Level Engineering and Inspection

Revdex.com: I have reviewed the response made by the business, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to meI will contact you when I receive the refund and at that time the complaint will be resolved Regards, [redacted]

First, we are happy to give Mr [redacted] a refund will do so regardless of the outcome here It is our position that this customer was attempting to illegally modify a pre-fab structure and wanted LEVEL to certify such modificationIf he was not doing so, then he had what he needed to comply with the stamped plans (from the manufacturer), complete the work correctly and upon completion, LEVEL would certify it for himHe did not pay for engineering design plans (those start at $450) nor did he need them IF he was going to erect the pre-fab structure as intended? If, on the other hand, he wanted to MODIFY the structure legally, he would: #Have to tell LEVEL in writing exactly what modifications he wanted to make (he did NOT do this)We cannot act without this step (see email of 3/23)It is not an accident that we never received this informationHe was asked #Hire LEVEL (or someone else) to design requested modificationsNo progress on design can be made without the exact modifications requests and a discussion and agreement on what that would take and the feeWe submit that this was never communicated because Mr [redacted] did not want to proceed legally and gave general and vague responses while continuing to ask us for our engineers stamp of approvalHis disappointment in LEVEL has more to do with not being able to move forward because he was unwilling to comply with the requirements of the building department and unwilling to specify the engineering modifications he intended so that they could be designed correctlyRegarding Mr [redacted] ’s concern about LEVEL returning phone calls: We spent significant time on the phone regarding this matter last fallWhen a customer changes his mind frequently, gives disparate facts, is unclear or hasn’t taken the actions we requested, continually repeats conversations - ? eventually we require written communications so that we ensure accurate and correct actions are taken We do regret missing one of Mr [redacted] 's emails to us - we would have responded earlier and suggested a refundDetails: Our senior engineer & owner did a site visit and observation for Mr [redacted] on 8/12/at 11:The initial request made by Mr [redacted] varied from the circumstances upon inspectionThe correct course of action was explained (which was a less expensive course of action) and Mr [redacted] gave LEVEL a check for so that the issue could be resolvedNote: We do not do engineering designs for $Our site visit alone is $$is the starting fee for a stamped-certified letter (fee varies with complexity)Our starting fees for design work is $Mr [redacted] said (and wrote in his complaint) that he “wanted to obtain a building permit from Adams cty and wanted a design / plans to put up a carport over a concrete slab.” The following key information is initial request and this statement: -for clarification, he did not want to? build? a carport, he had? MOVED a PRE-FAB? metal structure and it lay in a pile in the yard·? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Because it is pre-fab, we would need the original design form the company in order to ensure it was put together up correctly and safelyThe manufacturer has the specifications·? ? ? ? ? ? Getting a stamped design from the Manufacturer took a long time ?" and included several phone calls from LEVEL to facilitate success (in addition to the steps Mr [redacted] took)? With this, he would get a permit if he complied with the plans (he was rejected because he didn't, see foundation? issue on resubmittal request) Note: Mr [redacted] said he took them to the building department because we wouldn't - this makes no senseWe don't pull permitsAnd, this is a small, flimsy metal frame for a carport ?" it wouldn’t make sense for us to create a brand new design for it ?" instead we helped him locate the design so he could apply for a permitOnce complete & built to specifications, LEVEL could provide a certification letter to the building department verifying that the pre-fab structure was erected correctly and is safeThis is what the $was for

[redacted] Hello [redacted] ,Please find attached your final letter, as agreed.You had mentioned in your email something about us sending it to [redacted] County on your behalfThat would not be appropriate, as you are the Contractor, you will want to do that!I am copying [redacted] at the Revdex.com as well.Please let me know that you have received our invoice (sending it now).Thanks in advanceWe wish you the best,JulieJulie W***, Client Relations SpecialistLevel Engineering and Inspections- A Level Design Partners Company - [redacted] On Fri, Dec 15, at 8:AM, [redacted] , [redacted] < [redacted] [redacted] @ [redacted] > wrote:Hi ***, PFA the signed and dated agreement I changed the last name as it’s spelled with a *.Please cc me at both [redacted] and [redacted] when the certification letter is sent to [redacted] County Thank you, [redacted] [redacted] @ [redacted] Hi ***! Here is the agreement signed by both partiesWe have completed the letterWe are looking for your acknowledgment of receipt before sending to [redacted] You can see that we agreed upon him making payment within two days of receiving.Thanks,***

