ComplaintsforRidgewater Homes Ltd.

• Initial Complaint

  21/07/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  The builder quoted me for a work (build a ramp) that couldn't perform because he should have gotten a permit for the city. He never did and therefore the city stopped the work and ordering to remove the work done. At this point I had paid $4,500 CAD. So then we decided to build stairs, the cost was about 30% less than the ramp. I was expecting to be credited for all of the money I had paid since he made the mistake, not me. However, out of my good will, I decided to split the loss in half, and paid additional $5,000, at this point this was more than the total price of the original work quoted and double the price of the stairs if we did it from the beginning. Now he is billing me for additional $2,000.00 plus interest $400,00. On top of that, since he was losing money, the quality of the stairs is terrible, poor construction, cheap materials, and poor labour painting and finishings. I believe that I paid far more than I should have, and I don't want to be contacted by him, nor I am goint to pay more for this work. I regret I ever hired him. Thank you,

  Business response

  22/07/2022

  Lets do the whole story here.

   

  When we are asked to do stairs we showed the client a few areas for the stairs and he didn't want the stairs there (Stairs don't need a permit to build). But the client didn't want them blocking a window or the basement patio.  So we both decided to build it off the side of the deck.  Owner never told us that the house was a strataplex, stratas come with rules.  So when we started building, we never had permission from strata, this is a single family home.  This triggered the city to check it out and stopped work.  Because this wasn't a normal set of stairs and the owner wanted a ramp this meant it was an extension of the deck and a permit was needed.  I told the owner I take full blame on that. Because of the strata the set back and so on this were far back and the stairs that the owner wanted couldn't be done.  So we had a drafts person draw them up and we subbmited for permits. The stairs were built, Gate was added at an extra cost.  Stairs were built to plan a close off stair (like interior stairs) I told the city I had issues with this and they said that's the way it was to be done.  This would create mold and rot. Once permits were finished I told the owner I would replace them to what was correct and not charge him - I didn't have to do this.  He agreed and said he would Pay $2000 as per emails and texts when we were done.  We finished cleaned up and I subbmitted the bill  - nothing was being paid.  Finally I sent a bill with interested and it got his attention.  Owner promised $2000. I lost money on this job, I helped the client find a sprinkler company and as per our contract collect 20% I never asked for that.  We finished our work as promised, but the client hasn't paid as promised.  I'm not looking for the interest. Wasn't part of our agreement. I kept my word and beyond.  I like the owner and his family and have no issues with them i am saddened that it has gone this way as I kept my word.

   

   

  Customer response

  22/07/2022

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  As I said before, I incurred in additional costs because of the builder's mistake. We hire a professional because we don't know about construction, just to find out that he didn't know either. He should have said from the beginning if the ramp was viable or not, he should have at least call the city and ask if we required a permit, we would have saved lot's of time, money and stress.

  Also, as I proved with the documents and pictures attached, the quality of the job is terrible, and never even finished all details, I ended up finishing the work, such as papersanding the stairs, staining the steps and taking care of the anti slippery band.

  The builder could never see that I went above and beyond trying to minimize his losses, and then he slapped me with interests on top of it, at that point I stopped acting in good faith and seek mediation.

  I already paid more than I should have to, or if I had hired any other builder from the beginning.

  At this point, I just want him to cancel the bill, but I could seek reimbursement for damages if he insists.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******** *******

  Business response

  26/07/2022

  Permits are not needed for stairs - what triggered the permit was we extended the deck to the stairs or ramp and I have admitted this was my fault as I totally forgot this to the owner many times

   

  What I find Interesting in all this. Is the pictures he shows are after us opening up the stairs on our dime because I wasn't comfortable with the closed stair - so he is complaining about something I did for him for Free. Sure the guys could have done a better job and I offered to fix it on my time and free.

   

  I sat down with this owner and because of this issues of him not wanting stairs where we suggested we agreed we both messed up. I would eat half of that cost and I have done that and more.  Yes I admit we should have told the owner no to the side and had it in the back. He agreed that we we would settle on $5,000 we would finish and he would pay the final $2,000 this is in email and texts there is no denning that - see attached.  We did as we promised finished the stairs to what the city wanted the was a riser and tread (Like a interior stair) I had asked the city if I could build it as a normal open stair and they told me no.  This was a concern of mine that I told the owner.  I was concerned to air flow and Rott.  So after permit passed I told the owner that we would changed that at no cost - free.  This still costs me as I have to pay my guys.  We did what we promised and still haven't been paid the $2,000.  I've talked to the owner who denies this yet I have it in writing.  I've written off a ton of money on this because of him not wanting to build stairs where I had told him and me being nice.  But I have written off what I said i would - Now I could bill him the whole amount if I went back on my word, But I keep my word. I asked him about the payment and he said the painting wasn't finished on where the riser was (we fixed for free) I said I would do that and the grip tape.  I told him I would do it and he said no he will. Not sure how much more free stuff I have to do for this owner.

   

  I've done what I promised and way more. Yet the owner hasn't kept his word and paid the remaining amount. What more can I do?

   

  Customer response

  27/07/2022

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: 

  He is saying the same thing over and over again, there is no changing his mind or listening to reasons. He is incapable to admit that the additional costs are due to his error and incompetence. I already paid far more than I should have. I am not paying a penny more, I am willing to go to any instance.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******** *******

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