Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. 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.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/01/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Southern Elite Contracting, Inc. is now refusing to complete the job contract that was signed and paid for by both myself and my insurance company ************ They are a few outstanding items that they requested additional funding for which was approved and paid via check from both myself and my insurance company farm bureau. This included cleaning from the damages that there sub contractor caused, painting of walls and baseboard, installation of the frameless glass shower door and partition/knee wall.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 02/09/2023

  Were finishing work. Customer cussed everyone out and workers didn't  want to go back so i had to stop work order. But we have worked through the issue i have sent $500 for a cleaning fee more than enough to be more than fair we only lack a shower glass door. Getting supplements and final put together soon. Also as a company i paid $875 to extend the stay for her to make sure things got taken care of in which they did. The client is happy now we hope and pray to end this matter civil and no more issues. We just ask for respect. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/11/2023

   
  Complaint: 18968584
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  The first claim is still missing the shower door installation. In addition, the owner threatened to put a lien on my house, as well as threaten legal action when both myself and *********** my insurance agency has already provided him and his team with the supplemental checks the initial checks as well as my deductible. there is currently a zero balance, and he cannot put a lien on my home because he has not attempt to collect a debt. The contractor has yet to submit any final paperwork needed to be submitted to *********** for any balance of payments so the threat of a lien is not realistic or plausible for something that you cannot provide or produce in writing. I am now requesting a Get a Final Affidavit of Payment
  When you make your final payment to the contractor, you can have him sign an Affidavit of Payment, stating that he has paid everyone on the job. once the insurance company approves any final declaration of billing and approval of payment.
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

  

  Business Response

  Date: 02/13/2023

  Yes you do have a balance on both claims we have with you and yes we have a shower glass door to install on one claim other work is all completed. You have depreciation owed on both claims. $661.55 and $1928.43 also supplements pending of work incurred during the claim that would be considered a supplement. Yes after you cussed everyone out and made them leave i did say i would intent to lien your home because we have taken every action to get this resolved and fixed properly for you i even provided and paid for you a place to stay. We are ready to put all this to rest and will be done soon as we can as glass takes weeks sometimes months to come in for customer orders. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/07/2022

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Our bathroom (1 of 2) had severe water damage from a slow leaking pipe found in 3/2022. We had a water remediation company come in that week who ripped out everything. They put us in touch with Southern Elite (SEC). We went under contract with SEC about 4/2022. They demanded our full payment upfront from our homeowners insurance, which we thought was normal. Our 1st project manager **** was back & forth with us about scheduling but never got anybody out to start the job. He resigned in late 5/2022. We given a 2nd project manager named *********************. He is impossible to get a response from. He takes days to respond, if he does at all. We had not come to an agreement about our tub, so we were going back & forth for WEEKS with him about $ until 7/2022, as he took so long to respond. He ordered the tub we came to agreement on in July, but it would not arrive til 8/2022. They came to install it, but it was broken (not their fault) & needed to be replaced by the supplier. I was told in the mean time other tasks would be done, i.e. tile or painting. I couldnt get him to respond about getting this work done. When I sent an email saying Ive reached out many times, I need this work done.. He was rude & said that we are in line to get our job done & that if Im unhappy, I can cancel the contract MINUS a $1,500 cancellation fee. UNREAL. They have all of our insurance money from this water damage. We cant afford extra $ to do anything outside of what insurance gave us I said NO to cancelling & we just want them to get it DONE since the bathroom is completely gutted! The new tub came & they install it in 10/2022. And since, I have been mostly ignored about remaining work being completed. Not limited to: tile, drywall, paint, & vanity installation (that theyve been 100% paid for). Ive gotten false assurances about dates & then they dont respond, despite BEGGING them to. The owner also never responded on the email chain attached & also to me sending emails separately to him.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 12/15/2022

  OUR SALES REP HAS HANDLED THIS WAS BIG MIS UNDERSTANDING. CUSTOMER IS SUPPOSE TO LIST THIS AS RESOLVED. WE WORKED ON THE HOME THIS WEEK AND LOOKING TO GET IT ALL FINSIHED. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/15/2022

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I had messaged the BBB to remove the complaint the other day. However, the business & I have been in contact and I expect to have our resolution soon. As long as the work is done within 30 days of December 12 and done WELL - I will be satisfied and my attorney will not press the case & the matter is resolved.
  
  Sincerely,
  ***********************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/09/2022

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Southern Elite Constructing (SEC) was referred to me by Serclean, a Water Removal and ************************* to repair damages to my kitchen resulting from a busted pipe under the slab. On 09/27/20** we entered into an agreement authorizing SEC to calculate and submit estimates for the repairs to my insurance company as the other services (Water Removal/Burst Locator/Plumber) before them. Upon agreed settlement of my claim by my insurance the SEC Representative requested me to pay the deductible on the claim and first payment upfront. On 10/28/20** I paid US $3,095 cash to SEC Representative being $1,000 deductible and $2,095 advance (3/5th of claim amount). Meanwhile, clause #** of our agreement states that "the customer agrees to pay in full at time of completion of each contract....." SEC has not as much as shown up let alone start work on the repairs. A job that the SEC Representative classified and noted on the agreement as "Emergency Repair" Rather, they keep insisting and demanding me to pay the full amount of the claim first. This pattern is consistent with the painful experience of other customers who have complained above. SEC has subjected me and my family under severe hardship from keeping my money and using it to do business, while depriving me of it. In addition, we are forced to cook in a kitchen that is unsafe with cracked floors, dismantled cabinets and countertop and broken/punched walls. The three other companies mentioned above completed their areas of work and received settlements without issues.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 11/10/2022