[redacted] [redacted] Atten: [redacted] I was not and have never tried to illegally modify the carport that we want put over the concrete slab in the backyard We contacted MrZ [redacted] as we did not have any engineering plans/drawings from the manufacturer and the planning department at Adams County said we would need engineer drawings All we had were plans that we drew up ourselves and we are not engineers We had tried calling the manufacturer for the drawings several times and just got recordingsNot sure we even got to the right department as no one would return our calls.I contacted MrZ [redacted] on August 12, 2016, at that time he told us that the manufacturer should have the plans we need and to contact them He said once we get those we were to contact him back and send him the drawingsThis building is not and has never been flimsy We did not know that we needed a building permit to put up a carport in front of our house This carport was purchased and erected in our front yard but because of setback ordinances and the need for a building permit we received a violation At that time the county suggested we put it up in the backyard as a patio cover over the patio That was when we took out plans and talked to them They then told us we needed the engineer plans The only modifications that we were discussing was cutting feet off the legs of the buildingThen we asked MrZ [redacted] about cutting a door way in one of the walls on the side He said that could not be done because of ruining the integrity of the building When we received the plans from the manufacturer on November 19, At that time I emailed them to MrZ***.September 22, MrZ [redacted] wanted to know if we had heard from the manufacturer yet.I received the plans from the car port manufacturer and going by what MrZ [redacted] had said about that being all we needed I tried to submit a building permit myself It was turned down as I had submitted every drawing I received not knowing what really need to be submitted This confused them as I am sure they were not sure what I really wanted to do I received the t [redacted] down letter/email on October 18, I then tried calling Mr Z [redacted] for input and my calls were not ret***ed.On November 18th, I texted MrZ [redacted] that I had finally received the drawings and asked if I could email them to himEmailed November 19th, to Mr Z [redacted] the drawings and the t [redacted] down letter from the County.On November 21, 2016, I emailed to MrZ [redacted] the plans I had drawn for the backyard as to the placement of the buildingOn December 5, I had talked with MrZ [redacted] and told him that we would still like to cut a door way into the side of the building between the beams if that would not jeopardize the integrity of the building I then emailed him a drawing of what I would like to doI never heard anything back from MrZ [redacted] so on March 22, 2017, I sent an email giving him until March 31st to help me to get the drawing together to obtain the building permit Not hearing back from him I contacted MrWilliams and managed to get the paperwork done and have submitted another building permit I am waiting for the results to date.Next correspondence was on March when MrZ [redacted] said he had written notes that everything was taken care of and that was last correspondence.I will gladly take the refund and consider this mater closedYours sincerely, [redacted] PS: I do have copies of all emails and correspondence that I can fax to you if you need them It is too large a file to email mb

[redacted] [redacted] Atten: [redacted] I was not and have never tried to illegally modify the carport that we want put over the concrete slab in the backyard We contacted MrZ [redacted] as we did not have any engineering plans/drawings from the manufacturer and the planning department at Adams County said we would need engineer drawings All we had were plans that we drew up ourselves and we are not engineers We had tried calling the manufacturer for the drawings several times and just got recordingsNot sure we even got to the right department as no one would return our calls.I contacted MrZ [redacted] on August 12, 2016, at that time he told us that the manufacturer should have the plans we need and to contact them He said once we get those we were to contact him back and send him the drawings. This building is not and has never been flimsy We did not know that we needed a building permit to put up a carport in front of our house This carport was purchased and erected in our front yard but because of setback ordinances and the need for a building permit we received a violation At that time the county suggested we put it up in the backyard as a patio cover over the patio That was when we took out plans and talked to them They then told us we needed the engineer plans The only modifications that we were discussing was cutting feet off the legs of the buildingThen we asked MrZ [redacted] about cutting a door way in one of the walls on the side He said that could not be done because of ruining the integrity of the building When we received the plans from the manufacturer on November 19, At that time I emailed them to MrZ***.September 22, MrZ [redacted] wanted to know if we had heard from the manufacturer yet.I received the plans from the car port manufacturer and going by what MrZ [redacted] had said about that being all we needed I tried to submit a building permit myself It was turned down as I had submitted every drawing I received not knowing what really need to be submitted This confused them as I am sure they were not sure what I really wanted to do I received the t [redacted] down letter/email on October 18, I then tried calling Mr Z [redacted] for input and my calls were not ret***ed.On November 18th, I texted MrZ [redacted] that I had finally received the drawings and asked if I could email them to him. Emailed November 19th, to Mr Z [redacted] the drawings and the t [redacted] down letter from the County.On November 21, 2016, I emailed to MrZ [redacted] the plans I had drawn for the backyard as to the placement of the building. On December 5, I had talked with MrZ [redacted] and told him that we would still like to cut a door way into the side of the building between the beams if that would not jeopardize the integrity of the building I then emailed him a drawing of what I would like to do. I never heard anything back from MrZ [redacted] so on March 22, 2017, I sent an email giving him until March 31st to help me to get the drawing together to obtain the building permit Not hearing back from him I contacted MrWilliams and managed to get the paperwork done and have submitted another building permit I am waiting for the results to date.Next correspondence was on March when MrZ [redacted] said he had written notes that everything was taken care of and that was last correspondence.I will gladly take the refund and consider this mater closed. Yours sincerely, [redacted] PS: I do have copies of all emails and correspondence that I can fax to you if you need them It is too large a file to email mb

