Home Maintenance Services

[A default letter is provided here which indicates that the business has not responded to you directly. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
Revdex.com:
At this time, I have not been contacted by HOME MAINTENANCE SERVICES regarding complaint ID
***
Regards,
*** ***

[A default letter is provided here which indicates that the business has not responded to you directly. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
Revdex.com:
At this time, I have not been contacted by HOME MAINTENANCE SERVICES regarding
complaint ID ***
Regards,
*** ***

October 13, Dear *** ***:
Please be advised that our firm represents Chuck W***, d/b/a Home Maintenance ServicesWe are in receipt of your letter dated October 26, 2015, regarding a complaint submitted by *** ** ***MrW*** and *** *** entered into an agreement in February by which MrW***, doing business as Home Maintenance Services, agreed to renovate *** ***'s kitchenA copy of that agreement is enclosed with this letterI will attempt to address *** ***'s complaint item by itemWith regard to the floor tile, my client did not tile underneath the cabinets beause it is only necessary to install tile underneath appliances in a residential kitchen*** *** did not request that tile be installed underneath the cabinetsTile was installed, per the agreement and per professional standards, underneath the appliances and the kitchen islandAdditionally, *** *** failed to order the tile in time for it to be available for the start date of the project, and so the project was delayedAs for the wall tile, my client provided the square footage measurement to *** *** on two separate occasions to allow her to order the appropriate amount of wall tileIt was *** ***’s responsibility to provide the correct amount of tile to complete the projectMy client is not responsible for *** ***’s error in ordering, or her tile supplier's error in calculating the correct amount of wall tile required for the completion of the project.Furthermore, the backerboard selected was an acceptable and commercially reasonable material for this particular projectWhile *** ***’s tile supplier may recommend a different method, there are multiple materials available for this particular kind of projectIn addition, *** *** delayed the project even further by failing to select a wall design in a timely mannerAs for the granite countertop, my client was never informed by the granite supplier that plywood was required to be installed underneath the countertopIn fact, my client has been completing projects like this for years, and has never had a granite supplier suggest that plywood must be installed underneath the countertopMost notably, the granite supplier completed the installation himself, my client was only incidentally involved in the installation of the granite countertop and *** *** was present for the installationPerhaps *** *** overheard my client and the granite supplier discussing installing wood blocking around the sink baseThis wood blocking was installed as recommendedAll told, it took the granite supplier a month to complete his portion of the work for *** ***'s kitchen
*** *** failed to raise any concerns she had regarding the countertop for more than two months following its installation.The agreement states that my client was to install the appliances, not the sinkThe granite Supplier was to install the sink but failed to do soThe granite supplier was also supposed to drill holes for the sink and the appliancesThe supplier neglected to drill holes for the appliancesAs such, my client installed the sink, and in order to install the appliances, drilled the required holes in the countertopThe granite supplier either refused to return (as suggested by *** ***) or was never contacted by *** ***, and so my client was left to correct the issuesThe parties actually discussed the kitchen window during my client's initial meetings with *** *** *** stated that she was considering replacing the kitchen window while my client was renovating the kitchen, because it was difficult to openThe window handle broke while my client was attempting to open the windowEven though a new handle may have been sufficient to fix the window, *** *** indicated she wanted to replace the entire windowMy client quoted *** *** $for the price of the window, plus labor, materials, etc*** *** approved the final cost of $1,before the window, selected by *** ***, was ordered*** *** selected a *** window; any issue with the buishade is a problem that *** *** needs to have *** addressI understand that *** was in fact present at *** ***’s home on October 27, 2015, to address this issueFinally, the window is in fact warranted to *** *** by both *** and ***'s Home Improvement, and *** *** is aware of thisThe electrician was forced to open the kitchen ceiling only because when he arrived at the home to finish his original work order, *** *** presented him with a list of additional work she wanted completedMy client would not have closed the ceiling if he knew *** *** wanted additional work completed, but again, *** *** failed to communicate that desire with my clientMy client cannot be faulted for completing a job as he knew it to beAdditionally, *** *** added to the project's delay by requesting that additional ceiling lighting be installed after the project had been startedPlans had to be changed and new materials ordered, which added to the delay yet againThe countertop and cabinet design was selected by *** *** and the granite supplierMy client could only install the cabinets with which he was providedAfter much discussion with the granite supplier, *** *** selected a design that did not include an extension to seat seven people, total, as this extended design would require an additional cabinet or other support to hold the countertopShe selected a design that would instead seat five individuals because it would not require an additional cabinetMy client cannot be held responsible for *** ***’s regret that she chose a different design for her kitchenWith regard to the powder room floor, my client had a lengthy discussion with *** *** concerning this floor*** *** had her powder room renovated Some time ago, and the previous contractor installed the wall and the powder room door on top of asbestos tilesHe also installed vinyl flooring directly over asbestos tilesMy client explained to *** *** that when the powder room wall was removed to accommodate the new door opening, the broken asbestos tiles had to also be removedTo do so required cutting out a portion of the vinyl flooring*** *** stated that she intended to remove that area all the way to the laundry room to create a master bedroom suitable for her future needsShe stated that she was