ComplaintsforA.R.K. Construction

• Initial Complaint

  11/17/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  6-13-2023 ARK Construction as a Member of ********, ** since April 13, 2023.7-26-2023 Contacted ***************** by phone. He requested to talk by text.7-28-2023 First appointment, in person; 1 hour late. No notes taken by ***; general discussion.First Quote promised by 8-8-2023 or 8-9-2023; received Quote #***, dated 8-21-2023, in the amount of $10,000.Discussed zero-entry shower to accommodate my Veteran husband, move toilet, install new vanity countertop and heated floor, replace flooring with a small ****, and remove shower and tub, starting the week of 10-9-2023.Explained we are working with the VA.Asked for a rendering, asked for the name of the plumber, asked for references.*** directed us to ************** in ************ (**************, **), ******* Contemporary (********, **), and ********************** (*********, **) with no direction, other to talk with ******* at *****.9-15-2023 Second appointment, in person; 2 hours late.Discussed project in more detail & *** will put together a comprehensive quote with $1000 down.Signed a contract, dated 9-15-2023.On 10-2-2023, 10-20-2023, 11-8-2023, I texted a picture of the exact wording off the VA form.I found it odd that a Quote could be created even though no products were confirmed, but understood the final cost would be adjusted.Second Quote #***, dated 10-9-2023, in the amount of $21,500, again no specific product details provided, including *** flooring. Later I learned from Customer Floors and More, who we previously used that there are specific *** **** flooring. ***'s only instruction was to purchase a small **** so that the grout could cover the heating material for the heated floor.11-7-2023 *** texted he was ready to place orders! How??On 11-11-2023, we drove to ************* in *********, **. There we met a Consultant who compiled a Quote in 1-1/2 hours!!!, including, but not limited to: *** ********* ****, mortars, spectralock, sealer, heat 120V wire, heat mat, laticrete, thermostadt, linear drain.

  Business response

  11/17/2023

  ********************* contacted me for a bathroom remodel and multiple other projects to be done her home.  The bathroom remodel we discussed involved working with the V/A to help fund the project.  I told *************** that in order to do the extra paper work for the V/A approval (details down to the specific amounts per materials and labor - this is quite a bit of work to be done and takes time and effort that doesnt go into quoting a normal job)  there would need to be a $1000 down payment (non refundable but would be applied to the project total). Initial visit was simple. Tear out shower/tub/floor move some plumbing/and a new vanity top. The initial quote and dollar amount on contract was for this specific scope of work.  As we progressed in our efforts to come to terms with materials add ons were made such as heated flooring/custom shower doors/custom vanity top. This created a price increase that *************** understood or so I thought.  As we continued with process I asked for a contact phone number for the V/A employee that was assisting them with the project so I could make sure everything went smoothly.  It took 2+ months to finally receive a contact.  As for ***************** comments about ordered being ready this was never stated by myself or A.R.K.  She may be referring to when she was informed that unless we start making orders the wait time would only increase for the project due to orders being fulfilled by suppliers.   As the project planning progressed ideas and suggestions for materials were given to the customer for flooring, shower panels, shower base, vanity tops, heated flooring, bidet, etc and I think over time those ideas were forgotten or possibly even untrusted. The customer consulted with multiple other suppliers and installers only to be redirected to the materials submitted by A.R.K. Which added a notable amount of time to the planning process.  All materials recommended for this project were ADA ********** Again all ideas were prepared and submitted to the customer in efforts to move the process forward.  A.R.K. Understands that over time ideas can be forgotten and not every detail makes it into the notes. I believe this complaint has been made out of emotional distress rather than facts and would for it to be retracted. Thanks for your time.  
                                   
  

                                    A.R.K. Construction

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

  Customer response

  11/17/2023

  Complaint: 20882088
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  What *** and I talked about for the bathroom was all discussed initially, including the heated floor. 