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to meI will contact you when I receive the refund and at that time the complaint will be resolved
Regards,
*** ***

I have offered a full refund, and Mr*** has acceptedI will initiate the refund process 4/13/Let me know if I need to respond to something specific?

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*** *** *** *** ***Hello ***,Please find attached your final letter, as agreed.You had mentioned in your email something about us sending it to *** County on your behalfThat would not be appropriate, as you are the Contractor, you will want to do that!I am copying *** at the Revdex.com as well.Please let me know that you have received our invoice (sending it now).Thanks in advance. We wish you the best,JulieJulie W***, Client Relations SpecialistLevel Engineering and Inspections- A Level Design Partners Company -*** *** On Fri, Dec 15, at 8:AM, ***, *** wrote:Hi ***, PFA the signed and dated agreement. I changed the last name as it’s spelled with a *.Please cc me at both *** and *** when the certification letter is sent to *** County. Thank you,*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***.***@*** *** ***
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*** *** *** ** *** ***Hi ***! Here is the agreement signed by both partiesWe have completed the letterWe are looking for your acknowledgment of receipt before sending to ***You can see that we agreed upon him making payment within two days of receiving.Thanks,***

I have offered a full refund, and Mr*** has acceptedI will initiate the refund process 4/13/Let me know if I need to respond to something specific??

First, we are happy to give Mr*** a refund will do so regardless of the outcome here It is our position that this customer was attempting to illegally modify a pre-fab structure and wanted LEVEL to certify such modificationIf he was not doing so, then he had what he needed to comply with
the stamped plans (from the manufacturer), complete the work correctly and upon completion, LEVEL would certify it for himHe did not pay for engineering design plans (those start at $450) nor did he need them IF he was going to erect the pre-fab structure as intended? If, on the other hand, he wanted to MODIFY the structure legally, he would: #Have to tell LEVEL in writing exactly what modifications he wanted to make (he did NOT do this)We cannot act without this step (see email of 3/23)It is not an accident that we never received this informationHe was asked #Hire LEVEL (or someone else) to design requested modificationsNo progress on design can be made without the exact modifications requests and a discussion and agreement on what that would take and the feeWe submit that this was never communicated because Mr*** did not want to proceed legally and gave general and vague responses while continuing to ask us for our engineers stamp of approvalHis disappointment in LEVEL has more to do with not being able to move forward because he was unwilling to comply with the requirements of the building department and unwilling to specify the engineering modifications he intended so that they could be designed correctlyRegarding Mr***’s concern about LEVEL returning phone calls: We spent significant time on the phone regarding this matter last fallWhen a customer changes his mind frequently, gives disparate facts, is unclear or hasn’t taken the actions we requested, continually repeats conversations - ? eventually we require written communications so that we ensure accurate and correct actions are taken We do regret missing one of Mr***'s emails to us - we would have responded earlier and suggested a refundDetails: Our senior engineer & owner did a site visit and observation for Mr*** on 8/12/at 11:The initial request made by Mr*** varied from the circumstances upon inspectionThe correct course of action was explained (which was a less expensive course of action) and Mr*** gave LEVEL a check for so that the issue could be resolvedNote: We do not do engineering designs for $Our site visit alone is $$is the starting fee for a stamped-certified letter (fee varies with complexity)Our starting fees for design work is $Mr*** said (and wrote in his complaint) that he “wanted to obtain a building permit from Adams cty and wanted a design / plans to put up a carport over a concrete slab.” The following key information is initial request and this statement: -for clarification, he did not want to? build? a carport, he had? MOVED a PRE-FAB? metal structure and it lay in a pile in the yard·? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Because it is pre-fab, we would need the original design form the company in order to ensure it was put together up correctly and safelyThe manufacturer has the specifications·? ? ? ? ? ? Getting a stamped design from the Manufacturer took a long time ??" and included several phone calls from LEVEL to facilitate success (in addition to the steps Mr*** took)? With this, he would get a permit if he complied with the plans (he was rejected because he didn't, see foundation? issue on resubmittal request) Note: Mr*** said he took them to the building department because we wouldn't - this makes no senseWe don't pull permitsAnd, this is a small, flimsy metal frame for a carport ??" it wouldn’t make sense for us to create a brand new design for it ??" instead we helped him locate the design so he could apply for a permitOnce complete & built to specifications, LEVEL could provide a certification letter to the building department verifying that the pre-fab structure was erected correctly and is safeThis is what the $was for

