Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  06/01/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  *********************** of TRC was paid over $350,000 to build an ADA ********* addition. Part of this addition was on an existing three season room. Project started November with finish date 2/1. The only delay was for concrete shortage which extended three weeks. It is now 6/1/2023. Tile work is atrocious. I have had three other contractors look at this and they are appalled. Slab poured straight out door and my son is in power wheelchair. He did remedy and wants to charge me more. ****** placed in wrong wall and again wants more for moving it. This addition was to blend with the existing home. He put on a white door which has been replaced and again wants to up charge. Threshold is dangerous for power chair. This is not ADA ********* and looks horrendous. Inground sprinkler system was destroyed after being winterized by his crew cutting through main line and all connections. We have pics and documentation of all. We now need to hire new contractor to take out all tile, secure bidet, replace door and threshold, provide ramp railing and finish all that was not done. We also need to replace entire sprinkler system. *********************** quit our job while we were out of town and sent us a demand letter for more money. We are asking for compensation of unfinished work, repair and replace all substandard workmanship and sprinkler system. We have hundreds of photos and this only allows a few but happy to provide. My son is disabled and in a power wheelchair with no useable room or bathroom. We have incurred falls since and need to keep him safe.

  

  Business response

  06/05/2023

  TRC Enterprises was hired to build an ADA ********* addition to architecture plan.  The project was delayed because of the concrete shortage that was caused by the hurricane in *******.  The delay for the concrete ended up being a 6 week delay.  The project itself ended up starting two weeks before Christmas of 2022. The Zelkos were told that once we started the carpentry it would be four months start to finish if all goes according to plan (weather permitting and also any surprises found along the way or additional add Ons they request along the way) The tile work was inspected by the bank inspector for each payment of work that has been completed on the project. The bank was very pleased with the tile work.  The tile work has margins in it and also had told *** to pick out the tile but she was busy so I ended up picking out the tile.While the tile work was being completed I was sending pictures along the way and was told it was beautiful work from *** herself.  The slab poured outside was passed by inspection by the city of Caledonia and was done as per plan that they approved before the work was started.  The shower was in the plans and they accepted the drawings before the work started.  After all the drywall was up they requested a meeting which held the job up for 5 days, would not let us come back to work till we talked about it.  We then had to tear off all the drywall, move all the plumbing around the corner to the other wall and then ************** requested that he had to have a return wall built (he was told all this was going to be extra) The addition blends in with the home and the city of Caledonia inspector even complimented it.  Once again, drawings were done and accepted by the Zelkos before work started. Addition is to per plan.  The white door was accepted by ***************** and was going to be painted to blend with the existing door of the house.  Two months later ***************** requested the door to be changed because he did not like and then told me to stop talking to his wife about the project.  As for the threshold, it has to be a completely sealed threshold due to the eastern exposure and no roof over entry way.  The Zelkos were well aware of this before the door was purchased.  If I was able to complete the project we were going to make an ADA ************ The job was supposed to be carpet square and a mini ramp would have been able to made with carpet.  The Zelkos changed it to laminate flooring.  TRC Enterprises did not winterize the Zelkos sprinkler system.  *** actually disconnected the main water line to the sprinkler system to build a new addition and before *** touched their sprinkler system the Zelkos told *** it was completely winterized.  *** subcontractors have helped their son outside off the drive way numerous times and was asked by their caretaker 2 times to help pick ** off the floor.  Their son falls multiple times and has nothing to do with the addition. 
  Before work started, ***************** gave *********************** a 98K dollar deposit that was going to be refunded to ***************** by 12/30/2022.  Due to the project being delayed from the concrete shortage (which ************** was completely made aware of) the payments he was going to receive the payments in 3 installments.  He did not receive the 3 installments until mid February.  Once he was paid in full, that is when the whole attitude had changed.  While payments were being made I was being belittled,threated over text messages, insulted & then didnt want to sign payment draws so I could be paid by the bank to keep moving forward with the project.  I had to send him a letter to let him know that he had to be in compliance with the payout waiver so the bank would come inspect the work and make the payment.  There were two times where ***************** caused problems with the payout so *** could proceed with the job so there were delays and hold *** with the work because of that.  For decisions with certain parts of the project there was times where the Zelkos went completely DARK and there was no communication and left me waiting for 4/5 days before there were responses which also delayed the job.  The job would have taken 120 days but due to the complications of communication,treatment of the *** crew, decision making from the Zelkos, extra working being requested.  The job is not finished yet due to the extreme hostile environment the Zelkos have created.  ******* Bank had no problem with my work and *** has passed multiple inspections with the *****************.  

