would never recommend them.

I was impressed with how quick I was able to get someone out to look at my leaking garbage disposal. It was just a couple of hours before someone arrived. Within several minutes Dry Force was able to diagnose how much water damage I had using a handy meter told me how much moisture was present. Dry Force was able to give me a reasonable quote and a fair time frame to get the cabinet dry and repaired. I felt the price was comparable to the work that was involved so they went to work immediately. within a couple of weeks we were back to normal in our kitchen.

I am thoroughly satisfied with the services performed by Dry Force. I had contact with several of their specialists, including Matt and Jake. All of the guys were very helpful with getting my kitchen and bathroom dried out efficiently and as quickly as might be expected. They even cleaned up after themselves after tearing down some kitchen cabinets! Thanks, Dry Force.

Dry Force was recommended by a plumber for a flooding problem after a line break. They responded almost immediately, assessed, and contacted my insurance on the spot. Corrective action started right away, and continues as repairs are planned. Their associated company, [redacted], is also helping me with other problems found not related to the initial incident. All employees have been helpful and patient with me as I deal with what has been--at least to me--a rather traumatic experience. I have inundated every one of them with my questions and concerns, and all have done their best to be helpful and reassuring.