Complaint: ***
I am rejecting this response for the reasons embedded below:We care about Mr* and have gone to extreme lengths to accommodate his unique needs after we completed our contracted work with him January (these were needs outside the scope of our work in general and, specifically, outside any contracted work).[***, ***] I have appreciated all the work Level Engineering has performed over the course of the year.? However the remark that these are extreme lengths is a gross overstatement.? The few requests made were to:Resolve questions posed by *** county plan examiners due to omissions from Level Engineering’s designPerform inspections, which *** county requires to be done by the engineer of recordDescribe a solution when his inspection found the first error made by the contractorClarify the solution to a second mistake made by the contractor.? Note that mistake was made in part due to an oversight from the second Level Engineering inspectionScott did not notice that the rebar wasn’t high enough for the columnsHe declined to attend a third inspection even though I would have gladly paid for itBecause we care and understand that sometimes people get in to projects beyond their expertise for any number of reasons, we have spent hours and hours supporting Mr*? ??" at no charge and with a great deal of patience.[***, ***] I have never asked for charity.? I fully expected to be invoiced for time spent but have never received such invoicesI have paid every invoice I’ve received promptlyWe have handled over emails and 60+ telephone calls for assistance with contractor related errors and his lack of knowledge of construction related processesMany of the emails arrived in multi-parts (i.eof 3) and upwards of questions each (with diagrams, and instructions on how to respond).[***, ***] The number of emails is GROSSLY OVERSTATED in many respects.? PFA a screen print of the emails sentI count If Level Engineering has found more than I sent they should contact their IT department as their system may have a virus.? The statement states that there are more than questions on each of a multipart email.? That’s not true!? When there have been multi part emails it has been to send attachments that are too large to fit in a single email.? Further such attachments have been sent at the specific request of Level EngineeringFor example in the screen print is a series of seven emails, all of which contain pictures of hand calculations Level Engineering requestedAlso, Level Engineering neglects to mention their culpability in the overall communication volume.? It is common business practice to respond to an email within hours.? Often Level Engineering took much longer than that to get back with me.? That prompts me to be concerned that the email wasn’t received and to follow up with voicemails.? Not knowing which contact method is preferred, I sent often redundant messages via all contact methods.? Level Engineering could help further by providing some information as to their communication policy or preferences? ? To respond directly: We did not contract with Mr*to write an inspection report, nor were we paid to write an inspection report nor will we write an inspections report.? ? Counties typically inspect permitted work, and, if not in this case, I am sure Mr*? can hire someone to write a letter on his behalfWe did provide inspections of work onsite, as requested and paid for by Mr*.[***, ***] Level Engineering’s remarks displays a surprising ignorance of the laws of *** county.? The building permit specifically calls out Caissons as requiring an inspection by an engineer.? It was in response to this that I contracted with and paid Level Engineering $to perform two inspections.? It’s only common sense that Level Engineering documents that activity for the county.? Now that Level Engineering has ceased communications with me, when the county asks for inspection records, all I can provide is an invoice, receipt, and perhaps this email from the Revdex.comWe are structural engineers and contracted with Mr*? to complete a simple deck designWe completed that work in January We are NOT contractors and we do not teach construction; however, Mr*? reached out for our help every step of his project ??" including every time he didn’t understand some part of the construction process and when his contractor made mistakes ??" and he asked us to create engineer fixes for those errors as well as provide lengthy, step by step construction instructionsAll of this, along with responding to an extraordinary number communications, we consider to be fantastic service and compassionate support[***, ***] Until Level Engineering QUIT I would have agreed that their support was very good.? I wouldn’t go so far as to say they did anything extraordinarySince they QUIT without actually providing the construction instructions they refer to I don’t see how they can consider their service to be anything but sub-par.? The above paragraph is also self-contradictory with respect to the email below.? As you can see I did not ask for any lengthy instructions.? I had already written the instructions and even drafted drawings.? I only asked Level Engineering to say whether or not my instructions were correctI was doing my best to make it easy and simple for Level Engineering.? Instead of appreciating my effort they QUITThe following is just one couple example of the sort of email communication messages we regularly received from Mr*and responded, time and time again out of generosity of spiritThese are all questions that a qualified contractor would easily handle.PFA an email containing a? drawing? that indicates my understanding.? The? drawing? has 4? anchor? bolts, one ? placed by each edge of the column base and extending vertically into the columnA few questions ? come to mind:·? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? For the worse case, the holes will need to be hammer drilled 24” into the column.? That will permit an 18”? anchor? bolt? to extend from 24” to 6” down.? That should provide the required 6” of overlap with the existing rebar, as well as some overlap with the column base.? The? anchor? bolt? should be set in epoxy and the top 6” of the hole filled with epoxy.? Is that correct?·? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? What diameter should the? anchor? bolts be?? ·? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Are 4? anchor? bolts sufficient?? Would the placement of the? anchor? bolts as I’ve drawn be correct?·? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? I see how the? anchor? bolts will resolve the short vertical rebar components.? How will they help with the missing rebar hoop components?? In my next two emails I’ll attach photos of a caisson that failed.? That caisson had vertical runs of rebar and no hoop.? The rebar was left extending out of the caisson and subsequently got run over by a small car.? The weight on the tire of the car, about lbs., was sufficient to bend the rebar, which in turn caused the caisson to split.? ? I’m concerned that under an unanticipated lateral stress a similar failure could occur in the new caissons if a substitute for the missing hoop component isn’t also provided.[***, ***] Level Engineering seems to think that FOUR QUESTIONS OVER THE COURSE OF MONTHS constitutes “time and time again”.? I disagreeThey also did not include the entire email thread.? Here is their preceding email:Hi ***,As stated before extend anchor bolts inches beyond the top of rebar or commonly referred to overlapIn accordance with the pictures the anchor bots would be inches long.The cable idea is inappropriate for the loading reactions of these columns.Thanks!? I presented this to the contractor, who, like I, found it incomprehensibleIt refers to a before statement that never existedI do not believe Mr*? thinks his behavior and frequent requests for project consultation via ongoing emails, a service we typically do not provide (fee or no fee), is out of the ordinary and he continued to exhaust our team.[***, ***] Before hiring Level Engineering Scott STATED THAT AFTER THE INITIAL DESIGN THEY WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR CONSULTATION FOR A FEE.? If he hadn’t said that I would never have hired Level Engineering.? I deeply regret that I can’t find his verbal representations in writing.? As our patience was already nearing the end and the rate of calls and emails escalated ??" we decided we needed to charge him for our time going forwardHis reply was what broke the proverbial camel’s backBelow is the actual email communication:[***, ***] Level Engineering’s admission that he was losing his patience is a reflection of their LOSS OF PROFESSIONALISM? …I am perfectly willing to pay those costsI do ask that when invoiced the invoice specifies the date, time and duration of Scott’s time used.? PFA an email I sent earlier today with a few questions I believe Scott can answer in full? in minutesI do need complete answers to those questions so that I can confidently proceed with the needed remediation to the caissons.? If Scott can answer those and bill me for the $for his time that would be great.? ? While I believe Mr*? intended no insult, this way of operating borders on the ridiculousWhen MrEdecided to dictate to us what to charge and how and when ??" well, we thought it best to make it clear that we did not wish to continue to be involved in MrE’s projectRemember, this is after almost months! We subsequently asked him to stop contacting our company.[***, ***] Level Engineering is correct in that I intended no insult.? Again Level Engineering only shows a portion of the email.? They don’t show the part before in which his secretary, Julie indicates the fee of $per hour,? nor do they show the portion afterwards where I explain that other businesses bill me the way I describe but I will accept any manner of billing Level Engineering prefers.? They also mis-interpret my email as a dictation, which it was not.? It was only an attempt on my part to understand and come to an agreement on what the bill would be.? Previously Level Engineering had no problem with providing quotes, so I expected the service, if it were indeed lengthy, to be quoted tooWe believe Mr*? is a good person, but assisting him through the completion of his project is not our responsibility, nor have we contracted to do soUltimately, we are unwilling to continue with a relationship that has been extremely taxing on our entire team.? I am happy to provide any proof you may need regarding our hours spent, free services rendered, discounts and support rendered over the past months.[***, ***] Level Engineering is right in that they have not ”contracted” to assist.? As I review my records the truth is they have not “contracted” to do anything.? That is, I don’t have any records of a contract.? All I have are records of invoices and receipts.? The absence of a formal contract should have been a red flag to me.? Nonetheless MrZ***’s representations that he would provide on-going support for a fee were persuasive at the time.? Until MrZ*** and/or his staff lost their patience I thought he would be true to his word.? Based on his last actions I can only conclude that the earlier representations were a lie? ? ? ? Regards,
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*** *** *** *** * *** *** *** *** *** *** ***The crux of the issue appears to be a misunderstanding between us as to the purposes of my contracting with Level Engineering to perform inspections.? One of the purposes of your inspections was to satisfy the *** County requirement described in my building permit.? Please find attached a photo of that requirement.? As you can see *** county requires the report from an engineer.? When I made my inspection request I thought that such reports were standard operating procedure.? I have received similar reports from engineers for other projects in the past.? I gather from your response below that this is an unusual requirement.? In hindsight I should not be surprised as I’ve been told that *** is a difficult place to build.? Nonetheless it is a requirement that must be met.? I doubt that a report from another engineer would be valid as you’re the only engineer who observed the caisson construction.? If you and your staff can get past your hard feelings towards me and let me know how much you need to fairly charge to write such a report I will greatly appreciate it.? ? ? ? ? Regards,***

