Kneeland Construction

First, my apologies for the delay regarding a timely responseI was made to understand by Mrs [redacted] that she and I would be settling the matter privately and the complaint was being removed by herIn the meantime, her son was being marriedWe agreed to sit down after this occasion and, again, my understanding was that she was removing her complaintThis was communicated to me via her son [redacted] .Mrs***’s son, [redacted] , is a long time colleague of mineHe is also a carpenter, however is unlicensedOver the years we have completed several projects togetherDuring May and June of 2014, after [redacted] ’s recommendation, Mrs [redacted] and I sat down to discuss building a deck at her house on [redacted] ***.Among the things discussed were the size and layout of the deck, the material of the deck, and a budgetI proposed a framing/layout that was accepted almost immediately by Mrs***The design was for a two-level deck that would help the deck later be integrated with a future backyard project in order to utilize the full potential of her landThe top and bottom decks were designed to be as big as setback regulations would allowMrs [redacted] also was interested in a built in fireplace and BBQ grill.Given this layout, I estimated a cost of $15,- $20,to complete the deckMuch of the discrepancy in cost would be determined by the selection of materials for the deck (wood vscomposite)It was also explained that if composite materials were used, the budget of $20,would include a narrow selection of composite products and that there exist more expensive composite products that this would not affordAmong those discussed as not included were the cost of a built in grill, fireplace, and electrical featuresAs the job involved such a close family connection, there were no contracts signedIt was determined that some product and feature selections would be decided on later and added to the cost, but this would drive the budget to $20,- $25,Mrs [redacted] wanted to begin and [redacted] and myself were excited to build a deck with such a nice view of the city.I began the permitting process with the Town of Winthrop and was granted a permit to build on July 21, I also received a visual inspection from the building inspector before pouring concrete footingsAfter totaling receipts, the footing and framing materials total was approximately and no less than $4,After framing was completed, there were some complications with the Town and the existing plot planWork was halted for nearly months while this was sorted through by the Town and I was ordered to wait.We continued the project in September and it was explained to Mrs [redacted] that some decisions were necessary on materialsAt this point [redacted] expressed that she could afford to raise the budget to $25,to include a railing system that was much more expensive than the one originally discussed and the “***” lighting options that she wantedThis cost would also include some stone fascia work for an added finishing touch, an shelf space for an outdoor television, and a built in bench on the lower level The new budget would not include a built in fireplace or grillIt was also agreed that Mrs [redacted] will purchase a new door and that we would install it included in the cost.In September, approximately and no less than $was spent on decking materialsTotal materials to date, approximately and no less than $7,400In October, approximately and no less than $was spent on railing and lighting materialsTotal materials to date, approximately and no less than $14.400.It was explained to Mrs [redacted] that the job was taking a long time due to her change orders and the need to special order many of these productsThe railings, for example, had a 4-week delivery window.As time went by, I tried to reiterate to Mrs [redacted] the importance of timely decisions and also that, including labor, her budget was beyond spent and we needed to finish the projectI asked her if she could find a door for us to install while we finished the deckMrs [redacted] wanted more lights, so she paid for the added cost of materials and we did her the favor, pro bono, of installing themMrs [redacted] decided she wanted a door and a window where there once existed only a windowI explained the difference in time this may lead to, as the interior and exterior walls would need to be finished much differentlyNevertheless, her son [redacted] and I decided we could find time to install a new door and window if that is what she wantedMrs [redacted] ordered a custom-blinded door and window that, from memory, would not be delivered for up to weeksWe had already opened the wall and started framing a door the size of the original windowSo, Mrs [redacted] would have to live with an insulated plywood wall until the door she ordered arrivedOn December 5, 2014, we returned to install the door and window.Additionally, an approximate and no less than $was spent on miscellaneous materials to install the door and window.There existed a radiator which needed to be moved in order to install the new door/window combinationI explained this was an additional cost for me and proposed the easiest solution to move and conceal itMrs [redacted] had a different plan of how to move and conceal it, and again in the hopes of finishing, decided to appease her decisionThe plan would lead to an awkward finished look and this was pointed out to Mrs***.Given the loss I had taken on the job, I had to take on other projects to continue income [redacted] remained at the deck to finishThe door and window was installed, radiator was moved, and electrical/lighting fixtures installed.At this point I had received $20,from Mrs***I obtained a “punch list” from herWe agreed that when the punch list was completed that she would pay the remaining $5,I thought this was a fair proposition, given the work was not completed.The following items were not completed when winter arrived and we agreed to be back first thing in the spring to finish:One stair skirt - approx$materialStone fascia on planter box and tv stand - approx$materialCompound and paint interior - approx$materialExterior siding finish/touch up - approx$materialThe relationship between Mrs [redacted] and I deteriorated throughout the process and she was often agitated and unable to converse with in a civil mannerI decided it was best to remain out of contact until spring when her son and I could return to put the finishing touches on what had become a beautiful deck.As spring neared, [redacted] spoke with his mother to make sure the plan to finish the punch list still existed for the spring and that we would start when the weather broke He told me that she wanted to finish as discussed and we planned do so sometime in April[redacted] was in the process of speaking with his mother about starting the work when the complaint was filed and I was made aware of her accusations.To date, the cost of materials is approximately and no less than $14,The labor cost is difficult to assess due to the heavy involvement of Mrs***’s sonHowever, the deck required over hours of skilled laborThe cost of labor exceeds $10,In conclusion, a summary:Cost of deck - $25,($15,material, $10,labor)Paid by Mrs [redacted] - $20,000Cost of work remaining - $2,000Work completed but not yet paid - $3,000I propose that the work is completed and that this work will be discussed and presented in a contractUpon completion, Mrs [redacted] will owe the originally discussed final payment of $5,000.Thank you for your concern on this matter, I hope the delayed response can be pardonedPlease reach out with any further questions or concernsI have documentation of purchases as well as photos of the job at different stages if this becomes necessary

