Howard Builders & General Contractors

Review: I had an addition put on my house by Howard Builders. The complaint I have it about a repair, the bathtub installed leaked and ended up being fixed by the manufacturer. I purchased the tub, Howard builders had installed it. They originally tested it and there was water all over the storage area, but me not being a builder, I did not think anything about it, I thought it was build up from the hole they put into the laundry room. Howard builders cut holes in the ceiling (which has mold all over due to the water leak) of the storage unit below the bathroom and said they were going to fix it when the weather was better. This has been going on since April/May 2013. I am looking for the contractor to fix the ceiling or reimburse me for the amount it will cost to fix by someone else.Desired Settlement: I am looking for the contractor to fix the ceiling or reimburse me for the amount it will cost to fix by someone else.

Business

Response:

The tub was purchased by the customer (despite my advising him NOT to purchase the tub himself, but to let my plumber purchase it) as he stated. All plumbing was pressure tested and inspected by the building department. There were no leaks. The water below in the storage area was the shower drain being installed and the water being turned on by accident. The tub leak was a manufacturing defect, and as mentioned, the customer had elected to purchase the tub himself, making the repair his problem. Once I was informed of the tub issue, I offered to open the tub wall for access and repair by the tub repair man, which I did, at NO charge. I told the homeowner I would come back to fix the ceiling (this is in a STORAGE area below the tub location) at no charge, even though none of the problems were caused by my Company or any of my subs. I also told him that my sheet-rocker was working in Canada and that I would have to wait for him to return. He is scheduled to return in about 2 weeks. Now that I have a complaint against me for a problem which we were not in slightest at fault for, and a repair that rightfully I should have charged for, I am, to say the least, very annoyed. Because I already said I would do the repair, I will. But this complaint better be deleted in its entirety with no hint of it ever being generated before I will consider going over there. I am informing my attorney of this false accusation and will follow his advice. I go to great efforts to keep my name and my Company reputation in the highest regard. Please let me know what this customer agrees too.

Consumer

Response:

Review: [redacted]

I am rejecting this response because: I believe the tub was damaged whe it was pulled up the side of the house by the contractor. When the testing took place (as the contractor states), the contractor didn't notice that the storage room below was flooded. This caused mold below the bedroom of my newborn child. I have asked several times when the contractor would be showing up and the answer is always 2 weeks. At this point, I do not want him coming over. I would rather have the cost reimbursed for the time and material it will take to have another contractor fix this.

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

I will not be reimbursing this customer for sheetrock repair. His 'version' of the story makes for great fiction, but facts are facts. The water in the storage area was from the shower. All plumbing was tested and inspected per local and state building codes. There were mo leaks. in fact, the leak in the tub occurred at one of the factory installed jet fittings. The claim that we damaged the tub during install is a convenient argument by this customer, however, I just not true. We ran the tub prior to all insulation and sheetrock finish to check for leaks and there were none. The leak occurred well after we off the job. It was a bad fitting, probably failing once the the tubs full jets were activated and the resulting vibration took place. As far not getting over there to repair the damaged drywall in the storage space below, I told him on more then a few occasions I was waiting for my drywall sub to return from Canada. The area needing repair is located below all living space and is used for storage and was not deemed as something that needed immediate attention, especially considering I was doing the work at no charge. If he chooses not to believe that my drywall sub was working in Canada (from April till now), me, that is his choice. I cant change the facts. The fact that I opened up a finished wall to allow the factory rep access for repair, and then made the wall repairs, AT NO CHARGE, should speak for my willingness to satisfy even the most difficult customer. I now rescind my offer to make the drywall repair at no cost, as it appears the customer is sticking to his version of the story. The facts are on my side.