Fireplace Designs

Review: I contracted with Fireplace Designs on 7/11 to supply and install a Kingsmen 33" Direct Vent Fireplace. I have already paid Fireplace Designs $2,500 of the $5,500 total price quoted. In addition, I was responsible for the cost of the permit which was already secured. The owner has failed to show any sense of common decency with regards to returning calls. I managed to get a hold of him during the last week of August and he promised to call the following week with an installation date. I am still waiting for a call. My follow-up call placed on Saturday, August 7 has not been returned. My experience thus far has been nothing short of unpleasant. I almost prefer to start over with another supplier!Desired Settlement: If Fireplace cannot deliver what was promised in the contract within 30 days I am asking for your help in obtaining a refund for undelivered goods/service.

Business

Response:

I so apologize for the lack of contact with this customer. Over the summer the office was run on a short staff. I am currently waiting for the delivery of all the fireplaces on order. They were back ordered from our distributor and are expected to be delivered to our store by the end of this week. We will contact our customer as soon as the fireplace is received and schedule an installation date as soon as possible.

Consumer

Response:

Review: [redacted]

I am rejecting this response because:

Past experience with Fireplace Designs gives me pause! On multiple occasions I stressed the need for advance planning of installation with the owner due to the demands of my job. The owner of Fireplace Designs contacted me at the end of the business day on September 10 to announce his desire to begin work for the installation of the gas line on Thursday, September 12. This clearly was a disregard of all previous requests to be considerate to everyone's schedule.

Furthermore, the owner's response suggests that the fireplace is on backorder. I would gladly reconsider moving forward with Fireplace Designs if we could amend the contract to include a documented schedule that allows for the completion of the contracted service within a reasonable timeframe once he has secured the fireplace.

I have no interest in an installation process that drags out more than a week or seven business days.

Regards,

Review: Heat from fireplace chimney started to melt vinyl siding. Called business numerous times, and even stopped by and spoke to owner. They either don't return calls or if you reach them, they tell you they know about the problem and will be there to fix the issue within two weeks. This has been going on for several months. I will also likely file a complaint with the Consumer Affairs for the State of NJ. Owner also misrepresented other items at time of sale/contract.

Review: Company took a deposit of $600 on 3/4/13 for the installation of a gas line and gas log set. No permits were ever applied for and work was never performed. After several requests in writing, telephone and fax I have not received the promised refund.Desired Settlement: Refund of $600 deposit