  The main point here is that *** had NO products to present or support his second Quote #***, dated 10-9-2023, especially, as he states, he had not talked with the VA. The quote was issued & presented after I provided him the explicit detail, via text, with a picture. All issues were blamed on me!

  At the end, he wanted me to call him, that the text messages were confusing. I called him Friday morning, as he requested, by text, and he proceeded to tell me I should not call him while hes at work. Im trying to accommodate his requests!

  My main concern was this Quote was a quote, without substance. I have attached a rendering - or some kind of picture- of the bathroom remodel he was planning. What was this??? OUR house is going to be disrupted for three (3) weeks, and WHAT kind of final product are we going to be left with?

  In his 6-page, 34 point Independent Contractor Agreement, with NO address listed, there are many points Im responsible for, including me reimbursing him for: The Contractor will be reimbursed from time to time for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by the Contractor in connection with providing the Service..

  My/ Our budget and checkbook is not a free-for-all! There have been so many red flags throughout this process, going down a rabbit hole & trying to trust this Contractor.
  

  My understanding this is too big of a project to take on for him, as he stated hes been in business three (3) years.

  I can list all the red flags, if needed. Everything was my fault, per ***. The last, heated phone call I was told I was trying to make an elaborate bathroom. Elaborate being my word, I cannot remember his word(s). I was shocked, taken aback.
  I told him all I wanted was a finished bathroom so I can safely give showers to my Veteran husband while also in the shower. I did not ask for anything over and above what was initially talked about.

  The other delays were his personal business, going on vacation one (1) week in September & ten (10) days the end of October, 2023. At the first appointment he was an (1) hour late. The second appointment he was two (2) hours late.  We were flexible, delaying dinner, & not making an issue out of it. Was this his intention to aggravate us so we would end the project and take the deposit?

  I went to only one extra supplier trying to figure out what flooring was to be purchased. She was the person who explained the ADA ***** not the tile I selected and texted *** initially.

  The countertop supplier he suggested, in ********, only offered a cultured countertop, which was not what we talked about in our first visit.

  Examples were texted to ************ on, no reply or comment. He directed us to Floors & Decor w/out a contact, so we were on our own to figure it out.

  AS noted, I provided the VA detail on three (3) occasions. In late October he asked for a VA Contact name. Initially, I called the VA & did not receive a call back for at least a week. Later, I sent him direct phone numbers.
  

  As an example, I have received a quote this morning & from Floor & Decor within hours, not needing to contact the VA. No plumber is needed, as an example. *** needed a plumber. I have since learned there are two (2) ways to move the toilet. Re-venting the toilet vent or not. This was news to me!
  What was **** plan??

  I also asked for the name of his plumber. This was never received.

  Further, I asked for references, these took weeks, in that he could not find a reference. The one (1) reference he b provided me was for an active deck project. Far different than a master bath.

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

  Business response

  11/20/2023

  As you can tell from this response it is much more emotional than factual.  The add ons were added into the 2nd quote.  The meetings were never hours late. Yes A.R.K. Is 3 years old, as previously stated.  The materials and scope of work originally discussed changed after a meeting with a supplier. The supplier offered ideas such as heated towel racks, moving windows, etc  and this opened the idea to the heated floors and other custom materials to be used for project.  As the homeowner tries to state that this project was to ensure the safety of her husband I understand that was the initial thought that got the ball rolling however.  A $20-$25,000 bathroom is clearly more than just a safety concern. I never mentioned the bathroom as being too extravagant. The homeowner had asked if it was normal for this much back and forth on ideas and I  simply stated  no its not, however when the homeowner wants to create the  bathroom of your dreams of course you will want to make sure everything is the you want it.  As the ideas came from her I would reply with something similar to well anythings possible lets talk through it. And as the ideas came the quote went up.  As for the numbers. I researched approved materials for flooring, shower, doors, etc and mentioned how these numbers would cover materials unless she wanted something more unique and of course it would change.  Descriptions and pictures were sent or discussed in person.  I didnt recommend homeowner run around looking and talking with multiple suppliers/installers. I said if she would like to look at what I had recommended or if she wanted other ideas (if she didnt trust mine) that there a couple places to look at if need be.  I asked homeowner multiple times why she was doing all this running.  And as I write out this second response Im realizing I just dont have the patience for it.  The homeowners statements are not facts.  I will end it with Im sorry I lost your business and good luck to the next guy. 
  

