ComplaintsforLafayette Roofing & General Contractors, LLC

• Initial Complaint

  03/08/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This complaint is a result of negligent actions on 11/27/2023 that caused damage to our home. Company employee, ******* ********, was working alone on the chimney of our neighbor's home. While removing the chimney, some heavy materials came down and caused damage to our home. My wife and I were home and had noticed the work in progress, the single worker, and the lack of any measures to protect our home. Some protection would have been reasonable since our homes are very close to each other. Also, the heavy chimney was already leaning. At about 1 pm that day we heard a loud crash and our home shook from an impact. We immediately went out to where the work was being done to see large pieces of the heavy chimney being removed from our neighbor's roof on the ground next to our home and damages to the redwood siding where these pieces had obviously hit our home. Their employee, ******* ********, was not injured and all he said was that it was 'OK'. As he was about to go back to his work to continue removing the remaining portions of the heavy chimney, it was pointed out to him that all was not 'OK', our home was damaged and at risk of being further damaged since it was still not protected in any way. We asked for a pause in the work and to meet a supervisor. We met with **** *****, General Manager, and expressed our concerns. He stopped the project for the day and promised to build a wall between the houses the next day to protect our home. The next day there were two or three workers on the roof and they finished without further damage to our home. **** ***** said the company would make the repairs to our home. My wife and I had experienced the unprofessional way this company does business, including aggressive words and actions. We decided to get someone professional to make the repairs. We received repair prices from $2,998 to $5,950. The siding damaged was solid redwood, we choose to use the less costly and inferior finger-joint redwood siding.

  

  Business response

  03/22/2024

  Lafayette Roofing GC was working on a concrete chimney that was completely rotten next door to the complainant. A solid section of plaster/concrete from the front facet fell off of the rotten chimney and scraped the siding of the neighboring home that is built well-within the parish building code allowed property line. The owner next door spoke with our office manager on site within 30 minutes of the incident to discuss and find a solution, but the owner would NOT allow LRGC to complete any of the repairs. Both the husband and wife were outside filming my employee demanding our crew leader, *******, stop his work on the home next door. Our first obligation is to assess damages and find an amicable solution, but the neighbor was shaking at this point. This was handled very calmly from our side and we were more than willing to fix the damages, but the owners demanded we shut down our scope of work for the day (this did not affect any of his living situation at any point in time).

  We had to absolutely continue our work next door to keep the roof water-tight the very next day! We did take proper precautions on the roof but this chimney is on the very edge of the roof almost above the complainant's home. This damaged happened on November 27th and we had not heard back from the complainant until this report was submitted months later. 

  Lafayette Roofing owners spoke with the neighbor again and requested that the neighbor provide estimates for the work to be completed since he denied our involvement completely. We outsourced the direct wood materials from a local wood mill and we can purchase the existing materials for under $400 for the 5 damaged boards. His complaint states that he ultimately used inferior wood lap siding materials in the end which is even more cost-effective than being from the mill. The homeowner decided to hire a competitive roofing contractor, ***** ****, to perform the wood repairs and paint the wall without providing any estimates as discussed. The paint materials cost no more than $250 in total so why would we be expected to pay a competitor over $2,000 profit to handle this small repair?

  We will be willing to compensate fair market value as originally agreed but we will not be pushed to pay for this unreasonable amount!

  Customer response

  03/25/2024

  
  Complaint: 21401514
  
  I am rejecting this response because they fail to take responsibility for their work and they fail to agree to reimburse us for the cost we incurred to repair the damage to our home that we suffered.

  Their response shows that they knew of the conditions of the project, including the rotten chimney.  The two pictures provided were taken on two separate days.  The one showing the rotten wood is from the first day of work when our home was damaged.  The one showing the large wooden barrier on the edge of the roof is from the second day of work.  Note that when comparing the pictures there is no protection for our adjoining home in the first picture, as shown in the second picture.  If a barrier had been placed on the first day, our home would not have been damaged.  Obviously, they agree that a barrier (or something) protecting our home was needed!

  Since we witnessed first hand how they perform work in a negligent manner and relate to people, we decided not to risk further damage to our home or our neighbor's home by agreeing to let them perform the required repair work.  The only reasonable option was to find a professional contractor available to make the needed repairs.  We received multiple prices and chose the least expensive.

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

• Initial Complaint

  03/07/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I contracted Lafayette roofing to replace our roof, the contracted is dated 2/5/2021 the work was complete in May 2021. The flashing around the chimney was not changed. We were not informed the flashing was not included in the bid or that there was an extra cost to change it. If we had known our insurance would have been charged for the extra cost. Now we have a sizable leak and Lafayette Roofing has informed us that we will have to pay and extra $1500.00 to have it fixed. We feel like it is their responsibility and we should not have to pay the extra cost for repair.