  Customer response

  06/12/2023

   
  Complaint: 20133047
  
  I am rejecting this response because: explanation provided in document uploaded today. All responses are bolded and italicized. I am able to  supply all text messages if you wish further documentation. Also included today is his documentation of excavation work in December, stating "going good here" yet on side of house one can see the destroyed irrigation system hanging there and he never informed us.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************

  

  Business response

  06/30/2023

  Zelkos were well aware of *********************** not being licensed in the state of ********* and ************* was also aware that I am not licensed in the state of Wisconsin.  Job time work was 3-4 months weather permitting. They knew that upfront and due to the concrete shortage of 6 weeks we got started 6 weeks later. 
  All inspections were done by the title company that sent all documentation and pictures to the bank to release payment to TRC Enterprises. 
  All tile work was installed properly except 6 tiles that I had told I would have no problem changing. Due to their verbal abuse and creating a hostile environment we did not change them. 
  All floor and wall tile was supposed to be picked out by home owner and I had asked home owner several times and their responses were they were too busy which left TRC Enterprises to pick out floor and wall tile.  If they didnt like what TRC picked out they should have picked it out themselves. 
  The stoop was poured with too much of a pitch and was an oversight and TRC Enterprises removed it and poured a new stoop that passed a building code. 
  The addition at his old house was not even near the same square footage size so the shower could not be duplicated to what he had.  The Zelkos were made aware of this.  TRC made the shower large enough to not have any water issues.  TRC went over the shower placement with ***************** and *** had no problem with the shower valve originally and after the work was done and drywall was up. ***************** demanded it to be moved and a wall built.  That was not on the plans that he agreed to to start construction. 
  TRC made the brick as an option if the Zelkos wanted and had told the brick would be 10k more with the foundation before work started.  He said he did not want that.  We copied the existing structure that was there and matched it.  The front of the additional is not clapboard it is smartboard and has multiple details to match the existing structure that we took done. ***************** was well aware of what it was going to look when it was done due to the drawings that were supplied at the start of the project. 
  The white door was accepted by ***************** with the blinds between the glass giving her son a much better view of the outside.  The door could have been painted in a color to match the front door.  She was very well aware of this and then ***************** wanted it removed four weeks later and another door installed. 
  Zelkos paid for carpet squares as what was in the in the old addition and they changed it to laminate flooring which cost more money.  Once again TRC didnt charge for the upcharge. 
  TRC DID NOT winterize the irrigation system.  TRC had to cut an existing sprinkler to build addition.  If the irrigation system was winterized property there wouldnt be any problems at start up.  TRC also disconnected the main water supply to the system which there for could not have any water in the pipes.  Once again due to their verbal threats and abuse caused a hostile environment we did not finish hooking everything up. 
  The Zelkos have been accusing me several times from the start of the project of doing things wrong. The city of Caledonia have made all inspections except a final occupancy inspection.  All inspections have passed without any problems.  The Zelkos have done nothing but harass and verball abuse me, threaten and cause a hostile environment for myself and my sub contractors.  ******** would not release funds for funds requested unless the material and work was completed at the time for request of funds. We have been paid up to date from ************* and we also had to leave multiple times off the job because the Zelkos did not want to sign any payouts.  Their comments would be we are making too much money and he was getting other estimates for other work that he wanted done at the time of the addition and he made us wait 5 weeks before we could move forward with completing the project.  Any concerns that the Zelkos had could have been easily resolved and taken care of with a meeting onsight face to face not text messages with verbal abuse.  The Zelkos brought all this aggravation themselves by being unethical and extremely hard to please.  No communication what so ever and would take 3-5 for ***************** to even respond to my text messages.  The job was only 8 days away from being completed and I could not take any more of their abuse.  The items are not finished yet due to us leaving the job.  At this time we cant seem to come to an understanding to finish the project and there will be no refunds given.  

