Ray Brown Jr. Services

WE WILL BE ISSUING CUSTOMER A BANK CHECK IN THE AMOUNT OF $1875.00 AS REQUESTED IN COMPLAINT !!! ALONG WITH AN ADDITIONAL $ 750.00 AS CUSTOMER FEELS WE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR CLIENTS WHO ARE VULNERABLE AND IN DISTRESS !!! WE DO OUR BEST TO TREAT ALL CLIENTS FAIRLY !!! THIS WILL BE MAILED OVERNIGHT...

AND MAILED OUT 3-20-15 !!! WE WILL ALSO INCLUDE A FINAL PAID IN FULL INVOICE FOR ALL SERVICES AND PRODUCTS RECIEVED !!! AS FAR AS INVOICE FOR BOILER AND WATER HEATER WE DO NOT PROVIDE OUR INVOICES FROM SUPPLY HOUSES TO OUR CLIENTS !!! I DID DO THE LATE NIGHT CALL AND CLEANED UP ALL WATER !!! RETURNED NEXT DAY AND INSTALLED BOILER AND WATER HEATER !!! THE BOILER AND WATER HEATER WHERE RUNNING WHILE WE WERE CLEANING UP AND GETTING READY TO LEAVE !! I DID BRING CLIENT DOWN TO THE BASEMENT AND WENT OVER THE NEW EQUIPMENT AND SHOWED HER THE WORK WE DID !!! IT WAS WRITTEN ON ORIGINAL ESTIMATE ALL CHARGES WERE TO BE BILLED TO CREDIT CARD ON FILE AS PER CLIENT !! ALSO WE DID SPRAY ENTIRE BASEMENT WITH ANTI-MICROBIAL SPRAY AND ALSO DID MOVE CLIENTS PERSONAL PROPERTY TO THE CRAWEL SPACE BUT STILL REFUNDED THESE COSTS TO CLIENT !!!

Review: On 2/16/2015, I had a cap pop off one of the pipes in my basement and cause massive flooding. I instantly went into "emergency mode" and looked up a contractor who could handle the repairs. I had to find someone quickly because the weather was going into subzero temperatures and I was afraid of the water icing over or sustaining additional damage because there was no heat or hot water in my house and I was afraid that more pipes would freeze over and burst. I found the advertisement for Ray Brown Jr. Services and saw that he was a general contractor and could handle many differnet types of services. I gave him a call and he said that he could stop by that night to look at the damages. When he showed up, I showed him the damage and he told me that he would be able to pump out the flooded water that night and replace my furnace and hot water heater the next day. He worked up an "estimate" and told me that I would have to pay a certain amount to get the repairs started and the equipment replaced. I agreed to pay the INITIAL payment because I wanted the repairs to begin. That is where things started to go downhill. He pumped the water out and agreed to stop by the next day to complete the repairs. The next day, after I had some time to calm down, I looked at the cost charged for the furnace. He charged $6890 for a furnace that costs between $2000 - $3000. I asked him about it and he brushed me off saying that it was the "going rate" on the streets. Once he completed the repairs, I thought we would discuss the estimate further before final charges were made. That did not happen and he charged my card the remaining balance as soon as he left my home. He charged for services he never did and items I did not receive. He never provided an invoice showing the final charges and he never did a final walk-thru. He did replace the cover over the furnace wires and did not leave it anywhere. He left the furnace without ensuring it was still connected to the thermostat (it wasn't).Desired Settlement: I would like to be reimbursed at least for the charges for services that I never received. I am also working with my credit card company to dispute the second charges against my account, as they were not authorized and Ray and I never discussed the final bill. I am owed at least $1,875.00 for ($250 - content manipulation, $125 new boxes, $1,250 de-humidifiers and $250 antimicrobial treatment) as I never received any of these services. I would also like to obtain receipts for the gas boiler and water heater and I would like a final invoice so that I can find out exactly what I was charged for. This man obviously has low morals and takes advantage of people at their most vulnerable time. It's really sad. If he wasn't so crooked, I would have surely used him for future projects, but I will never use him again.

Business

Response:

WE WILL BE ISSUING CUSTOMER A BANK CHECK IN THE AMOUNT OF $1875.00 AS REQUESTED IN COMPLAINT !!! ALONG WITH AN ADDITIONAL $ 750.00 AS CUSTOMER FEELS WE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR CLIENTS WHO ARE VULNERABLE AND IN DISTRESS !!! WE DO OUR BEST TO TREAT ALL CLIENTS FAIRLY !!! THIS WILL BE MAILED OVERNIGHT AND MAILED OUT 3-20-15 !!! WE WILL ALSO INCLUDE A FINAL PAID IN FULL INVOICE FOR ALL SERVICES AND PRODUCTS RECIEVED !!! AS FAR AS INVOICE FOR BOILER AND WATER HEATER WE DO NOT PROVIDE OUR INVOICES FROM SUPPLY HOUSES TO OUR CLIENTS !!! I DID DO THE LATE NIGHT CALL AND CLEANED UP ALL WATER !!! RETURNED NEXT DAY AND INSTALLED BOILER AND WATER HEATER !!! THE BOILER AND WATER HEATER WHERE RUNNING WHILE WE WERE CLEANING UP AND GETTING READY TO LEAVE !! I DID BRING CLIENT DOWN TO THE BASEMENT AND WENT OVER THE NEW EQUIPMENT AND SHOWED HER THE WORK WE DID !!! IT WAS WRITTEN ON ORIGINAL ESTIMATE ALL CHARGES WERE TO BE BILLED TO CREDIT CARD ON FILE AS PER CLIENT !! ALSO WE DID SPRAY ENTIRE BASEMENT WITH ANTI-MICROBIAL SPRAY AND ALSO DID MOVE CLIENTS PERSONAL PROPERTY TO THE CRAWEL SPACE BUT STILL REFUNDED THESE COSTS TO CLIENT !!!