  I CALLED CUSTOMER AND ATTORNEY THEY HAD A LARGE MIS UNDERSTANDING OF RELEASING FIRST CHECK AND NOT A PORTION DUE TO THE CLAIM. FIRST CHECK WAS $5,243.13 AND CUSTOMER ONLY GAVE $3095. THE ***** JOB IS $8,691.44 PLUS SUPPLEMENTS. INSURANCE WILL PAY $3448.31 ONCE WORK IS COMPLETED. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/25/2022

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  ************************* was referred to me by CertiPro. I talk to ***** over the phone. He called me immediately after knowing that I needed a contractor to do the repairs after a flood to my home at the end of May. He helped me in reference to really talking with my adjuster and getting a lot of the support that I needed that I was not going to get from them. After we got the insurance adjuster on board with things and things started getting set in motion, he started indicating that he wasn't going to do a lot of the things he said he was going to do. It was when they did the dry wall on July 6 when they started painting the dry wall, I saw some imperfection. The walls werent prepped for painting as well as rooms weren't painted with the correct colors. After I questioned him about the paint and asked when would he come back and start on the other work, that's when he informed me that he wasn't coming back The **** and **** bathroom were totally stripped down to a wooden floor. He did the drywall and painted walls. He did not rebuild floor and install tile, toilet, vanity and rebuild shower floor. The guest bedroom the wallpaper was not remove and replaced as the contract stated. In the two bedrooms where the flood occurred the floor was not removed and rebuilt and the carpet was not removed and re installed. All carpet was to be replaced every where except the master bedroom. No carpet was replaced. None of the debris was removed and no dumpster was purchased. All the ceiling tiles were not replaced as required. No window ***** were painted as required. Master bathroom work was no completed per the contract. I have calculated ***** owes me ****** out of the ****** the insurance company paid him. Although I am not pleased with any of the work that was done, I am giving him the benefit of the doubt that the work he completed was worth *****. I have reached out to ***** several times and have not received a response from ***** or the office.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 11/07/2022

  I have reached out to you in regards to this matter we have worked on your home 5 months ago and have waited for you to figure out the upgrade portion of the claim. You wanted to go to hardwoods and you have carpet. Then now you want to cancel the works after we have started your work. We explained we cant do upgrades for free and to credit line items to you we have to abide by contract. We will be glad to cancel contract and abide by contract. Or we can create rest of work and put your home to pre loss condition. We have to do what the scope says. We hope to resolve this manner. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/17/2022

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Southern Elite was referred to me by the mitigation company SerClean after I experienced a leak in my kitchen on 4/29/22, in which I incurred water damage to my kitchen, pantry/laundry room & living room. I contacted ***** at SE on 5/2/22 and on 5/27/22 he stopped by to take pics and had me to forward him the estimate from the ins co. After receiving the initial check from the insurance company ($2886.13) that had to be endorsed by myself and the broker, I contacted ***** and he stopped by on 6/21/22 to retrieve it. At that time, we spoke about my deductible which is $5000, and he forwarded me the banking info where I should send it to. He said he'd work with us given how high the deductible was. My husband and I told him we could have half of it in a few weeks and the other half shortly after. He said that was fine and that should be enough to get started. After coming up with $3000 of the deductible, on 7/5/22 I tried depositing the funds into the account he provided but it was not recognized by my bank so I got a cashier's check which he said would be fine. After he picked up the check on 7/19/22, he stated he'd send someone from his team to get measurements in about a week and I have not heard from him since. After 3 weeks of unanswered texts, calls, and emails to both ***** and SE, and leaving messages with different branches I get a call from *********************. He stated he figured I wanted to hear from him, and that ***** left the company, and my deductible hadn't been met which he didn't know what that was all about. After informing him it wasn't a good time to talk as I'd just started a new job but would give him a call after 5p, he stated he doesn't do business after 6p because he has a family to tend to. I called ************** at 5:12p and left a message. On 9/2 I sent him a text and on 9/6, I called SE and was promised by rep a returned call from ************** by the next day. As of today, I have not heard from anyone at SE. A FULL REFUND OF $5,886.13 IS REQUESTED.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 09/23/2022

  THANK YOU FOR WANTING TO REACH OUT TO US. YES YOU HAVE SIGNED CONTRACT WITH US TO DO THE WORK AND WE ARE STILLING WAITING ON DEDUCTIBLE OWED. WE DID GET YOU ********* APPROVED PLUS PENDING SUPPLEMENTS. YOU HAVE PAID US YOUR FIRST INSURANCE CHECK OF $2,886.13 AND PAID $3000 OF YOUR DEDUCTIBLE. WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU TO MAKE PAYMENT WE CALLED ON 9-6-22 SO WE COULD GET THE OTHER $2000 OWED FROM YOU PER OUR CONTRACT. THEN YOU LET US KNOW TO CANCEL IN WHICH YOU CAN DO BUT SERVICES HAVE BEEN RENDERED AND COST TO CANCEL. PER CONTRACT THAT AMOUNT WOULD BE $1500 AS LINE ITEM 23 STATES ON YOUR CONTRACT AND COMMISION PAID OF $500 TO *********************** ALSO ON YOUR CONTRACT OF NON REFUNDABLE. ALSO OVERHEAD AND PROFIT IS OWED OF ALL ITEMS ON THE CLAIM WHICH IS 20 PERCENT OF THE ***** WHICH IS $2,263.92 IN GOOD FAITH TO RESOLVE THIS MATTER I WONT CHARGE THIS AMOUNT I WILL ONLY CHARGE THE $2000 TO CANCEL. WE WOULD NEED RELEASE SIGNED AND STEPS FOLLOWED. ARE YOU HAVE CHOICE TO PAY YOUR DEDCUTIBLE AND WE CAN COMPLETE YOUR WORK. I WOULD ISSUE A REFUND OF $3,886.13 THANKS AND HAVE A BLESSED DAY. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/26/2022

