ComplaintsforBeaty Home Improvements

• Initial Complaint

  07/04/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I hired ***** Home Improvements, LLC to rebuild my 3rd floor deck on 10/28/2022. Mr **** ***** accepted, on 11/11/2022 he requested the first payment of $3000.00. 12/8/2022 Mr. ***** advised that materials were ordered and would be delivered. 12/9/2022 Mr ***** advised that fire rated plywood was required and the materials ordered and delivered to my home would be used to "Build an exposed beam ceiling" in his new house. 1/5/2023 Mr. ***** advised that the materials ordered and delivered cannot be used, he would arrange a pick up, I would not be charged, and new treated lumber for the decking boards would be purchased. 1/8/2023 Mr. ***** requested the second payment of $1198.25. The original materials were picked up and removed. The project increased in complexity and cost - see multiple quotes with increasing costs. My HOA became involved and I kept Mr. ***** informed as it would reduce our work. On 4/28/2023 I asked Mr. ***** if he would like to bid for deck work for my building, if not I requested my money back minus what I owed for his time - See invoice 953 General Conditions $1600.00. After multiple calls and texts, Mr ***** emailed on 5/16/2023 declining the project. He advised I owed an additional $3610.33 for the incorrect materials ordered in December. He also advised that "if you think a refund is required, I don't see how". I responded asking for my refund to be sent via check. I have not heard from anyone at ***** Home Improvements, LLC since. I made two payments in good faith that the job would be permitted meeting all St Louis County Safety code. Mr ***** purchased materials without a signed contract that did not meet county safety code and confirmed in writing I would not be charged. No work was completed on my deck as a permit was not be secured. Per invoice 953, I paid for the General Conditions of $1600 for Mr. *****'s time, research, and phone calls. I am owed $2598.25. Amount Paid $4198 General Conditions $1600 Refund Due: $2598.25

  

  Business response

  07/27/2023

  I was given a down payment for the work. Based on our original contract. She mentioned nothing of the HOA's involvement. In the end also made it seem as if this would be an easy fix. We were starting with just simply replacing the custom non-refundable deck boards. I explain to the customer her options. And she agreed to the down payment and the purchasing of her custom nonrefundable deck boards.

  After purchasing the deck boards and the railing system, which are nonrefundable. These were all special order items and custom mill dimensional Lumber.

  The customer then stated that the HOA had their own contractors. And then I was no longer going to be able to build the deck due to insurance reasons, and the basically the job was taken out of her hands as the HOA was gonna make the decision process from there.

  Jennifer was not forthcoming with any of this information after the initial payment and purchase of materials.

  As stated, the materials are nonrefundable and special order. My hands were tied.

  I wish that things were different, and I could return the items. However, they are now taking up space in my warehouse. And frankly, I do not know what to do with them. 

  Perhaps one day they will be used on a different job. She's welcome to take all of the material and store them herself if she would like and try and sell them. She can get a trailer and transport them to her on location.

  She has requested a refund for these items, and it is absolutely impossible to do that. If I could get a refund for the items, I would absolutely do this for her.

  The contract was revised several times due to her request. And in ability to understand her requirements as a homeowner with her HOA and other factors.

  Our initial agreement was to remodel the deck, very simply. However, the permit process had a lot of restrictions, and the HOA had even more restrictions. Which made this impossible. So at the end of the day, this was just a simple misunderstanding. However, this misunderstanding resulted in purchasing customized materials, which can no longer be returned, or used on her project. 

  I delivered the materials as instructed. And she instructed me that these materials will not work for the job. And I was instructed to take the materials away. All of which I did not get compensated for. 

  I did everything I could to move the project along as she instructed. However, the road blocks from the HOA and the county of St. Louis made this impossible to proceed with just a simple repair. To a very small balcony deck. We had fire restrictions, and the HOA was requesting. Workman's comp. Insurance which I don't need or care to have for my business. Plus I was told HOA would contact me for several months which they never did. I was pushed out of the project and not able to carry forward. 

  Hope this makes sense. Unfortunately materials and invest time in the project didn't warrent a refund. I made every effort along the way and was very communicative and transparent along the entire process (she was well informed) and even brought my own architects to assess the project for the HOA. When I arrived with my architect. She stated oh well, we already have drawings and we're just waiting for them but I appreciate your time. Which was very strange because she said oh yeah, come on out and take a look and bring your architect. And made no mention that it was not necessary. But as soon as we showed up, she said no it's not necessary. So this was another expense that I had to pay for my architects time for Site visit. 

  Im wondering why she is putting no value on my time and effort and attention to her project needs. Seems like she may not be very organized.
  

  Customer response

  08/06/2023

  As stated in the documentation, the materials ordered did not comply with St Louis County safety regulations to obtain the required permit.  Mr. ***** ordered these in error and as shared in the documentation acknowledged as such and confirmed I would not be charged. 

  I managed all HOA communications and updated Mr. ***** as and when information was provided to me.  I cannot explain why he paid for a architect as before this I clearly communicated in writing that an engineer was hired and balcony plans would be shared with him as soon as they were available.

  I am owed a refund for labor never completed as described in my initial complaint.
  

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