  I have no other documents to submit at this time. There are miles of texts for proof if needed. 

  Customer response

  11/21/2023

  RED FLAG LISTING FOR ARK CONSTRUCTION

  ***** - BBB COMPLAINT #********

  11-19-2023

  BBB Complaint #******** Page 1 of 2

  A.R.K. Construction or ARK Construction

  ***********************

  General Contractor [email protected]

  ************

  Smithton, IL 62285

  Presented by: *********************

  ********************

  ********, ** 62243

  ************

  1. No address listed on Joes Independent Contractor Agreement (6-page document & 34-point agreement).

  2. No address listed on Joes business card.

  3. No listing on BBB.org.

  4. 7-28-2023 First in-person appointment; 1 hour late. Job ran late.

  5. **** work hours: 9 am - 3 pm; however, then tells me hes been working 12-hour days (October, 2023).

  6. Requested references. Weeks went by with repeated asks. Finally one reference (*****) provided was for an outside deck. *** comments, Im glad ***** offered since *** couldnt get anyone else to commit to a reference.

  7. Requested pictures of past projects. Weeks went by with repeated asks. On 11-7-2023 received, by text, only small final project bathroom with door closed, and deck pictures.

  8. *** requested communication by text. Last conversation(s) he didnt want text messages.

  9. No notes taken on paper, other than a couple entered in on his phone on our first meeting.

  **. First Quote #*** (8-21-2023): $**,000; includes labor, demo, disposal, labor, materials; $3000 for Onyx shower system, even though *******, not correct (*******), at ******************** (*********, **) had not sent him her numbers. This was the issue from the start. Never were there concrete numbers because the products were never established or chosen. It was constant moving numbers.

  11. 9-12-2023 text from *** stating so now we are to the point of signing a contract and putting a down payment in (25% of the current bid). And then we can start working on the details the va needs from us. The seemed so backward. We have built two houses and this has been a fiasco!

  12. 9-15-2023 Second in-person appointment; 2 hours late. Parents going on vacation. Required a $**00 check in order to complete Second Quote that will be applied to this project. Also required a 6-page, 34-point Independent Contractor Agreement. Continued going down a rabbit hole, thinking I can trust him. Looking back, I feel like an idiot.

  13. Asked for two copies of the signed Contract. Never received (single) hard copy until **-22-2023.

  14. **-**-2023 received a text picture of bathroom rendering - NOT to scale. Example will be placed in email, under separate cover.

  15. **-13-2023 received a picture of a grey, rubber flooring, as proposed by ***. This would be placed in a gym, NOT a bathroom.

  16. Second Quote #*** (**-9-2023): categories listed with $2000, $5000, $5000, $2500, NO grand total (Odd?). This Quote these numbers include all materials and labor - different than the First Quote, dated 8-21-2023. Also, some numbers do overlap due to prep and materials. What is this??

  17. 11-7-2023 **** text states, after has issued Second Quote #***, dated **-9-2023 - He needs to decide on a shower pan or membrane for the shower and check with ****. Then he was ready to start buying products!

  18. **Quotes to be attached and submitted under separate cover, via email.

  19. HOW can a Good-Faith ******** and Quote be issued without products being selected?? Continued to ask what are my allowances off the Second Quote #***? Never answered my question. Theres a big difference in flooring, as an example. If I buy a low-priced tile versus a high-priced tile, how is my product calculated?