  Overhead and profit of what, the quote I provided from Liberty mutual for $11,319.60. Sir, you guys havent even been in contact with my adjustor, your subcontractor never came to take measurements and we have not discussed materials. YOU GUYS DID NOTHING, so why are you charging me $2,263.96?It seems per line ************************************ $1500 for canceling the contract and $500 for reimbursement for commission ***** made for deceiving me into signing the contract totaling $2000. I kept my word with ***** as agreed. Then after several unreturned phone calls, texts, and emails from him, your company and you I find out your guy left the company. Then I file a complaint after lack of communication which Im still waiting on a returned call from you as promised by Ms. * when I called on 9/6, you lie about calling me for remainder deductible and money you didnt get for me, **** up the charges to cancel the contract on work you didnt do, then expect ME to pay YOU for the inconvenience or stay in the contract? I DONT TRUST YOU AT ALL to do work in my home! This is very poor customer service and Im requesting you provide documents for work you claim you did (not what I provided to your contractor) and your actual bonds and license info as well. CONSUMERS SHOULD BEWARE BEFORE SIGNING A CONTRACT WITH THIS COMPANY, YOU WILL REGRET IT.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 10/25/2022

  YOUR JOB HAS BEEN ON HOLD DUE TO YOU NOT PAYING THE MONEY YOU RECIEVED. WE HAVE DONE RIGHT IN ALL FULL FAITH. WE HAD NO ISSUES UNTILL WE DISCUSSED THAT YOU NEEDED TO PAY WHAT WAS OWED THEN YOU WANTED TO CANCEL. WE DONE ALOT OF WORK TO GET APPROVED AS YOU SEE MORE THAN DOUBLE ALREADY. I TOOK OFF FEE WE WOULD CHARGE TO CANCEL AND ONLY SAID THE **** TO CANCEL AND 500 COMMISION WOULD BE OWED AND WOULD ISSUE REFUND OF $3886.13. WE WOULD NEED RELEASE AND THIS CASE LISTED AS RESOLVED AND WE WOULD MOVE FORWARD. THANK YOU. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/30/2022

  NO SIR, MY CONTRACT IS ON HOLD BECAUSE OF YOU. EVERYTHING YOU ARE SAYING IS A COMPLETE LIE! Me and my family have had the pleasure of not having a kitchen in our home for the past 5 months because of you. You have not done right by me in any aspect. I have expressed on several occasions that I wanted a refund. My initial request was when I called and texted your contractor several times for several days with no reply and feeling like Id been scammed. Following that, I expressed it again after I contacted your office several times with unanswered call, voicemails,and emails. I was going to express it again on 8/11/22 after I told you I couldnt talk because Id just started a new job, but you never returned my call when I called you after I got off from work (this was our only conversation). I expressed it again on 9/6/22 when the young lady who returned my call after I left a voicemail at the office number, and she said you would give me a call. That never happened. Then I filed a complaint here asking for a full refund. I was never asked to finish paying my deductible because I was already doing so until your contractor quit your company, then when you called on 8/11 you mentioned it was not paid without allowing me to explain which is the only time we spoke. I had no problem paying my deductible.Its $5000 and I didnt have that on hand so the contractor and I agreed I could pay it in 2 installments. You were paid the initial insurance check, plus the first half of my deductible and I was in the process of paying the second half of my deductible is when the red flags started to appear which is when I requested a refund as I refuse to move forward with your company and suffer an even bigger loss. When I signed the contract, I had full faith in your company, and you would get the job done and I'd have my kitchen back.I imagined for the next few months Id be picking out kitchen cabinets and vinyl planking to have the water damage repaired, not spending it going back and forth with you lying and causing me more stress and headache and trying to rip me off. How can you take off charges for work that wasnt even done. You basically want me to pay you $2000 for signing the contract because there was literally no work done. And how can a contractor make commission when the job wasnt even started? This is a very expensive learning experience. I heard some horrible stories when it came to contractors, I just never imagined Id have one to tell of my own. Your contract also mentions that once insurance approves, this contract is valid. My insurance provider never approved this. In fact, they said you never contacted them. And Im still waiting for you to provide your accurate license and bond information. 