This is in response to the complaint referenced in subject # [redacted] All additional costs on this job were discussed with the customer before any changes were implementedThe communication was generally handled via ***’s husband, [redacted] , on the job site [redacted] was rarely present and I consistently expressed additional costs as changes were requested.The tile work was considered “beautiful” by the building inspector in Danvers, as was the entire jobThe inspector also shared with me a discussion he had with [redacted] According to his description, the inspector explained (as I had before installation) that the tile imperfections were (would be) a result of the product and NOT the installation [redacted] reportedly responded, “I know, but once [ [redacted] ] got into an argument with my wife it was all over for him.”I hope this can be resolved without any further attentionI am still owed over $4,for already completed work.Thanks and feel free to reach out with any future questions.Regards, [redacted]

This is in response to the complaint referenced in subject #***All additional costs on this job were discussed with the customer before any changes were implementedThe communication was generally handled via ***’s husband, ***, on the job site*** was rarely present and I consistently
expressed additional costs as changes were requested.The tile work was considered “beautiful” by the building inspector in Danvers, as was the entire jobThe inspector also shared with me a discussion he had with ***According to his description, the inspector explained (as I had before installation) that the tile imperfections were (would be) a result of the product and NOT the installation*** reportedly responded, “I know, but once [***] got into an argument with my wife it was all over for him.”I hope this can be resolved without any further attentionI am still owed over $4,for already completed work.Thanks and feel free to reach out with any future questions.Regards,
*** ***
***

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response submitted by the business and have determined that the response does not satisfy or resolve my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint # ***Please add your rejection comments belowRegards,
*** ***
?

First, my apologies for the delay regarding a timely response. I was made to understand by Mrs. [redacted] that she and I would be settling the matter privately and the complaint was being removed by her. In the meantime, her son was being married. We agreed to sit down after this occasion and, again, my...