  

  Business response

  03/07/2023

  Mr. *****,

  Todd 1st went to your home Dec 2020 and spoke to Mrs. ***** regarding a full roof replacement. At this time, Mr. Todd spoke to her about the chimney flashing and all other roofing components involved. She stated, the chimney flashing did not need to be replaced and wasn't leaking. At no time was there a mention that this was an insurance job, nor did we receive a scope of loss or any paperwork from your insurance provider. The roof was completed on May 24, 2021.

  We were not notified of any problems until the first week of Feb 2023. We have since sent two different employees to inspect the area on separate occasions. They both came to the same conclusion that it was leaking from the chimney flashing. As you can see below, stated in our warranty, on the contract that you agreed to, that we always strongly suggest changing flashings and accessories. It also reads below components of the roof not changed will not be covered under warranty and list flashing as well. 

  We are truly sorry that you are having this issue but either you or your insurance would have been responsible for paying for the flashing. All other components of your roof that we changed is still under full labor and material warranty. If we would have changed the flashing and it would have leaked, we would have taken full responsibility. 

  See Section B from our contract below:

  B’. Warranty: Warranties are considered rescinded and revoked should the Total Sum not be paid in full when deemed substantially complete by
  

  Lafayette Roofing. Lafayette Roofing must be paid as agreed when the material is delivered and when the work performed is deemed complete by Lafayette
  Roofing. Labor Warranty covers Roof-Replacements only, not repairs. Labor Warranty does not cover damage to roofs caused by “Acts of God,” strong winds
  of seventy miles per hour or more on 3-Tab shingles or Architectural Shingles manufacturer specifications (see manufacturer warranty), hailstorms, or similar
  events produced by natural forces.

  Components of a roof that are not changed are not covered under any warranty, and damage caused by same is not.
  covered. (Lafayette Roofing strongly suggests Owner change all necessary accessories, on the roof such as; vent’s that are not gas related, skylights, drip edge, flashing etc., which ensures a new and complete roof system.)

  Labor Warranty does not cover damage to the roof or interior of home due to foundation.

  settlement, distortion or cracking of roof-deck for any reason. Other issues such as; leaks caused by chimney flashing, skylights or other accessories, that
  are not replaced during the original installation of the roof system, renders the “Labor Warranty” null and void unless item is specified to be changed in this
  Agreement.

  Prior warped decking is NOT considered a workmanship issue.
  If there appears to be any problems with the roof replacement completed by Lafayette Roofing, Owner shall first contact Lafayette Roofing for assistance
  before undertaking any additional repairs or construction themselves. Labor Warranty shall be null and void if a third party performs work on the area
  described in this Agreement once the work is deemed complete, or, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by Lafayette Roofing’s management.

• Initial Complaint

  11/01/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  On October 1, 2020, I contact Mr. Jeff R********, from Lafayette Roofing Co. He came to my house on did an estimate, he sent me the contract. I agreed and sign it. On January 15, 2021. He sent out a group of guys Mr. Edgar and about 5 other guys to help him. I had some black spot in the ceiling he was supposed to see if its was Mold, He started to rip out the popcorn ceiling he took a big piece and he show it to me there was no mold. So I told him to patch it up and to leave the ceiling alone. He wanted to continue to rip off more of the ceiling and he made a big hole, I called Mr. Jeff he never call me back. I was so upset I told Mr. Edgar that he has to cover and make sure that the ceiling look just how it was, all this ceiling needed was a paint job. He started to work on the ceiling it look so bad thin and sloppy and some areas was thick and ugly. He said wait until it dries. I call the office and spoke with someone and I explain what has happen and he said he was going to contact Mr. Jeff. On that Monday Jeff came to my house and said what they did he was not happy, he said I am going to get another group of guys to come and fix it again. Its been two years now and the ceiling still look bad. 4 group of guys were sent to my house and still this job is not completed done. Now Mr. Jeff is telling me to pay him for the job. I was so upset and I told him if he don't get someone to finished this job i am contacting the BB and Customer affairs and i will have to get a lawyer and sue this company. This was a one year contract its been two years and now he sending another guy on Saturday October 28, 2022. I don't know what else to do. I am so stress out how my ceiling is left its not fair that he want me to pay him and leave my ceiling looking so ugly. Please can you help me. I will appreciate anything you can do for Lafayette Roofing getting my ceiling back the way it was. Thank you.

  

  Business response

  11/03/2022

  A meeting with Ms. ********* took place on September 30, 2020 at her home on **** ***** ***** in Lafayette to discuss multiple issues resulting from hurricane damage. Among those concerns were dark black spots on her living room ceiling. I explained that is was likely due to a lack of proper ventilation and that the spots were a result of surface mold created by condensation. She requested that the area be repaired, but to have the the black spots check to ensure they were not black mold because she didn't want her grandchild around something potentially harmful. I explained to Ms. ********* that since the home and ceiling were 35+years old and had popcorn acoustic textured ceilings that were discolored, if sections were to be removed that there would be no way to match any replacement perfectly due to its age, discoloration, and overall condition. She stated that was acceptable as long as we could get it close, but she wanted to make sure it was safe. I prepared an estimate for roofing and flashing repairs, as well as a cost for minor ceiling for repairs only and to have the repaired area repainted as she requested as a separate line item for her to consider. The estimate was submitted to Ms. ********* on October 1, 2020 and then agreed upon on October 20, 2020.