  

  Business Response

  Date: 10/31/2022

  I DONT HAVE A ISSUE DOING YOUR PROJECT BUT THE CONTRACT IS CLEAR WHY THE *** HAS BEEN ON HOLD THE *** DOESNT PROGRESS UNLESS THE STEPS ARE FOLLOWED. YOUR CLAIM WAS APPROVED THATS WHY YOU GAVE MONEY. THE SERVICES OF THE **** REP IS THEM DRIVING TO YOUR HOUSE TAKING ALL MEASUREMENTS AND PICTURES AND TURNING IN FILE AND BACK AND FORTH TO MAKE IT HAPPEN IS WHY THEY HAVE BEEN PAID $500 ON YOUR CLAIM WE DONT PAY A HOURLY RATE THIS IS COMMISION PAID TO A REP AND IS NON REFUNDABLE. WE CAN DO THE WORK AND NOT CANCEL THIS WOULD SAVE YOU MONEY I CAN HANDLE AS A OWNER. I WANT TO HELP BUT WE HAVE A PROCESS IF SOMEONE CANCELS. ITS COST SO MUCH TIME AND MONEY TO GET CLAIMS  STARTED. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF WE CAN MOVE FORWARD IN A GOOD MANNER. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/07/2022

  So, the fact that youve ignored everything *** asked for and have not even acknowledged the inconveniences on the behalf of you and your company is insane. You keep saying youre willing to do the job, yet you have not returned any of my phone calls. There is no way you can do the work without communicating with the customer first. Your words do not match your actions and I already know what to expect if I decided to move forward with your company. I prefer not to cause myself more stress and headache with the lack of communication, your dishonesty,and no clear plan for my repairs. Its disheartening to know that a company can make empty promises upon hiring and not be held accountable. I guess quality customer service is not a part of your protocol whatever that *** be. Either way it goes, whether I choose to move forward or not with your company, its a lose-lose situation for me as the customer which is unbelievable. Its unfair for me to have to pay you $2000 for your inconsistencies so I choose to have this matter further looked into. 

  

  Business Response

  Date: 11/08/2022

  Im willing to answer a call I havent had a missed call that Im aware of I would love to talk and get onto the same page to resolve this and help you if possible. Upon canceling a contract we do have fees was all I was stating Im sorry your upset. Im willing to meet you or talk with you to see if we can resolve thanks so much. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/13/2022

  If anything, I'm disappointed. The client should not have to pay YOU fee's when they have been inconvenienced by you and your company. I've tried having a verbal conversation with you several times prior to this complaint and you have not returned any calls. The only conversation we need to have at this point is to discuss a full refund as I've requested several times already.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 11/14/2022

  WE HAVE SIGNED A CONTRACT AND ABIDE BY THIS WE HAVE DONE NOTHING WRONG. YOUR JOB HAS BEEN ON HOLD DUE TO YOU NOT PAYING THE MONEY YOU RECIEVED. WE HAVE DONE RIGHT IN ALL FULL FAITH. WE HAD NO ISSUES UNTILL WE DISCUSSED THAT YOU NEEDED TO PAY WHAT WAS OWED THEN YOU WANTED TO CANCEL. WE DONE ALOT OF WORK TO GET APPROVED AS YOU SEE MORE THAN DOUBLE ALREADY. I TOOK OFF FEE WE WOULD CHARGE TO CANCEL AND ONLY SAID THE **** TO CANCEL AND 500 COMMISION WOULD BE OWED AND WOULD ISSUE REFUND OF $3886.13. WE WOULD NEED RELEASE AND THIS CASE LISTED AS RESOLVED AND WE WOULD MOVE FORWARD. THANK YOU. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/21/2022

  We have been going back and forth for the last 2 months with no solution in sight and it seems like you're starting to copy a paste your previous responses. You want me to pay you $2000 because I signed a contract with your company to do work in my home. Not that you earned or worked for it but because simply because I signed a contract. As a consumer, I hired you to do a job and you failed to follow through for whatever reason. That should not be at the expense of the client. Especially when I provided what was needed from me apart from the remaining $2000 from my deductible. There is no way Im giving you more money when I cant even get you to communicate except on this platform,especially when my records show I tried contacting you several times. When I hired your company, I had no idea I would be trying to seek a refund for the incompetence of your company. I had no idea the contractor I hired would quit your company, and I was unaware that even if I called several times, texted,and sent emails that I would be ignored.  I never imagined having to file a complaint in order for the owner to communicate with me and basically lie. Had I known this,I would have avoided this company all together which would have saved me a bunch of stress and would have avoided being scammed. My only verbal communication has been with the contractor not with you. My only communication with you only resulted with you trying to get money out of me. The refund and cancellation process were never explained. Through this learning experience, that should be a part of the contract signing process. The client should be informed how long they have to cancel the contract, the contractor should also mention the cancellation fee and other fees the consumer would be responsible for. Instead, the contractor portrayed himself as being a capable contractor that would be able to get the job done. There has to be repercussions when a contractor mistreats a client and according to your recent reviews, youve mistreated several clients. Im the one who has been without a kitchen in my home for the past 6 months and I would happily pay my deductible to get my home fixed. However, again I will not subject myself to your negligence, lies and lack of communication as I feel moving forward with your company will only cause more damage. I will not remove my posts and I hope my mistake of hiring your company would help someone else avoid the same mistake. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/16/2022