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Atten: *** ***I was not and have never tried to illegally modify the carport that we want put over the concrete slab in the backyard? We contacted MrZ*** as we did not have any engineering plans/drawings from the manufacturer and the planning department at Adams County said we would need engineer drawings? All we had were plans that we drew up ourselves and we are not engineers? We had tried calling the manufacturer for the drawings several times and just got recordingsNot sure we even got to the right department as no one would return our calls.I contacted MrZ*** on August 12, 2016, at that time he told us that the manufacturer should have the plans we need and to contact them? He said once we get those we were to contact him back and send him the drawings.? This building is not and has never been flimsy? We did not know that we needed a building permit to put up a carport in front of our house? This carport was purchased and erected in our front yard but because of setback ordinances and the need for a building permit we received a violation? At that time the county suggested we put it up in the backyard as a patio cover over the patio? That was when we took out plans and talked to them? They then told us we needed the engineer plans? The only modifications that we were discussing was cutting feet off the legs of the buildingThen we asked MrZ*** about cutting a door way in one of the walls on the side? He said that could not be done because of ruining the integrity of the building? When we received the plans from the manufacturer on November 19, ? At that time I emailed them to MrZ***.September 22, MrZ*** wanted to know if we had heard from the manufacturer yet.I received the plans from the car port manufacturer and going by what MrZ*** had said about that being all we needed I tried to submit a building permit myself? It was turned down as I had submitted every drawing I received not knowing what really need to be submitted? This confused them as I am sure they were not sure what I really wanted to do? I received the t*** down letter/email on October 18, ? I then tried calling Mr Z*** for input and my calls were not ret***ed.On November 18th, I texted MrZ*** that I had finally received the drawings and asked if I could email them to him.? Emailed November 19th, to Mr Z*** the drawings and the t*** down letter from the County.On November 21, 2016, I emailed to MrZ*** the plans I had drawn for the backyard as to the placement of the building.? On December 5, I had talked with MrZ*** and told him that we would still like to cut a door way into the side of the building between the beams if that would not jeopardize the integrity of the building? I then emailed him a drawing of what I would like to do.? I never heard anything back from MrZ*** so on March 22, 2017, I sent an email giving him until March 31st to help me to get the drawing together to obtain the building permit? Not hearing back from him I contacted MrWilliams and managed to get the paperwork done and have submitted another building permit? I am waiting for the results to date.Next correspondence was on March when MrZ*** said he had written notes that everything was taken care of and that was last correspondence.I will gladly take the refund and consider this mater closed.? Yours sincerely,? ? *** ** ***
***? PS: I do have copies of all emails and correspondence that I can fax to you if you need them? It is too large a file to email? mb