  20. Our checkbook is not an never-ending supply of funds!

  21. Independent Contractor Agreement states, Item #8 (Compensation): #1 - Upon Agreement (different wording), #2 - materials payment BEFORE project starts, #3 - final payment upon completion.

  22. Independent Contractor Agreement states, Item #** (Reimbursement of Expenses): The Contractor will be reimbursed from time to time for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by the Contractor in connection with providing the Service.

  23. **-13-2023 I learned from Custom Floor and More that there are specific *** flooring tile. This was news to me!

  24. Initially offered a Veteran discount; however, never have seen one offered on quotes or mentioned again.

  25. Initially discussed tentative start date of: **-9-2023; never even got a start date after this missed date.

  26. Texted VAs specific guideline to *** on: **-2-2023, **-20-2023, and 11-8-2023. *****, at the VA, provided me the information, by phone, and I forwarded that information by text. Picture, in green highlight, will follow as an attachment, under separate cover, email.

  27. *** directed us to Floor & Decor in ************, *********, ***

  28. **-9-2023 first able to visit the Floor & ****************** store. There was no one there. Later called to schedule an appointment. Could not get hold of anyone by phone.

  29. 11-11-2023 (Saturday) met with ****** at *********, **, Floor & Decor. Had a full quote in hand for all products, except shower door and shower pan & stall, in the amount of $3975.

  THERE ARE PROBABLY MORE; HOWEVER, IVE SPEND SO MUCH TIME ON THIS PROJECT AND WITH *** AND RUNNING AROUND WHERE HES SENT US, IM DONE!!

  If Ive missed anything or anything needs to be clarified, please do not hesitate to contact me.

  *********************

  11-16-2023, 11:54 am (Thursday): Ironically, *** texted huge amounts of information & bathroom/shower option i.e.:

  contacted Custom Marble,

  contacted Lees,

  provided tile options,

  (9) pictures of tile,

  asked about heated flooring (always have wanted heated flooring),

  vanity top - waiting on a number,

  asked about shower heads and color,

  keeping mirror?

  considering roll-in shower base (Onyx) with pictures and prices soon,

  door figured out

  This is interesting, the communication, especially a

  11-15-2023; 3:28 pm (Wednesday) Left a voicemail for ***** asking if *** finished his deck, asking for a picture?

  11-15-2023; 3:32 pm (Wednesday) Texted ***** asking of *** finished his deck and confirmed I left a voicemail message.

  11-16-2023, 7:08 pm (Thursday) Texted ***** stating, FYI, $**00 lost to ARK Construction; 7-28-2023 to 11-16-2023. ***** texts me back, Im out of town at ********* I will call you Monday. Will I get a call back??

  9-8-2023; 3:21 pm (Friday), ***** offered to send pictures when done. Indicated there were more obstacles than most due to his home being older. *** was able to overcome them no problem. [Will this happen in our bathroom??]

  Customer response

  11/22/2023

  This Complaint relates to the experiences during the timespan from July through November, 2023, especially since September when minimal action was taken to move the project forward.

  All data provided is factual, including, as an example the two in-person meetings. Ethics play a large role in how a Contractor is viewed, in addition to his job performance. I could not, in good faith, allow the bathroom remodel move forward. How am I to be confident once the bathroom was demolished it would be completed in 3 weeks, as was **** timeline?

  Customer response

  11/22/2023

  This Complaint relates to the experiences during the timespan from July through November, 2023, especially since September when minimal action was taken to move the project forward.

  All data provided is factual, including, as an example the two in-person meetings. Ethics play a large role in how a Contractor is viewed, in addition to his job performance. I could not, in good faith, allow the bathroom remodel move forward. How am I to be confident once the bathroom was demolished it would be completed in 3 weeks, as was **** timeline?

  Customer response

  11/30/2023

  If possible, please add attached photo & my comment:
  His statement that he did not ask to move forward until the VA # was provided is not true & correct. *** (ARK Construction) was ready to order in September, 2023, & take more money for the bathroom project before everything was finalized!

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