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Complaint as follows:1. I am ********, I signed an agreement with Southern Elite Contracting(SEC) on May 3, 2022. 2. I paid the first check $2500 as a deductible on May 3, 2022. I paid the check $12986.71 on July 18, 2022. (The insurance payment is $14010.54. I paid $12,986.71 to the SEC because we bought vanity ourselves)The total amount we have paid to SEC is $15486.71 3.SEC committed to repairing our home using the insurance funds provided for the claim(#***********).The SEC manager (*******************) promised us that insurance payment would cover the whole cost of repair. From May to Aug 16, she never proposed a price change. During these 4 months, only 1 subcontractor met with us and sent some floor samples. My wife and I have sent many messages and phone calls to her about the progress and barely get a reply back. When we contacted her again about on Aug 25, she told us that she leaved SEC.4. Disputes: First, the total price. At our urging, *** arranged a new manager and told us we needed to pay over $7,000 more to get it done. But the former manager never mention it before and she said what the insurance paid will 100% cover the cost of project. Second, according to the contract #9, they should order materials after receiving the first check. But 4 months passed, no workers and materials have been delivered to my house. Third, cancellation fee. We considered discontinue because they defaulted first, but they told us we need to pay cancellation fee.5.We tried to contact SECs owner ********************* on Sep 6. He send me an email and told us one option is paying $7,000 more and they do the whole job. Another is just doing what they can with the money we've paid. 6.Overall, SEC has not tried to resolve the problem and lack of progress and communication. We want our full $15486.71 back since no work was ever done nor was there any real effort put towards getting it done. We claim compensation for their breach of contract #9 and our loss of whole process.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 09/23/2022

   

  I THE ***** HAVE RESPONSED IN CAPS TO MAKE EASIER FOR YOU. 

   

  Complaint as follows: 1. I am ********, I signed an agreement with Southern Elite Contracting(SEC) on May 3, 2022. 2. I paid the first check $2500 as a deductible on May 3, 2022. I paid the check $12986.71 on July 18, 2022. (The insurance payment is $14010.54. I paid $12,986.71 to the SEC because we bought vanity ourselves) The total amount we have paid to SEC is $15486.71 3.SEC committed to repairing our home using the insurance funds provided for the claim(#***********). The SEC manager (*******************) promised us that insurance payment would cover the whole cost of repair.   YES WE AGREE AMOUNTS ARE CORRECT YOU SIGNED A CONTRACT TO DO THE WORK FOR INSURANCE PROCEEDS PLUS SUPPLEMENTS. WE HAVE NOTED TO YOU THAT THE INSURANCE IS $6093.84 BECAUSE YOU HAVE NON RECOVERABLE DEPRECICTION. WE WAMT TO HELP YOU IS WHY WE SHOWED YOU THIS INFORAMTION. AFTER SENDING FLOOR CREW TO MEASURE AND GETTING FLOOR BILL WE NOTICED THE PAPERWORK WAS THIS WAY AND NOTIFIED YOU. 

   

  From May to Aug 16, she never proposed a price change. During these 4 months, only 1 subcontractor met with us and sent some floor samples. My wife and I have sent many messages and phone calls to her about the progress and barely get a reply back. When we contacted her again about on Aug 25, she told us that she leaved SEC. ******************* WAS PAID A COMMISSION ON YOUR PROJECT FOR HER SERVICES BUT DURING YOUR PROJECT SHE DID GET TERMINATED FROM COMPANY DUE TO HER ACTIONS ON PREVIOUS JOBS. 

   

  4. Disputes: First, the total price. At our urging, *** arranged a new manager and told us we needed to pay over $7,000 more to get it done. But the former manager never mention it before and she said what the insurance paid will 100% cover the cost of project. Second, according to the contract #9, they should order materials after receiving the first check. But 4 months passed, no workers and materials have been delivered to my house. Third, cancellation fee. We considered discontinue because they defaulted first, but they told us we need to pay cancellation fee. 5.We tried to contact SECs owner ********************* on Sep 6. He send me an email and told us one option is paying $7,000 more and they do the whole job.  THIS WAS FALSE I DIDNT SEND YOU ONE OPTION SEE EMAIL BELOW I TRIED TO WORK WITH YOU. EMAIL SENT 9-7-22 ***** YOU HAVE TO WORK WITH $15,486.71 
  LAUNDRY ROOM. NO WORK BY US. 
  PANTRY. LINE ITEMS ***** WE WILL DO. 
  KITCHEN HALLWAY. ***** WE WILL DO 
  HALL BATH. ***** WE WILL DO
  LINEN CLOSET. ***** WE WILL DO 
  HALLWAY. ***** WE WILL DO
  FOYER/ENTRY.  ***** WE WILL DO 
  UNDER STAIRS CLOSET. ***** WE WILL DO 
  KITCHEN. ***** WE WILL DO 
  LIVING ROOM. ***** WE WILL DO 
  GENERAL ITEMS 103 WE WILL DO. 
  SO YOU WILL HAVE TO MOVE ALL CONTENTS ALSO AND PAY $2500 MORE FOR ALL THIS TO BE DONE. OR WE CAN INSTALL FLOATING FLOOR IN ALL THESE AREAS NOT A GLUE DOWN AND IT WON'T COST YOU ANYTHING. WE WILL ONLY BE DOING THE REMOVAL OF FLOORS AND INSTALL OF NEW. NO PAINTING OR QUARTER ROUND OR DRYWALL WORK. JUST THE FLOORING. THERE WILL BE SUPPLEMENTS WE HAVE TO DO FOR LINE ITEMS WERE DOING TO MAKE SURE SQUARE FOOTAGE IS RIGHT. 
  I HOPE THIS HELPS AND MAKES SENSE. 