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. I will contact you when I receive the refund and at that time the complaint will be resolved.
Regards,
[redacted]

First, we are happy to give Mr. [redacted] a refund will do so regardless of the outcome here. It is our position that this customer was attempting to illegally modify a pre-fab structure and wanted LEVEL to certify such modification. If he was not doing so, then he had what he needed to comply with...

the stamped plans (from the manufacturer), complete the work correctly and upon completion, LEVEL would certify it for him. He did not pay for engineering design plans (those start at $450) nor did he need them IF he was going to erect the pre-fab structure as intended.  If, on the other hand, he wanted to MODIFY the structure legally, he would: #1 Have to tell LEVEL in writing exactly what modifications he wanted to make (he did NOT do this). We cannot act without this step (see email of 3/23). It is not an accident that we never received this information. He was asked. #2 Hire LEVEL (or someone else) to design requested modifications. No progress on design can be made without the exact modifications requests and a discussion and agreement on what that would take and the fee. We submit that this was never communicated because Mr. [redacted] did not want to proceed legally and gave general and vague responses while continuing to ask us for our engineers stamp of approval. His disappointment in LEVEL has more to do with not being able to move forward because he was unwilling to comply with the requirements of the building department and unwilling to specify the engineering modifications he intended so that they could be designed correctly. Regarding Mr. [redacted]’s concern about LEVEL returning phone calls: We spent significant time on the phone regarding this matter last fall. When a customer changes his mind frequently, gives disparate facts, is unclear or hasn’t taken the actions we requested, continually repeats conversations -  eventually we require written communications so that we ensure accurate and correct actions are taken. We do regret missing one of Mr. [redacted]'s emails to us - we would have responded earlier and suggested a refund. Details: Our senior engineer & owner did a site visit and observation for Mr. [redacted] on 8/12/16 at 11:00. The initial request made by Mr. [redacted] varied from the circumstances upon inspection. The correct course of action was explained (which was a less expensive course of action) and Mr. [redacted] gave LEVEL a check for 375.00 so that the issue could be resolved. Note: We do not do engineering designs for $375.00. Our site visit alone is $275.00. $375.00 is the starting fee for a stamped-certified letter (fee varies with complexity). Our starting fees for design work is $450. Mr. [redacted] said (and wrote in his complaint) that he “wanted to obtain a building permit from Adams cty and wanted a design / plans to put up a carport over a concrete slab.” The following key information is initial request and this statement: -for clarification, he did not want to build a carport, he had MOVED a PRE-FAB metal structure and it lay in a pile in the yard. ·         Because it is pre-fab, we would need the original design form the company in order to ensure it was put together up correctly and safely. The manufacturer has the specifications. ·      Getting a stamped design from the Manufacturer took a long time – and included several phone calls from LEVEL to facilitate success (in addition to the steps Mr. [redacted] took).  With this, he would get a permit if he complied with the plans (he was rejected because he didn't, see foundation issue on resubmittal request). Note: Mr. [redacted] said he took them to the building department because we wouldn't - this makes no sense. We don't pull permits. And, this is a small, flimsy metal frame for a carport – it wouldn’t make sense for us to create a brand new design for it – instead we helped him locate the design so he could apply for a permit. Once complete & built to specifications, LEVEL could provide a certification letter to the building department verifying that the pre-fab structure was erected correctly and is safe. This is what the $375.00 was for.