  Customer response

  07/05/2023

   
  Complaint: 20133047
  
  I am rejecting this response because: (my response is in bold text)

  Zelkos were well aware of *********************** not being licensed in the state of ********* and ************* was also aware that I am not licensed in the state of *********. 
  He never made ** aware of his state of licensure. He was supposed to supply us with his licensure ( no matter what state he held it in) and proof insurance. He has never supplied us with his insurance carrier, either.
  
  
  Job time work was 3-4 months weather permitting.  They knew that upfront and due to the concrete shortage of 6 weeks we got started 6 weeks later.  
  All inspections were done by the title company that sent all documentation and pictures to the bank to release payment to TRC Enterprises.  
  Again, as stated in my previous response, the only thing the inspector for the title company was required to do was document that materials were on site. 
  
  
  All tile work was installed properly except 6 tiles that I had told I would have no problem changing. 
  The tile work was installed, but IMPROPERLY AND UNPROFESSIONALLY. Irregular tiles placed on walls, irregular grout spacing, between tiles and in all corners. Same can be said for the floor. The individual who did the work was ill and on dialysis, so that *** have contributed to the poor workmanship. TRC should have probably chosen a person who could perform the task properly and efficiently.  
  
  
  Due to their verbal abuse and creating a hostile environment we did not change them. 
  AGAIN, I will be happy to supply the text messages that my wife and I had with TRC. Feel free to point out any abuse.
  
  
  
  
  All floor and wall tile was supposed to be picked out by home owner and I had asked home owner several times and their responses were they were too busy which left TRC Enterprises to pick out floor and wall tile. 
  If they didnt like what TRC picked out they should have picked it out themselves. 
  That is correct, my wife and I are both busy, we believed that TRC was capable of picking out a high quality tile to match the look and workmanship in the rest of our house. TRC was well aware of the quality in our house and he promised time and time again that all work and look would match this quality. The tiles chosen were cheap, the installation was poorly done process of  choosing poor quality materials repeats itself throughout the whole project.
  
  
  The stoop was poured with too much of a pitch and was an oversight and TRC Enterprises removed it and poured a new stoop that passed a building code.  
    No one, I repeat, not one of the inspectors that I personally talked to stated that the stoop passed any code. The initial pour of the concrete stoop was not an oversight but just another example of the poor workmanship of TRC and his subs.
  
  
  The addition at his old house was not even near the same square footage size so the shower could not be duplicated to what he had.  The Zelkos were made aware of this.  TRC made the shower large enough to not have any water issues.  TRC went over the shower placement with ***************** and *** had no problem with the shower valve originally and after the work was done and drywall was up.  ***************** demanded it to be moved and a wall built.  That was not on the plans that he agreed to to start construction. 
  We brought TRC over to our other house so he could see what we had before, what worked for our son and that we wanted it replicated in the addition. The shower at our other house is 8 x 5.5 , the shower that TRC built is the same size. So what point he is trying to make that he couldnt replicate what we had before is beyond me. 
  As I stated in my previous response there were significant water issues with the build of the shower, the placement of the shower head and lack of a wall to prevent water spraying all over the adjacent hallway and wall.
  
  
  TRC made the brick as an option if the Zelkos wanted and had told the brick would be 10k more with the foundation before work started.  He said he did not want that.  We copied the existing structure that was there and matched it.  The front of the additional is not clapboard it is smartboard and has multiple details to match the existing structure that we took done.  ***************** was well aware of what it was going to look when it was done due to the drawings that were supplied at the start of the project. 
  There was not one discussion regarding a brick exterior. If there was, we would have oked it so the front of the addition would look like the  rest of the house. 
  AGAIN, TRC reassured us again and again that once he was done we would see the quality of his work and a look that would make it appear like the new addition was part of the original house. 
  