   

  Another is just doing what they can with the money we've paid. 6.Overall, SEC has not tried to resolve the problem and lack of progress and communication. We want our full $15486.71 back since no work was ever done nor was there any real effort put towards getting it done. We claim compensation for their breach of contract #9 and our loss of whole process. WE HAVE TRIED AND SPOKE TO YOU 3 TIMES YOUR WIFE TO GET A GAMEPLAN YOU CAN CANCEL BUT THIS WILL COST YOU MONEY TO DO SO. LET ME KNOW WHAT WAY YOU WANT TO GO. I CAN ISSUE A REFUND OF $10,389.37 PER YOUR CONTRACT ITS $1500 TO CANCEL AND $500 NON REFUNDABLE COMMISION ALONG WITH OVERHEAD AND PROFIT 10/10 ON ALL ITEMS WE CREDIT WHICH IS $3097.34. WE HOPE TO DO YOUR JOB INSTEAD AND HELP YOU ANY WAY WE CAN WITH THE ***** WE HAVE. 

   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/26/2022

   
  Complaint: 18032329
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  1. We don't know how you deal with *****, but her actions represent SEC company. Her commitment to us is SECs commitment to us. Again: ***** promised that the insurance payout would enough to cover all of repair costs. 
  2. SEC does not provide any compensation details for the losses caused to us by its unprofessional and broken rules. Instead, SEC demands us to pay fees and compensation when we filed a complaint. What is incomprehensible is that they are making us pay for their internal staffing problems and unprofessionalism. (Considering these four months,  they received our $15486.71 but no work or material, no progress on our project. )Their responses make us feel that we are the side to be complained. This is not reasonable or fair.
  3. Wed like to re-emphasize our claim that all fees($15486.71) should be returned and we should be compensated. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ********

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/15/2022

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I signed a SEC construction agreement on 4/13/22. It is now Sept 15th and no construction has been done. I have had 2 men in 5 months come measure. It's been excuses after the another. 1 person got fired, death in the family, Birthday??? Anything you can think of was said. But no progress. I am beyond frustrated with the unprofessionalism of this company. I explained to them the urgency because I'm a single mom with kids and no sink, cabinets or flooring. I've been paying for door dash daily. I paid them over $3600 and for what exactly. I've called the office several times. I've talked to the owner who was not very concerned or friendly. He has not once checked on my job. 5 months and still no kitchen. I'm so disappointed. Why can't this my seemingly small job get done?

  

  Business Response

  Date: 09/15/2022

  ON 9-15-22 YOUR NUMBER SHOWED UP 6 TIMES AS SPAM RISK PER MY OFFICE HERE IS THE NOTE. 9/15/2022, 11:29 AM - *****************************:
  customer called me 6 times from spam risk. i didnt realize it until after i went back and checked because i was thinking, wowww why is spam risk calls coming through so much. noticed it was the same number, did research and noticed it was camerons. sent ******* a text and he is going to give her a call.  ON 9-12-22 ******* MADE THIS NOTE. 9/12/2022, 1:11 PM - *****************************:
  Need to supplement, job is cabinets and flooring. Told the homeowner. She was understanding. 
  MAIN ISSUE IS WE ARE HAVING TO SUPPLEMENT JOB. WE HAVE TO PROVIDE AND WAIT FOR INSURANCE THAT CAN TAKE 5-7 WEEKS. I DO SEE YOU HAD ****** ON YOUR PROJECT HE DID UP AND LEAVE COMPANY WE HAVE NO IDEA WHERE HE IS OR ANYTHING. WE HAVE FULL INTENTIONS ON DOING YOUR PROJECT AND WANT TO GET IT DONE. YOU HAVE CABINETS IF YOU NEED TO BE FRUSTARTED PLEASE BE WITH INSURANCE AS THEY HAVE PAID IMPROPERLY ALL WERE TRYING TO DO IS HELP YOU. THIS PROCESS CAN BE VERY AGGERVATING. IM SORRY AS A OWNER I WANT TO HELP BUT I CAN ONLY GO AS FAST AS TIME ALLOWS. THANKS PLEASE REACH OUT ************. YOU JOB NOW IS PUT ON HOLD DUE TO THIS COMPLAINT AS WE HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH YOU ON DETAILS. THIS WILL NEED TO BE REMOVED BEFORE CONTINUING. 
  
  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/15/2022

  Company is now retaliating due to my filed complaint. They will not move forward with the job at all. I have text proof. What else can I do?

  

  Business Response

  Date: 09/16/2022

  THIS WAS FALSE AS WE HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WE MOVE FORWARD ON GOOD FAITH NOT WITH THINGS LIKE THIS. THANKS AND HOPE YOU UNDERSTAND WE WANT TO DO YOUR PROJECT THE PEOPLE TO BE UPSET WITH IS THE INSURANCE THEY LEFT ALL THE ***** OFF WE ARE ONLY TRYING TO HELP. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/16/2022

  It does not take this long for a job like this. 5 months. Almost half a year???I want my kitchen done ASAP. And not going forward with the job because I wrote a factual review after waiting patiently for 5 months? Not 5-7 weeks as you stated just to get the ball rolling. Remember.  ********************* is good company. They have never held any funds. Takes a phone call thats all. Finish the job and I will update the complaint that it was completed when its completed. No one has even started You guys dropped the ball. You need to admit it. Please start the job without any retaliation threats. That as well is unprofessional and not a good business practice. 

