Stead Sheet Metal, Inc.

Initial Business Response /* (1000, 8, 2014/09/08) */
Mr. [redacted] initially contacted Stead Sheet Metal, Inc., inquiring about having leaking gutters fixed. Once we went on site and inspected the gutters, we presented possible solutions of which he selected to replace the gutters as well as...

to begin other metal work. The first time we completed the project, Mr. [redacted] was unhappy with the color they had initially selected. They insisted on replacing all of the material with a different color, at this point we had already installed more than 50% of the project. Once installation was completed with the correct color, Mr. [redacted] insisted the gutters were still leaking. We performed a water test to check where the possible leak was initiating. We discovered that the new gutters we installed were not leaking. We advised Mr. [redacted] to have his asphalt roof inspected. He asked if we could refer him to a roofer. We had a sub (with 25+ years of experience) go to the property and quote Mr. [redacted] for replacing a portion of the roof. Mr. [redacted] agreed to the quote so the work began. After All of the work was completed; Mr. [redacted] was still giving excuses in order to prolong final payment. He insisted on having [redacted] return to the property several times of which [redacted] complied and met him at the property. After sending over the invoice multiple times and not receiving a reply, we started receiving phone calls every other month because Mr. [redacted] was claiming that the gutters were still leaking because he had icicles around the house. Of course by this time it was winter, one of which we received plenty of snow and harsh weather. What Mr. [redacted] failed to understand is that due to the weather, water turns to ice causing clogs in the drains. When this happens, melted snow/rain water doesn't melt the ice fast enough and starts to overflow causing icicles. We tried explaining this several times but he kept insisting the gutters were improperly installed causing all the icicles. We advised Mr. [redacted] to seek a second opinion of which he was supposed to send over an inspection report. The only thing we received was a phone call in July of 2014 saying that he wanted to meet [redacted] once again. During the meeting, we were unable to agree on a resolution and we have not heard from him since. We would like to receive full payment of balance owed in addition to a penalty fee for failure to pay upon completion.
Initial Consumer Rebuttal /* (3000, 10, 2014/09/18) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
STEAD SHEET METAL does not perform quality work and uses sub-standard labor. I do not believe they have the capability or the means to complete this project. Rather than responding to the false, inaccurate and misleading statements made by STEAD on September 8, 2014, I would prefer to address the issue. The quesstion is which comes first, performance or payment? STEAD wants final payment before they will complete this project. On May 6, 2013 I entered into a contract with STEAD SHEET METAL to repair leaking dormers and gutters. To date the dinig room dormer still leaks and the gutter currently leaks so much that it is causing damage to the soffit. During a recent rain, a five-gallon bucket overflowed in one half hour's time. After STEAD'S first attempt to install sheet metal and gutters on the rear of the house the leaks were greater than with the old gutters. [redacted] stated to my wife and me during an on-site visit, "Mr. [redacted], this work is unacceptable and we are going to remove the gutters and sheet metal and replace it. I fired the guy responsible for this work." On June 5, 2014, [redacted] made an on-site visit and and after I explained the problems we were still having, he said as soon as he had a work crew available they would be out to fix the leaks. He made no mention of a final payment on this visit. In early July, 2014 I inquired as to when I might expect the work to be done. I was informed that [redacted] was out of the country and would not return until the end of the month. In August, 2014 when [redacted] stopped by the house, he informed me that they would not complete the project until he was paid. I told him I would be happy to pay the balance of the contract price upon completion, whereupon he walked away. It should be noted that on August 15, 2013, I prepared a check for the final payment on this project thinking the job would be completed with the installation of the new roof. During October, 2013 this check was voided when the gutters were still leaking.[redacted] did not advise me to get a second opinion but rather he would get another roofing contractor to look at the project. Recently I had a roofing contractor inspect the gutter project in order to fix the leaking gutters and downspouts which are causing damage and [redacted] has refused to fix. The contractor said he would send a work crew out to attempt to temporarily stop the damage being done by the leaking gutters and downspouts. He also infomed me that they and most other contractor do not attempt to fix other contractors mistakes. He said he would give me a quote on removing all of the gutters, downspouts, roofing materials and sheet installed by STEAD on the rear of the house and install a proper roof with downspouts and gutters. I have at all times been ready to make final payment, if only the problems with the leaking dormer, downspouts and gutters were corrected. Since STEAD is unwilling and most likely incapable of completing this project, I am requesting a refund of all payments made, as this project requires a complete start over, and reimbursement for the temporary repairs to the leaking gutters, downspouts and damaged soffit to be done by others.
Final Business Response /* (4000, 21, 2014/10/23) */
We pride ourselves in our quality of work and are willing to go above and beyond to satisfy our customers. With that being said, our office will be contacting Mr. [redacted] sometime this week to schedule a meeting and go over all details to complete this project to both parties satisfaction.
Final Consumer Response /* (4200, 23, 2014/11/02) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
As of this date Stead has failed again to take any action to complete this project and stop the damage their faulty installation is causing to our home. They have yet to contact me.