  
  The white door was accepted by ***************** with the blinds between the glass giving her son a much better view of the outside.
  As stated in the previous response, *** was not asked and did not ok a white door. A white door would have been inconsistent with the rest of the house.
  
  
   The door could have been painted in a color to match the front door.  She was very well aware of this and then ***************** wanted it removed four weeks later and another door installed. 
  I wanted a door that looked like wood, like our front door, not a white door that supposedly could be painted to look like wood.
  
  Zelkos paid for carpet squares as what was in the in the old addition and they changed it to laminate flooring which cost more money.  Once again TRC didnt charge for the upcharge.
  The reason for no upcharges along the way were that we pointed out poor workmanship and materials and I believe TRC felt somewhat obligated to try and make things right.
  
  TRC DID NOT winterize the irrigation system.  TRC had to cut an existing sprinkler to build addition.  If the irrigation system was winterized property there wouldnt be any problems at start up.  TRC also disconnected the main water supply to the system which there for could not have any water in the pipes.  Once again due to their verbal threats and abuse caused a hostile environment we did not finish hooking everything up.
  We never said TRC winterized the irrigation system. An outside contractor (***********) did it in November. They have been winterizing the system for years for the previous owner. So it was winterized properly. TRC cut thru the irrigation system during excavation, did not inform us of this damage, and left the pipe open in the sub-basement of the addition. Water poured out of this pipe when *********** turned the system back on June 1st. 
  Once again, I will show you all text message exchanges we have had with TRC. If calling out poor workmanship and materials abuse, then I admit we are guilty.  
  
  The Zelkos have been accusing me several times from the start of the project of doing things wrong.  The city of Caledonia have made all inspections except a final occupancy inspection.  All inspections have passed without any problems.  
  All inspection were rough inspections only. 
  
  
  The Zelkos have done nothing but harass and verball abuse me, threaten and cause a hostile environment for myself and my sub contractors.  ******** would not release funds for funds requested unless the material and work was completed at the time for request of funds.
  To state it again, the inspector for the title company only had to report that materials were on site for the title company to release funds.The title company then told the bank to release funds. No other inspection process was involved in the draw of funds. 
  
  
    We have been paid up to date from ************* and we also had to leave multiple times off the job because the Zelkos did not want to sign any payouts.  Their comments would be we are making too much money and he was getting other estimates for other work that he wanted done at the time of the addition and he made us wait 5 weeks before we could move forward with completing the project. 
  The only estimates I was getting was on extra work I was planning once TRC had completed their scope of work.
  
   Any concerns that the Zelkos had could have been easily resolved and taken care of with a meeting onsight face to face not text messages with verbal abuse. The Zelkos brought all this aggravation themselves by being unethical and extremely hard to please.  
  I will admit we were hard to please.  We a signed a contract agreeing to spend  $365,000 on this two room addition for our disabled son. Not only did we demand high quality workmanship and materials, we also demanded the safest *** standard environment for our sons safety. None of these demands were met.
  
  
  No communication what so ever and would take 3-5 for ***************** to even respond to my text messages.
  TRCs inability to accept any criticism for his work made it very difficult to carry on a mature and meaningful face-to-face conversation. Being told time and time again that we were hurting his feelings got a little bit old.
  
  
  The job was only 8 days away from being completed and I could not take any more of their abuse.  
  Given all the work that had to be redone along with the unfinished work that hadnt been done, there was NO WAY that TRC was going to be done in 8 days.
  
  
  The items are not finished yet due to us leaving the job.  At this time we cant seem to come to an understanding to finish the project and there will be no refunds given.
  Response as expected.  These responses do not address our concerns.  
  BBB please leave these comments on your website and we will also leave a review.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************

  

  Business response

  07/12/2023

  I have reviewed all of the comments.   At this time we advise you to have your lawyer contact me as there are no intensions of reimbursing you.    

  Thank you,

  ************************;

  Customer response

  07/12/2023

   
  Complaint: 20133047
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************

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