  

  Business Response

  Date: 09/17/2022

  Im sorry but we dont move forward in good faith the whole point is that it takes time to get projects completed and we explained that to you and so did *******. We have explained about the cabinets to you the timeline we dont have control over timelines with vendors and supplies. We are doing the best we can do. If you dont want to remove complaint we will refund your money minus anything paid for the services. We have done a lot of work behind the scenes to get the project to where it is. Thanks and have a blessed day 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/23/2022

  We have come to an agreement for a refund $2872.30. Something is better than nothing. Now i can finally hire someone to get it done in a timely manner. Thank you for your timely response.

   Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/06/2022

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I was referred to this company by Serclean in December. I contracted with the company once the mitigation team was finished. I went with them because I was advised they had a full team and once payment was received from insurance then I would be added to the schedule. The funds were sent Jan 11th. The representative at the time stated it would be completed in a couple of weeks. Well that was the first lie. The second lie was they use the same system insurance uses for estimates.The company was supposed to complete my bathroom which is upstairs. The bathroom that caused this insurance claim. My kitchen was affected as well. The kitchen was done 2 months ago. The last of the appointments was on August 9th to complete the bathroom renovation. On the 9th I didn't hear from the representative who I have been in contact with since the project started. I tried to call the office and was not successful. They never answer the phone. Only get a voice-mail. Finally on August 18th I get a phone call from a representative stating he was the new worker and needed to come out for sales pitch. I advised him that was already completed and needed my bathroom to be finished. He then gave the same spill as the previous representative. At this point I really became irritated because this company was compensated a long time ago and always comes up with an excuse for not completing the job.On this same day I stated I needed to file a complaint the representative told me I would have to speak with the owner. I hung up and finally found a different number. The other representative came to my home on August 22nd. This representative added additional supplements for jobs that have already been completed. Well since then the owner ********************* was ok with receiving the funds but now keeps stalling the project claiming he is in the red. He takes no ownership for representative that is representing his company. Needless to say the job is still not complete!! Tired

  

  Business Response

  Date: 09/07/2022

  THIS COMPLAINT IS FALSE AND I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH YOU AND YOU ALSO UNDERSTOOD THE INSURANCE DROPPING THE **** AND NOT PAYING FOR ITEMS PROPERLY. I SEE YOU HAVE NOW CHANGED YOUR MINE AND GOING INTO DETAILS LIKE THIS ON BBB WE NOW WILL HAVE TO EXPLORE OTHER OPTIONS DUE TO YOUR ACTIONS AND NOT HANDLING THIS IN GOOD FAITH. YES IM VERY FRUSTRATED ALSO AS IT HAS COST ME OUT OF MY POCKET TO WORK ON YOUR HOME. IM NOT SURE WHY YOU THINK WERE NOT HELPING. WE ARE WAITING FOR THE SUPERVISOR TO CALL US ON THIS SO WE CAN GET IT DONE FOR YOU IM VERY THROWN OFF BY YOU COMING TO BBB WITH THIS. 

   

   GOOD MORNING AFTER RECEIVING A VERY RUDE PHONE CALL BY YOUR REPRESENTATIVE  ********************* AND TELLING ME HOW TO RUN MY BUSINESS ALSO SHE SAID DEALING WITH 3 CUSTOMERS AND MENTION A LAWSUIT IM A BIT WORRIED WITH HER TALKING ABOUT MY COMPANY AND TO CUSTOMERS OF MINE WITH FALSE FACTS. SHE NOW IS CAUSING A DISRUPTION AND ALL I'M TRYING TO DO IS GET CORRECT SUPPLEMENTS SO I CAN GET THIS CUSTOMER HOME DONE IM NEGATIVE ON THIS JOB DUE TO HOW YOU WROTE THE ****** I NEED A SUPERVISOR ASAP WITH THIS MATTER. ALSO I'M FILING WITH INSURANCE COMMISSIONER ON HOW YOUR REPRESENTATIVE HAS TALKED AND ACTED TOWARDS ME. I WANT TO ALSO BE CLEAR ON WHAT LAWSUIT SHE IS REFERRING TO THIS IS NEW TO MY KNOWLEDGE AND PLEASE UNDERSTAND THIS WAS VERY UNCALLED FOR. WHEN ON YOUR SCOPE IT SAYS TO LET YOU KNOW ABOUT SUPPLEMENTS AND THIS IS WHAT WE HAVE DONE FOR YOU. 

  
  *********************
  Allstate Vehicle and ****************** Company
  Phone: **************
  Fax: **************
  **************************
  
  THIS ABOVE IS A PERSON THAT JUST CALLED ME. SHE ALSO SAID ***** IS CALLING ME HAVE NO CLUE WHAT SHE IS SAYING AND SAID IM NOT HER BOSS AND HUNG UP...

