I am rejecting this response because:You can't argue the structure you built. Code aside, so many cosmetic issues, I can't even begin to describe. Poor workmanship.
In response- the homeowners words to us-we have the nicest looking deck in the neighborhood. That should say it all, but I will try to provide "the bigger picture". The first thing I should mention is that the homeowner told us he wasn't going to pay us.(almost finished-needed touch up & few...
things). Interesting. To understand it better- the design was changed 4x., their expectations of a wood deck are unrealistic. They didn't like the knots, and wanted the entire deck sanded down-smooth, no grain showing and no knots. They wanted a cedar deck.It was difficult to work for them, as they were dictating what to do and how to do it. First it is 3 steps, then they want 4. Then they purchased "post jackets" with a skirt. The deck was not designed for that. They changed the size of the deck, resulting in having to re-order materials.Then they send us a picture of what they want-which included white stain. Again, this is cedar. This tripled our work. white is going to "bleed"-so it takes many coats (even with a primer) One inspection was because the inspector came on his own accord- he wanted to see a free-standing deck. He asked us to do his sister's deck. the first inspection did not pass -true. However, it had rained (heavy rain) the night before, and the dirt had washed back into the hole-not all- just a couple inches in a couple holes. The permit was not on the job (because of rain). The inspector came back out the next day & signed off. There was 2 minor items for final (inspector's words-not mine).It would have taken 10 min to fix- but they said we are not allowed back to complete it. 4 inspectors commented how strong the deck was, and amazed- because we were building a free-standing deck. I was there for the final inspection. The inspector said "this deck is not going anywhere"-meaning it was built solid. We went above and beyond the code requirements for some items. The concrete was 5000psi. (usually contractors use 1000psi). I know we should have stuck to the original design-what they signed and agreed to. We kept trying to please them-but the more we did, the worse it got. When the homeowner came out to the deck and said the wood should be sanded and smooth-I knew we were in trouble. I told them it was beyond the scope for building a deck made of cedar and if they opted to do so that it would be after we are done, and their own dime. I believe their expectations just couldn't be met. What do you do? Just stop? No, you're under contract. It should also be mentioned that we spent over a thousand dollars more-out of our own pocket with all the changes. They refused to pay the work change order-then agreed to pay it at the end. Well now I know why-they never intended on paying us. So they found another contractor to say "take it down" and start over. Of course- that contractor cannot warranty his work, or work from our permit. They didn't like what the inspector had to say- so they found someone else. The difference is that a city inspector doesn't take sides. He is neutral. He is only there to make sure it is built within the code requirements. The rest of the stuff is raw emotion & unfounded. To say someone is "swinging a hammer" directly at someone? You "just didn't speak to them" anymore? No. As a resolve-well..the homeowner should have used composite material. We told them from the beginning we don't care for it (too many recalls) & we will not warranty that material. They said they had done their research. They agreed to cedar.
Here is a picture of the deck- it is not done yet- there is still skirting that needs to go around deck. (Along with some other items). I will send additional rebuttal. We do, however, have on tape, the homeowner stating "she has the nicest deck in the neighborhood. (Don't know how to send that.)
I am rejecting this response because:You can't argue the structure you built. Code aside, so many cosmetic issues, I can't even begin to describe. Poor workmanship.
In response- the homeowners words to us-we have the nicest looking deck in the neighborhood. That should say it all, but I will try to provide "the bigger picture". The first thing I should mention is that the homeowner told us he wasn't going to pay us.(almost finished-needed touch up & few...
things). Interesting. To understand it better- the design was changed 4x., their expectations of a wood deck are unrealistic. They didn't like the knots, and wanted the entire deck sanded down-smooth, no grain showing and no knots. They wanted a cedar deck.It was difficult to work for them, as they were dictating what to do and how to do it. First it is 3 steps, then they want 4. Then they purchased "post jackets" with a skirt. The deck was not designed for that. They changed the size of the deck, resulting in having to re-order materials.Then they send us a picture of what they want-which included white stain. Again, this is cedar. This tripled our work. white is going to "bleed"-so it takes many coats (even with a primer) One inspection was because the inspector came on his own accord- he wanted to see a free-standing deck. He asked us to do his sister's deck. the first inspection did not pass -true. However, it had rained (heavy rain) the night before, and the dirt had washed back into the hole-not all- just a couple inches in a couple holes. The permit was not on the job (because of rain). The inspector came back out the next day & signed off. There was 2 minor items for final (inspector's words-not mine).It would have taken 10 min to fix- but they said we are not allowed back to complete it. 4 inspectors commented how strong the deck was, and amazed- because we were building a free-standing deck. I was there for the final inspection. The inspector said "this deck is not going anywhere"-meaning it was built solid. We went above and beyond the code requirements for some items. The concrete was 5000psi. (usually contractors use 1000psi). I know we should have stuck to the original design-what they signed and agreed to. We kept trying to please them-but the more we did, the worse it got. When the homeowner came out to the deck and said the wood should be sanded and smooth-I knew we were in trouble. I told them it was beyond the scope for building a deck made of cedar and if they opted to do so that it would be after we are done, and their own dime. I believe their expectations just couldn't be met. What do you do? Just stop? No, you're under contract. It should also be mentioned that we spent over a thousand dollars more-out of our own pocket with all the changes. They refused to pay the work change order-then agreed to pay it at the end. Well now I know why-they never intended on paying us. So they found another contractor to say "take it down" and start over. Of course- that contractor cannot warranty his work, or work from our permit. They didn't like what the inspector had to say- so they found someone else. The difference is that a city inspector doesn't take sides. He is neutral. He is only there to make sure it is built within the code requirements. The rest of the stuff is raw emotion & unfounded. To say someone is "swinging a hammer" directly at someone? You "just didn't speak to them" anymore? No. As a resolve-well..the homeowner should have used composite material. We told them from the beginning we don't care for it (too many recalls) & we will not warranty that material. They said they had done their research. They agreed to cedar.
Here is a picture of the deck- it is not done yet- there is still skirting that needs to go around deck. (Along with some other items). I will send additional rebuttal. We do, however, have on tape, the homeowner stating "she has the nicest deck in the neighborhood. (Don't know how to send that.)