ComplaintsforTropic Renovations

• Initial Complaint

  12/28/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I signed the agreement on October 5, 2021. Work began on November 22, 2021. I previously used Tropic Renovation for a bathroom remodel and was happy with the result. On a second project for exterior painting, it was the opposite experience. The owner, Jeff Lexvold, handled the second project personally. He made several, unwanted advances to the point I was uncomfortable with him at my home. Had I known he would be doing the work personally, I would have refused after the first incident. He was dishonest and his work was so shoddy it all had to be redone. I terminated the contract less than half way through and despite his claims that he wasn't trying to "screw me" - in every interpretation of those words - that was exactly his intent. He attempted to get me to reimburse him for paint included in the estimate, cut corners and did less than promised in the quote, used my supplies without my permission and never communicated when he would be working on the project which he promised would be done in a week but was less than half done after 2. After I complained, I was refunded $955 of the $3,950 paid. It is the sexual harassment I endured that bothers me the most. At first, he merely complimented me and stared in a way that made me uncomfortable. When he came for the estimate, I asked him why he was looking at me that way and he stated, "You are more beautiful than I remember." He brought me a bottle of wine and chocolate. The next day when he picked up my $1,000 deposit, he brought more wine and chocolate. I asked him not to do that again. I felt he wanted me to invite him in and he knew my husband was out of town. When he came on November 22nd - at 9:30 making me late for work, I handed him the first installment of $2,950 and asked if he needed anything else from me before I left. He stated, "That is a dangerous question. How about I give you back the check." which I believe was a request for work for sexual favors. it was an awful experience

  Business response

  02/11/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 10, 2022/01/19) */ I am absolutely appalled that this lady accuses me of "shoddy" work, not to mention that I had "other" intentions! I take great pride in my work, and in the quality of workmanship of our full time technicians. The work wouldve been completed in a week if we hadnt just lost 30% of our work force. I stepped in because she wanted the project to get started, and with a grandpa who was a professional painter, I mastered painting at an early age. This lady even complimented me how wonderful everything was looking, but that she refuses to mention. With a father who taught me excellency in workmanship, I dont cut corners or do things half heartedly. Regarding her feeling uncomfortable with my personal compliments, I did sincerely apologize to her after she expressed how I made her feel in an email she sent when she terminated the project. Up to this point, I would normally say "Good morning Beautiful!" and "You are more gorgeous than the last time I saw you!" to all our clients, even our 90 year old clients. Though she claims I was coming on to her, I actually do not and have never been attracted to red heads! Trader Joe's is right down the street, it was the day before Thanksgiving, she shared with me that she will probably be sitting at home alone, so out of mere kindness I brought her a bottle of Traders Joe's "2 buck chuck" and a small thing of T.J. chocolate and wished her a Happy Holiday. I have brought other clients wine and chocolates, but they didnt contact the BBB for this. Days later, when I asked her if she liked the T.J. wine, she said she it was ok and that she normally drinks white not red. I was going to TJs that week so grabbed a "2 buck chuck" in white to make up for getting a client wine they typically dont like, is all. The reason I used some of the existing paint is because in my estimate I left the wall paint out because she said she had wall paint already, and that she would reimburse me for any additional wall paint as needed, which I ended up purchasing a new 5 gal. Since this, my wife and I have agreed I would no longer give compliments as "Good morning beautiful!" and the sorts just in case it turns out like this did!! I have before and after pictures of the painting and crack sealing that was done that I am happy to show whomever. Our reputation speaks for itself.....how many other reports like this can you find about Tropic Renovations??

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