  In January, one of our interior sub contractors had a crew go out for the above stated repair. A small section of the affected area was removed and inspected to show that the spots were not harmful, however Ms. ********* asked to have it all removed and checked to make sure there was nothing harmful for her Grandchild to be around. Mr. Edgar agreed and proceeded to complete the repairs as she requested, but he again informed her that any patching will not and cannot match perfectly. At no time during while the work was being done was I, or my office, contacted via phone or email with any concerns. I received an e-mail from Ms. ********* 3 days after the work was done to address some concerns she had with the work/ workers. I had addressed some of the complaints with the crew directly, which they stated were not accurate.

  After speaking with Ms. *********, I met with her at her home a few days later to inspect. I did agree that the patchwork could have been done better, and that I would send someone else over to correct, obviously at no additional charge. We dispatched a different interior sub to Ms. *********' home to address the issue, along with a project manager from our staff. Upon completion, our manager stated that he spoke with Ms. *********, explained to her again that the patch will not be a perfect match due to conditions, and asked her if the work was done to her satisfaction. She told him that it was, and the crew packed up and left. Again, during this timeframe where the work was being conducted, I nor my office were never contacted with any concerns. Days later, after the invoice was issued, we received another email in response, again saying there were "issues" that needed to be discussed. I again addressed some of the complaints with the crew directly, which they stated again were not accurate. She said she wanted it to look exactly how it looked before, and again It was again explained that we cannot match the texture or color perfectly due to age and condition. After some back and fourth, we agreed to hire an outside sub to try one more time to pacify Ms. ********* request. Please note that this was after multiple hurricane and at the height of Covid so there was a lapse in time. But once we were able to get someone lined up, multiple attempts to contact Ms. ********* both by phone and email failed, and messages were not returned for quite some time. 

  After a long time lapse, and finally getting in contact with her again, we were able to hire another sub to make these repairs, this being a fourth time. This contractor stated he would do his best but there wouldn't be much more he could do that wasn't already done, and his opinion was it was as close as it could be. He completed his repairs to the best of his ability, and the final invoice was sent to Ms. *********.  Ms. ********* again followed up with complaints, stating that she wanted it to look like it did before. And for the last time I explained to her that her request was unreasonable and that she had been told multiple times that it could not and would not be a perfect match. At that point I explained that we can not continue to absorb the cost of these attempts to satisfy her request after being explained repeatedly that it could not be done that way. I then offered her two options, the first was to remove the charge for interior completely, and only bill for the roofing and flashing work that was completed without issue. Or option two, we can do additional work to the ceilings in the living room, kitchen, and hallway to make everything match how she wanted, but there would additional cost incurred for labor and material since it was in addition to the original scope of work. Both options were declined, she then stated she would call the BBB and threatened to sue if we didn't do that additional work at no charge. I told her that because our original agreement was for small scale repairs at a total cost of $695.00, we could not agree to doing such an expanded scope of work that would equal multiple days and additional thousands of dollar in labor and material for no charge, and that she was making a completely unreasonable request. 

  There have been multiple attempts to satisfy this customers expectations, all at no additional charge thus far. Three Different licensed painting and interior contractors have stated that matching 35 year old pop corn ceilings is quite literally impossible, and that there was no more that could be done. There is an area that does not match the rest of the existing due to its age and discoloration. We have tried consistently to address this concern, however the majority of attempts to call, text and email Ms. ********* to resolve this matter went unanswered for long periods of time. Photos of before and after the ceiling repairs took place, along with correspondence, and the original estimate and agreement have been submitted for review as well.

  Customer response

  11/03/2022

  
  Complaint: 18329592
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ********** Lafayette Roofing Co. Mr. Jeff R********, knows that this should had never happened. If there was no indication of mold, my ceiling needed was a paint job.  Mr. Edgar took into his own hand to rip off piece where there was no black spot. I will forward you a photo.  When he shows me that there was no indication of Mold, I told Mr. Edgar to leave. He refused and i called Mr. Jeff R******** to address this situation.  Also, i had a complaint that Mr. Edgar was being disrespectful to me in my own home.

  I was never asked nor i needed additional work in the kitchen or hallway.  

  Failure Includes

  Poor Workmen's

  Abandonment for Months 

  Budge Staffing

  Disrespectful behavior

  One-year contract  

  I have all the photos and contract and I noticed everything was done for two years.   

  Mr. Jeff R******** has given me no choice but to seek a Lawyer. 

   

  Have a great day. 

   

  Thank you. 

  Customer response

  11/10/2022

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID 18329592, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  

  This has been a so stressful for the past two (2) years,  Mr. Edgar made this situation Atrophic., and I know that you tried your best to satisfying all the requirement accurately.   

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

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