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/08/2022

  Complaint: 17924736
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  The work has not been completed.  The bathroom is the only room that needed to be finished as stated in my initial complaint.  ************ is taking advantage of homeowners along with using insurance company to supplement to get more money from completed work.  I will provide proof of the final estimate from the insurance company of the work that needs to be completed.  I will also provide proof of the additional supplement.  I will also show pictures of the kitchen floor and ceiling along with the unfinished bathroom.
  The company initially complained about being in the red $251.00 however today he is stating the insurance company owes more money although the payment he received on the Jan 11th is proof of the estimate along with my deductible paid to his company.  If this company utilized the funds for something other than the intended job the homeowner/me should not be penalized.  Not to mention he called me to inform me of my complaint with the BBB and tried to smooth talk his way stating the insurance company has me brainwashed.  He also threatened to *** me for the work as if payment was never received.  He takes no ownership in any job.  He has never been to my property.  
  He is stating it's a false claim but that definitely is not accurate as pictures show the complaint is about the unfinished bathroom as the other parts kitchen and floor finally was completed although their initial document sent to me states it would *********** weeks max.  Well, its mid-September and now company is not trying to complete the work.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  
  *************************

  

  Business Response

  Date: 09/16/2022

  WE HAVE DONE  WORK AND **** SUPPLEEMNTS THIS IS SERVICES RENDERED ALONG WITH ME MOVING FORWARD IN GOOD FAITH WE CANT KEEP WORKING WITH NO MONEY. YOUR STATEMENT ABOVE IS FALSE AND YES I SAID I WILL HAVE NO OTHER CHOCIE BUT TO PLACE A LIEN ON YOUR HOME AS I NEED TO PROTECT MYSELF AND A LAWSUIT FOR THE ***** YOU OWE ME. WE DO THINGS IN GOOD FAITH ALWAYS. I TALKED TO YOU ABOUT THIS AND SAID WITH FALSE STATEMENTS WE DONT MOVE FORWARD UNTIL RESOLVED. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/02/2022

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On May 10, 2022, Southern Elite Contracting (SEC) $2500 was paid as a deductible. They committed to repairing our home from a recent insurance claim. They promised to repair our home using the insurance funds provided for the claim. Today is August 2 and we havent had the SEC rep step foot on our property since, and that was 3 months ago. Only 1 subcontractor has even met with us (July 7) to discuss flooring. When we contacted him again, he told us that the SEC rep ***** responding and that he had to wait on SEC to do any work. There have been several many empty promises to get subcontractors out to our home. We were told next week a subcontractor will be there every week for the past 6 weeks, yet nobody has shown up. My wife and I have sent at least 6 emails and made nearly half dozen phone calls to the SEC rep and to the main office and barely, if ever, get a reply back. When we signed the contract, we werent given a copy of it, nor where we told there was cancellation fee. He told us that hed send us a copy in email. We only just got a copy of it last evening (Aug 1) when we informed SEC that we were going to hire a new contractor since its been 3 months with no progress at all. SEC replied back today saying that they were going to charge a cancelation fee and commissions before returning the remainder (if any) deductible. SEC has not tried to resolve the problem even after we complained several times about the rep and the lack of progress and lack of communication over a week ago. As soon as we said that we wanted to discontinue their services, we were told (in an email) that our unsatisfactory ****** review that we gave them was going to be used against us in getting our full deductible back. Our Claim# is *********. We want our full $2500 deductible back since n work was ever done nor was there any real effort put towards getting it done. ******** SEC our rep, is a liar and ****** the manager, is unprofessional and doesnt care about his clients.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 08/11/2022

  THIS HAS ALL BEEN HANDLED AND CUSTOMER UNDERSTOOD WHAT HAPPEEND I HAVE PERSONALLY WENT OUT AND HANDLING THIER JOB FOR THEM. EVERYTHING IS GOING GREAT LOTS OF MISCOMMUNCATION WITH CHARLIE ******** WERE MOVING FORWARD WITH GOOD PROGRESS NOW THO. CUSTOMER IS SUPPOSE TO CANCEL THIS COMPLAINT AS ITS INACCURATE. THANKS AND HAVE A BLESSED DAY. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/11/2022

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/26/2022

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Southern Elite located in ****** ** has received insurance money to repair water damaged at the house almost a year ago. Since then it has been issue after issue of getting them to complete the work, flooring not in , flooring back ordered, not showing up for scheduled work days. Its still not done.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/27/2022

  GOOD AFTERNOON I HAVE CONTACTED ***** AND HE HAS SAID ALL IS IN ACTION WE HAVE FUNDS STILL WAITING ON FROM PACKOUT WITH ITEMS. WE HAVE HAD YOUR FLOORS ORDERED SINCE 5-25-22 AND WE HAVE TO SCEDULE AROUND YOU WITH YOUR DAUGHTER BEING IN TOWN FOR INSTALL WHICH WE UNDERSTAND. WE THEN ESTABLISHED A DATE IN JULY TO GET THIS DONE AND HERE IT IS IN JULY AND GETTING DONE WE HAVE PACKOUT IN LINE AND FLOORS. PACKOUT IS IN LINE FOR THURSDAY PER ***** NOTES FLOOR INSTALL SATURDAY AND PUT ALL BACK MONDAY. WE HAVE A CREW OUT AND THIS HAS BEEN THE HOLD BACK. SO JOB IS IN PROCESS NOT SURE WHY THIS WAS POSTED AND ASK TO TAKE DOWN IN GOOD FAITH AS WERE WORKING WITH YOU AND THIS WAS MADE LAST NIGHT. YOU OWE US CLSOE TO ****** PLUS SUPPLEMETS SO TRUST ME WE WANT TO FINSIH. TAKE MIND WE STARTED AND HAVE SERVICES INCURRED FOR INTERIOR WORK.