Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  07/26/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We have been working with this contractor to complete our project. We have had many issues along the way (no communication, failed inspections, no project management, etc.) but are finally getting to the end. We are now being billed for "change orders" that were never approved or discussed with us. The first time I heard about the change orders was after asking for a monetary concession after the 3rd failed shower pan inspection. The two change orders listed are: - Raising the height of the slab - Using the dumpster for our own debris We never asked to raise the height of the slab. We simply said yes when the concrete company (a subcontractor hired by the **) asked us how high it was supposed to go. The project manager on the site never once mentioned that the height described was above whatever the original quote was or that there might be additional costs. I knew nothing else but to assume that the minimum allowed height he could pour (which is what he showed us) is what the contractor would have scope. In terms of the debris with the dumpster. Yes, we had a pile of debris that the contractor took upon himself to throw in his dumpster. He did not confirm with us that we should be doing that and never communicated that there may be additional costs for doing so. We would not have agreed to either of these changes had we known about additional costs. To bring these up 1.5 months later after I have raised other concerns seems like a money grab. The contract clearly states that all change orders must be approved by both the owner (myself) and the contractor. These are just additional costs that are now being added and were never discussed at the time of the 'change'. I do not think it is fair practice to charge additional costs that weren't agreed upon. May 10 is the first receipt I have of any change orders. The slab was poured the week of March 15 and the dumpster was hauled off in mid April (I believe). (Apologies for the scattered screenshots)

  Business response

  08/02/2022

  Mr. ********,
  
  Thank you for taking the time to address your concerns. Per signed Work Authorization, there is not a time limit on change orders. The reason there is not a time limit on change orders is because we have to ensure our billing is correct by our trades and reconcile the account by the bookkeeper. I have had both verbal and email conversations with you regarding this matter (see attached). All permits have been finaled. My understanding is that **** and team are going to finish the punch list in the near future.
  
  While I certainly understand the frustrations with change orders, they are cost incurred on my end with weight overages. When we estimate a job, we calculate how many dumpsters we need based on the scope of work and add that to our General Conditions. Anything over our estimated weight adds to the cost of the job.
  
  I am willing to forgo the change orders and reimburse you for the portalet ($200) and the irrigation ($450) for your inconvenience. Per the signed contract, I am not obligated to reimburse you, but I will as a gesture of good faith. I will need a payment as a show of good faith on your end, sir.
  
  
  Thank you.
  
  Respectfully,
  ***** ********

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