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[redacted]Hello [redacted],Please find attached your final letter, as agreed.You had mentioned in your email something about us sending it to [redacted] County on your behalf. That would not be appropriate, as you are the Contractor, you will want to do that!I am copying [redacted] at the Revdex.com as well.Please let me know that you have received our invoice (sending it now).Thanks in advance. We wish you the best,JulieJulie W[redacted], Client Relations SpecialistLevel Engineering and Inspections- A Level Design Partners Company -[redacted] On Fri, Dec 15, 2017 at 8:29 AM, [redacted], [redacted] <[redacted].[redacted]> wrote:Hi [redacted],                                                                                                                                     PFA the signed and dated  agreement.  I changed the last name as it’s spelled with a *.Please cc me at both [redacted] and [redacted] when the certification letter is sent to [redacted] County.  Thank you,[redacted].[redacted]
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[redacted]Hi [redacted]! Here is the agreement signed by both parties. We have completed the letter. We are looking for your acknowledgment of receipt before sending to [redacted]. You can see that we agreed upon him making payment within two days of receiving.Thanks,[redacted]

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Atten: [redacted]I was not and have never tried to illegally modify the carport that we want put over the concrete slab in the backyard.  We contacted Mr. Z[redacted] as we did not have any engineering plans/drawings from the manufacturer and the planning department at Adams County said we would need engineer drawings.  All we had were plans that we drew up ourselves and we are not engineers.  We had tried calling the manufacturer for the drawings several times and just got recordings. Not sure we even got to the right department as no one would return our calls.I contacted Mr. Z[redacted] on August 12, 2016, at that time he told us that the manufacturer should have the plans we need and to contact them.  He said once we get those we were to contact him back and send him the drawings. This building is not and has never been flimsy.  We did not know that we needed a building permit to put up a carport in front of our house.  This carport was purchased and erected in our front yard but because of setback ordinances and the need for a building permit we received a violation.  At that time the county suggested we put it up in the backyard as a patio cover over the patio.  That was when we took out plans and talked to them.  They then told us we needed the engineer plans.  The only modifications that we were discussing was cutting 4 feet off the legs of the building. Then we asked Mr. Z[redacted] about cutting a door way in one of the walls on the side.  He said that could not be done because of ruining the integrity of the building.  When we received the plans from the manufacturer on November 19, 2017.  At that time I emailed them to Mr. Z[redacted].September 22, 2016 Mr. Z[redacted] wanted to know if we had heard from the manufacturer yet.I received the plans from the car port manufacturer and going by what Mr. Z[redacted] had said about that being all we needed I tried to submit a building permit myself.  It was turned down as I had submitted every drawing I received not knowing what really need to be submitted.  This confused them as I am sure they were not sure what I really wanted to do.  I received the t[redacted] down letter/email on October 18, 2016.  I then tried calling Mr Z[redacted] for input and my calls were not ret[redacted]ed.On November 18th, 2017 I texted Mr. Z[redacted] that I had finally received the drawings and asked if I could email them to him. Emailed November 19th, 2016 to Mr Z[redacted] the drawings and the t[redacted] down letter from the County.On November 21, 2016, I emailed to Mr. Z[redacted] the plans I had drawn for the backyard as to the placement of the building. On December 5, 2016 I had talked with Mr. Z[redacted] and told him that we would still like to cut a door way into the side of the building between the beams if that would not jeopardize the integrity of the building.  I then emailed him a drawing of what I would like to do. I never heard anything back from Mr. Z[redacted] so on March 22, 2017, I sent an email giving him until March 31st to help me to get the drawing together to obtain the building permit.  Not hearing back from him I contacted Mr. Williams and managed to get the paperwork done and have submitted another building permit.  I am waiting for the results to date.Next correspondence was on March 29 when Mr. Z[redacted] said he had written notes that everything was taken care of and that was last correspondence.I will gladly take the refund and consider this mater closed. Yours sincerely,  [redacted]
[redacted] PS: I do have copies of all emails and correspondence that I can fax to you if you need them.  It is too large a file to email.  14 mb.