understanding was that she was removing her complaint. This was communicated to me via her son [redacted].Mrs. [redacted]’s son, [redacted], is a long time colleague of mine. He is also a carpenter, however is unlicensed. Over the years we have completed several projects together. During May and June of 2014, after [redacted]’s recommendation, Mrs. [redacted] and I sat down to discuss building a deck at her house on [redacted].Among the things discussed were the size and layout of the deck, the material of the deck, and a budget. I proposed a framing/layout that was accepted almost immediately by Mrs. [redacted]. The design was for a two-level deck that would help the deck later be integrated with a future backyard project in order to utilize the full potential of her land. The top and bottom decks were designed to be as big as setback regulations would allow. Mrs. [redacted] also was interested in a built in fireplace and BBQ grill.Given this layout, I estimated a cost of $15,000 - $20,000 to complete the deck. Much of the discrepancy in cost would be determined by the selection of materials for the deck (wood vs. composite). It was also explained that if composite materials were used, the budget of $20,000 would include a narrow selection of composite products and that there exist more expensive composite products that this would not afford. Among those discussed as not included were the cost of a built in grill, fireplace, and electrical features. As the job involved such a close family connection, there were no contracts signed. It was determined that some product and feature selections would be decided on later and added to the cost, but this would drive the budget to $20,000 - $25,000. Mrs. [redacted] wanted to begin and [redacted] and myself were excited to build a deck with such a nice view of the city.I began the permitting process with the Town of Winthrop and was granted a permit to build on July 21, 2014. I also received a visual inspection from the building inspector before pouring concrete footings. After totaling receipts, the footing and framing materials total was approximately and no less than $4,000. After framing was completed, there were some complications with the Town and the existing plot plan. Work was halted for nearly 2 months while this was sorted through by the Town and I was ordered to wait.We continued the project in September and it was explained to Mrs. [redacted] that some decisions were necessary on materials. At this point [redacted] expressed that she could afford to raise the budget to $25,000 to include a railing system that was much more expensive than the one originally discussed and the “[redacted]” lighting options that she wanted. This cost would also include some stone fascia work for an added finishing touch, an shelf space for an outdoor television, and a built in bench on the lower level.  The new budget would not include a built in fireplace or grill. It was also agreed that Mrs. [redacted] will purchase a new door and that we would install it included in the cost.In September, approximately and no less than $3400 was spent on decking materials. Total materials to date, approximately and no less than $7,400In October, approximately and no less than $7000 was spent on railing and lighting materials. Total materials to date, approximately and no less than $14.400.It was explained to Mrs. [redacted] that the job was taking a long time due to her change orders and the need to special order many of these products. The railings, for example, had a 4-6 week delivery window.As time went by, I tried to reiterate to Mrs. [redacted] the importance of timely decisions and also that, including labor, her budget was beyond spent and we needed to finish the project. I asked her if she could find a door for us to install while we finished the deck. Mrs. [redacted] wanted more lights, so she paid for the added cost of materials and we did her the favor, pro bono, of installing them. Mrs. [redacted] decided she wanted a door and a window where there once existed only a window. I explained the difference in time this may lead to, as the interior and exterior walls would need to be finished much differently. Nevertheless, her son [redacted] and I decided we could find time to install a new door and window if that is what she wanted. Mrs. [redacted] ordered a custom-blinded door and window that, from memory, would not be delivered for up to 6 weeks. We had already opened the wall and started framing a door the size of the original window. So, Mrs. [redacted] would have to live with an insulated plywood wall until the door she ordered arrived. On December 5, 2014, we returned to install the door and window.Additionally, an approximate and no less than $400 was spent on miscellaneous materials to install the door and window.There existed a radiator which needed to be moved in order to install the new door/window combination. I explained this was an additional cost for me and proposed the easiest solution to move and conceal it. Mrs. [redacted] had a different plan of how to move and conceal it, and again in the hopes of finishing, decided to appease her decision. The plan would lead to an awkward finished look and this was pointed out to Mrs. [redacted].Given the loss I had taken on the job, I had to take on other projects to continue income. [redacted] remained at the deck to finish. The door and window was installed, radiator was moved, and electrical/lighting fixtures installed.At this point I had received $20,000 from Mrs. [redacted]. I obtained a “punch list” from her. We agreed that when the punch list was completed that she would pay the remaining $5,000. I thought this was a fair proposition, given the work was not completed.The following items were not completed when winter arrived and we agreed to be back first thing in the spring to finish:One stair skirt - approx. $40 materialStone fascia on planter box and tv stand - approx. $450 materialCompound and paint interior - approx. $50 materialExterior siding finish/touch up - approx. $50 materialThe relationship between Mrs. [redacted] and I deteriorated throughout the process and she was often agitated and unable to converse with in a civil manner. I decided it was best to remain out of contact until spring when her son and I could return to put the finishing touches on what had become a beautiful deck.As spring neared, [redacted] spoke with his mother to make sure the plan to finish the punch list still existed for the spring and that we would start when the weather broke.  He told me that she wanted to finish as discussed and we planned do so sometime in April.[redacted] was in the process of speaking with his mother about starting the work when the complaint was filed and I was made aware of her accusations.To date, the cost of materials is approximately and no less than $14,800. The labor cost is difficult to assess due to the heavy involvement of Mrs. [redacted]’s son. However, the deck required over 500 hours of skilled labor. The cost of labor exceeds $10,000. In conclusion, a summary:Cost of deck - $25,000 ($15,000 material, $10,000 labor)Paid by Mrs. [redacted] - $20,000Cost of work remaining - $2,000Work completed but not yet paid - $3,000I propose that the work is completed and that this work will be discussed and presented in a contract. Upon completion, Mrs. [redacted] will owe the originally discussed final payment of $5,000.Thank you for your concern on this matter, I hope the delayed response can be pardoned. Please reach out with any further questions or concerns. I have documentation of purchases as well as photos of the job at different stages if this becomes necessary.

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response submitted by the business and have determined that the response does not satisfy or resolve my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint # [redacted]. Please add your rejection comments below. Regards,
[redacted]

This is in response to the complaint referenced in subject #[redacted]All additional costs on this job were discussed with the customer before any changes were implemented. The communication was generally handled via [redacted]’s husband, [redacted], on the job site. [redacted] was rarely present and I consistently...

expressed additional costs as changes were requested.The tile work was considered “beautiful” by the building inspector in Danvers, as was the entire job. The inspector also shared with me a discussion he had with [redacted]. According to his description, the inspector explained (as I had before installation) that the tile imperfections were (would be) a result of the product and NOT the installation. [redacted] reportedly responded,  “I know, but once [[redacted]] got into an argument with my wife it was all over for him.”I hope this can be resolved without any further attention. I am still owed over $4,000 for already completed work.Thanks and feel free to reach out with any future questions.Regards,
[redacted]
[redacted]