not worried about the finishing of this areaFor *** *** to state now that the powder room project was not completed to her specifications is a complete reversal of her initial instructions to my clientThe kitchen moulding *** *** refers to was in fact replaced*** *** never indicated to my client, until after the project was completed and she was presented with the final invoice, that she was unhappy with this mouldingMy client billed *** *** as agreed for the removal of the cabinets, including breaking the cabinets apart and removing them from the homesquare feet of tile was removed, not linear feet and was charged appropriatelyMy client also removed the appliances*** *** was billed $for the dumpster, which is the amount it cost to have a dumpster of that size at her home for the length of time requiredThe charge was not calculated based on the amount of dumpsters requiredAdditionally, the parties had no agreement that my client would provide receipts for materials purchased*** ***'s request for such receipts is therefore inappropriateAny issued with the dishwasher should be directed toward a service provider, not my clientMy client did not wire the dishwasher; he merely plugged it inThe parties never agreed that my client would also provide a professional cleaning serviceWith the amount of demolition that was required in *** ***'s home, it is surprising that *** *** expected a professional cleaning service to be providedMy client certainly cleaned up each day, and swept and wiped accessible surfaces as neededHowever, *** *** failed to provide a clean work space, and so my client and his staff were unable to reach all areas in order to neaten up*** *** left behind substantial clutter, in a kitchen she was expecting to be demolished and renovated, including dirty dishes in the sink; dirty pans on the stove; vast amounts of clutter on the countertops; and stacks of papers and other detritus on the countertops and islandThe project did take my client longer to complete than anticipated, however, *** *** herself was a substantial part of the problem*** *** failed to provide all of the materials she was in charge of purchasing prior to the start of the project, even though she had two extra months to order these suppliesThe floor tile was not ordered until my client started the projectThe wall tile and design was not finalized until two weeks after my client was ready to install that part of the project, and even then, *** *** failed to order a sufficient quantity to complete the installation*** ***'s granite supplier delayed the construction*** *** added lighting and made ceiling changes to the plans*** *** failed to order the pendant lights, and delayed the selection of a new windowWhile my client did take a vacation, a member of his staff continued to work on the project*** *** went on vacation, but did not permit my client or his staff to work while she was awayIn all, my client completed the project as agreed in accordance with standard professional practices and building guidelines*** *** did not indicate any dissatisfaction with the work until she was presented with the final invoiceAt that time, she refused to pay the invoiceMy client requests payment in full for completing the project as agreed, and will not agree to any billing adjustmentI expect that this complaint will be address appropriatelyShould you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me directlyThank youSincerely yours,Stephanie S

October 13, 2015Dear [redacted]:Please be advised that our firm represents Chuck W[redacted], d/b/a Home Maintenance Services. We are in receipt of your letter dated October 26, 2015, regarding a complaint submitted by [redacted].Mr. W[redacted] and [redacted] entered into an agreement in February 2015 by which Mr. W[redacted], doing business as Home Maintenance Services, agreed to renovate [redacted]'s kitchen. A copy of that agreement is enclosed with this letter. I will attempt to address [redacted]'s complaint item by item.With regard to the floor tile, my client did not tile underneath the cabinets beause it is only necessary to install tile underneath appliances in a residential kitchen. [redacted] did not request that tile be installed underneath the cabinets. Tile was installed, per the agreement and per professional standards, underneath the appliances and the kitchen island. Additionally, [redacted] failed to order the tile in time for it to be available for the start date of the project, and so the project was delayed.As for the wall tile, my client provided the square footage measurement to [redacted] on two separate occasions to allow her to order the appropriate amount of wall tile. It was [redacted]’s responsibility to provide the correct amount of tile to complete the project. My client is not responsible for [redacted]’s error in ordering, or her tile supplier's error in calculating the correct amount of wall tile required for the completion of the project.Furthermore, the backerboard selected was an acceptable and commercially reasonable material for this particular project. While [redacted]’s tile supplier may recommend a different method, there are multiple materials available for this particular kind of project. In addition, [redacted] delayed the project even further by failing to select a wall design in a timely manner.As for the granite countertop, my client was never informed by the granite supplier that plywood was required to be installed underneath the countertop. In fact, my client has been completing projects like this for 32 years, and has never had a granite supplier suggest that plywood must be installed underneath the countertop. Most notably, the granite supplier completed the installation himself, my client was only incidentally involved in the installation of the granite countertop and [redacted] was present for the installation. Perhaps [redacted] overheard my client and the granite supplier discussing installing wood blocking around the sink base. This wood blocking was installed as recommended. All told, it took the granite supplier a month to complete his portion of the work for [redacted]'s kitchen. [redacted] failed to raise any concerns she had regarding the countertop for more than two months following its installation.The agreement states that my client was to install the appliances, not the sink. The granite Supplier was to install the sink but failed to do so. The granite supplier was also supposed to drill holes for the sink and the appliances. The supplier neglected to drill holes for the appliances. As such, my client installed the sink, and in order to install the appliances, drilled the required holes in the countertop. The granite supplier either refused to return (as suggested by [redacted]) or was never contacted by [redacted], and so my client was left to correct the issues.The parties actually discussed the kitchen window during my client's initial meetings with [redacted]. [redacted] stated that she was considering replacing the kitchen window while my client was renovating the kitchen, because it was difficult to open. The window handle broke while my client was attempting to open the window. Even though a new handle may have been sufficient to fix the window, [redacted] indicated she wanted to replace the entire window. My client quoted [redacted] $926.62 for the price of the window, plus labor, materials, etc. [redacted] approved the final cost of $1,528.00 before the window, selected by [redacted], was ordered. [redacted] selected a [redacted] window; any issue with the built-in shade is a problem that [redacted] needs to have [redacted] address. I understand that [redacted] was in fact present at [redacted]’s home on October 27, 2015, to address this issue. Finally, the window is in fact warranted to [redacted] by both [redacted] and [redacted]'s Home Improvement, and [redacted] is aware of this.The electrician was forced to open the kitchen ceiling only because when he arrived at the home to finish his original work order, [redacted] presented him with a list of additional work she wanted completed. My client would not have closed the ceiling if he knew [redacted] wanted additional work completed, but again, [redacted] failed to communicate that desire with my client. My client cannot be faulted for completing a job as he knew it to be. Additionally, [redacted] added to the project's delay by requesting that additional ceiling lighting be installed after the project had been started. Plans had to be changed and new materials ordered, which added to the delay yet again.The countertop and cabinet design was selected by [redacted] and the granite supplier. My client could only install the cabinets with which he was provided. After much discussion with the granite supplier, [redacted] selected a design that did not include an extension to seat seven people, total, as this extended design would require an additional cabinet or other support to hold the countertop. She selected a design that would instead seat five individuals because it would not require an additional cabinet. My client cannot be held responsible for [redacted]’s regret that she chose a different design for her kitchen.With regard to the powder room floor, my client had a lengthy discussion with [redacted] concerning this floor. [redacted] had her powder room renovated Some time ago, and the previous contractor installed the wall and the powder room door on top of asbestos tiles. He also installed vinyl flooring directly over asbestos tiles. My client explained to [redacted] that when the powder room wall was removed to accommodate the new door opening, the broken asbestos tiles had to also be removed. To do so required cutting out a portion of the vinyl flooring. [redacted] stated that she intended to remove that area all the way to the laundry room to create a master bedroom suitable for her future needs. She stated that she was not worried about the finishing of this area. For [redacted] to state now that the powder room project was not completed to her specifications is a complete reversal of her initial instructions to my client.The kitchen moulding [redacted] refers to was in fact replaced. [redacted] never indicated to my client, until after the project was completed and she was presented with the final invoice, that she was unhappy with this moulding.My client billed [redacted] as agreed for the removal of the cabinets, including breaking the cabinets apart and removing them from the home. 22 square feet of tile was removed, not 22 linear feet and was charged appropriately. My client also removed the appliances. [redacted] was billed $850.00 for the dumpster, which is the amount it cost to have a dumpster of that size at her home for the length of time required. The charge was not calculated based on the amount of dumpsters required. Additionally, the parties had no agreement that my client would provide receipts for materials purchased. [redacted]'s request for such receipts is therefore inappropriate.Any issued with the dishwasher should be directed toward a service provider, not my client. My client did not wire the dishwasher; he merely plugged it in.The parties never agreed that my client would also provide a professional cleaning service. With the amount of demolition that was required in [redacted]'s home, it is surprising that [redacted] expected a professional cleaning service to be provided. My client certainly cleaned up each day, and swept and wiped accessible surfaces as needed. However, [redacted] failed to provide a clean work space, and so my client and his staff were unable to reach all areas in order to neaten up. [redacted] left behind substantial clutter, in a kitchen she was expecting to be demolished and renovated, including dirty dishes in the sink; dirty pans on the stove; vast amounts of clutter on the countertops; and stacks of papers and other detritus on the countertops and island.The project did take my client longer to complete than anticipated, however, [redacted] herself was a substantial part of the problem. [redacted] failed to provide all of the materials she was in charge of purchasing prior to the start of the project, even though she had two extra months to order these supplies. The floor tile was not ordered until my client started the project. The wall tile and design was not finalized until two weeks after my client was ready to install that part of the project, and even then, [redacted] failed to order a sufficient quantity to complete the installation. [redacted]'s granite supplier delayed the construction. [redacted] added lighting and made ceiling changes to the plans. [redacted] failed to order the pendant lights, and delayed the selection of a new window. While my client did take a vacation, a member of his staff continued to work on the project. [redacted] went on vacation, but did not permit my client or his staff to work while she was away.In all, my client completed the project as agreed in accordance with standard professional practices and building guidelines. [redacted] did not indicate any dissatisfaction with the work until she was presented with the final invoice. At that time, she refused to pay the invoice. My client requests payment in full for completing the project as agreed, and will not agree to any billing adjustment. I expect that this complaint will be address appropriately.Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me directly. Thank you.Sincerely yours,Stephanie  S