Review: I contracted [redacted] Services to repair an issue regarding moisture in first floor room atop a concrete slab. No one on the crew possessed the ability to effectively communicate with the homeowner. The crew was not prepared for the job and one crew member left with the work truck to get supplies. The contract called for an application of a microbial spray for mold and mildew remediation, I am unclear as to whether this step was taken as I was not alerted to inspect this process. despite being present in the house the entire time. After my own inspection I found the work to be unsatisfactory, I called [redacted] and asked him to come. He texted back and asked why, I explained and he said he would come on the following Sunday. he did not come by and made no attempt to contact me. I contacted him 3 hours after his appointment passed and he scheduled remediation for Thursday night Sept. 5th. [redacted] again did not come and sent the same crew that did an unsatisfactory job the first time. After another unsatisfactory installation, I again asked [redacted] to come by the house, he said he would. To date [redacted] has never made a final inspection of the inferior work his crew performed. Here are the problems, firstly, in the installation of a floating wood floor over a concrete slab, with a history of moisture problems, no moisture barrier was put in over the epoxy paint. Secondly, the floor moves tremendously. No remediation was given to the uneven floor underneath, meaning that the floor "bubbles" in low spots. Thirdly, the installation around doorways is sloppy and not up to standard as the door jambs were not notched so the flooring could slide underneath. Fourthly, the carpet on the stairs has twice been installed improperly and shoddily. Fifthly the installers left tar and grime on the newly installed floors and walls, not properly cleaning up after themselves. Lastly, [redacted] has never performed a final walk through to check on the quality of craftsmanship.Desired Settlement: After two inferior installations I do not feel confident that [redacted] Services can complete the work as contracted. The installation lacked skill and standard operating procedures. I want a full refund so I can hire a new company to do the work properly. On the signed estimate and deposit payment it states that "all work guaranteed one year parts and labor". I would like [redacted] Services to honor their contract and refund the money.

Business

Response:

I WANT TO HANDLE THIS COMPLAINT AND SATISFY THE CUSTOMER PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW WE CAN HANDLE IT THANKS

Consumer

Response:

Review: [redacted]

I am rejecting this response because:

It is stated that the business wants to settle this complaint, yet no attempt has been made for resolution. I would either like a repayment or a new floor installed properly. The separation of the flooring is worsening with time. Pictures can be made available. A timely response would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Business

Response:

IN REF TO MR. [redacted] IF I WERE TO INSTALL A NEW FLOOR I WOULDNT BE ABLE TO DO IT FORAT LEAST A FEW WEEKS IM WORKING PRETTY MUCH BY MYSELF AND TRYING TO CATCH UP ON WORK. I WOULDBE WILLING TO REFUND HIM BUT NOT ALL AT ONCE I WOULD HAVE TO PAY HIM BACK A COUPLE HUNDRED A MONTH UNTIL ITS PAID BACK

Review: On October 23, 2013 I called for a mildew smell. Over the phone Ray Brown diagnosed the problem as a furnace issue, had me shut the furnace off immediately. He arrived and said I needed a new furnace urgently. Said he happen to have an extra furnace. Asked for cash/check before he could replace the furnace. I wrote a check for $2800.00 addressed to him. He claimed he couldn't cash it unless it was made out to cash. I re-issued another check addressed to Cash in the same amount. He cashed the check, came back installed the furnace.

The smell continued. I telephoned asked him to come back. He came back looked around and said he didn't smell anything and left. I have called since then to resolve what I believe to be improper diagnosis and furnace replacement. No return calls.

On May 14, 2014 I attempted to turn on the AC. Didn't work. I again tried to call Ray Brown several times w/ no answer. I contacted another heating/cooling person. When the new AC repairman arrived it turns out the issue was how the unnecessary furnace was installed. Evidently Ray Brown made several short cuts, some dangerous. The new AC repairman gave me a list of what needs to be corrected.

First and foremost Ray Brown removed a quality furnace and installed a less than quality furnace. There is a flexible gas line off the gas manifold which should be hard. Filter installation is too close to the blower motor and a new filter track needs to be created. No screws in smoke pipe. The return cut out is too small and causing unit to starve for air. No tape or caulking causing airflow loss. And the most basic of not tightening wires on board causing common to fall off and resulting in AC working and having to pay for a service call.

Because of this improper replacement and installation I have more service calls and repairs to pay for, including having to install a new central AC. I don't have this kind of money.

I know of 2 other clients of Ray Brown who also have issues.Desired Settlement: I would like a refund check sent to me for $2,800. to pay for the damage caused by Ray Browns improper replacement.

Business

Response:

IN THE COMPLAINT CUSTOMER STATES THERE WERE A FEW ISSUES WITH NEW FURNACE BUT DOESN'T SAY IF THEY WERE TAKEN CARE OF!! IF THEY WERE I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE RECEIPT FOR THE REPAIRS AND IF NOT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE REPORT FROM OTHER COMPANY AND I SHOULD HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE THE UNIT RIGHT!!