ComplaintsforDK Home Improvement Company

• Initial Complaint

  08/08/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On August 18, 2023 we agreed to a contract to have my deck replaced and gave Carmine a $7000.00 deposit to start the job. Its now August 8, 2024 and we haven't had anything done towards having our deck replaced and no communication from DK Home Improvement or Carmine and its almost a year later.

  Business response

  08/09/2024

  I would first like to say that ***** has been extremely patient during this process.  I don't understand why he would say there was no communication.  Our foreman has been consistently communicating with *****.  He has dozens of text messages between the two of them along with numerous phone calls.  Dealing with the city of Pittsburgh for this permit has  been a nightmare and I can truly understand *****s frustration.  It seems every time we submitted what was required by the city, more was needed. We submitted deck drawings, but the city didn't accept them as is, ( these drawings are usually accepted by other boroughs we have delt with)  they wanted a stampded drawing, which we ordered through an Architectual Company at a cost of $636.44.  ***** had to provide a stampded survey/plot plan, which he supplied.  Fees were paid by DK for the buiding & zoning permits ($150.00) Our foreman was constantly speaking with the  City over the course of these many months, trying to clarify what was actually needed and the next steps to follow, all the while keeping ***** updated each time.  As it stands now, the city said after yet another review, the permit should be approved on or before August 22, 2024.  We are sorry things turned out the way they did.

  Sincerely

  Carmine D*****

  Customer response

  08/09/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
   
  Regards,
  
  ***** *******

• Initial Complaint

  04/30/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  On March 13, 2024, we entered into an agreement on behalf of the HighVue Manor Homeowners Association with D.K. Home Improvement Company to construct a deck. "Carmine" who represented D.K. Home Improvement Company, indicated he had an opening in early March. As of 4/30/2024, the deck has not been built, the deposit check in the amount of $4,100.00 has been cashed and no additional communication from "Carmine" has been provided regarding the start date of construction. Several calls to "Carmine" were placed for coordination of the construction start date. Very limited responses were given. One reply blamed the weather, another reply blamed the Shaler Building Inspector. Several more calls in the meantime were placed to "Carmine" yielding zero response to date. At this juncture, we are seeking a return/full refund of the deposit in the amount of $4,100.00.

  Business response

  05/01/2024

  I am sorry ******** felt the need to contact your office.  We were out there the middle of March.  She is on the schedule for Spring.   I really want to do their project.  Our foreman was going out to do a survey & project materials list.   If they no longer feel comfortable with us doing their project, I will refund their money.

  Carmine D*****

  Customer response

  05/01/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  

   

  Regarding Mr. D*****' response :  I am rejecting his reply for the following reasons :

  1.  Mr. D***** has exhibited a serious lack of communication in this matter. Status updates are not an unreasonable request, particularly when the schedule for this project per Mr. D*****' start time is already far behind.

  2. Upon contact to Mr. D***** from the BBB office regarding my complaint, Mr. D***** then called me and proceeded to lie that he's been "leaving me messages."  My cell phone log clearly shows Mr. D***** has placed only 1 call to me dated today 5/1/2024.  I am willing to provide the BBB with an official transcript from my cell phone carrier showing NO calls from Mr. D***** to myself apart from today, 5/1/2024.  Our VP board member is also willing to provide this substantiating evidence.  The cell phone carrier log will show both outgoing and incoming calls as well as texts.  The majority of calls to Mr. D***** from our VP board member went un-answered.

  3. Mr. D***** further proceeded to lie in his voicemail to me today 5/1/2024 that he's had issues with the Shaler Township permitting office.  Prior construction efforts at this property never seemed to have any issues with the Township office.  If Mr. D***** was experiencing delays of any type, he ought to have communicated this to us.  Simply returning phone calls or even texts explaining any setbacks would have been the professional approach.

  We would like the $4,100.00 deposit refunded ASAP.  The check was initially given to Mr. D***** on and dated for 3/13/2024.  We show the check being posted to the operational account 3/15/2024.  Mr. D***** certainly wasted no time in cashing that check but had no intention of running a reputable business built on professional relationships.

  Regards,
  
  ******** ***

  Business response

  05/02/2024

  We will refund the customer's down payment

  Carmne D*****

   

  Customer response

  05/02/2024

  
  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 under the condition the repayment is made within one business day of the receipt of this notice AND is in the form of a bank-issued Cashier's Check mailed to us.  Mr. Dulius wasted no time in depositing our down payment check.  There is no reason we need to allow him a generous turn-around time for the repayment.  He has already cost us valuable time.  We will have no hesitation in pursuing more stringent legal action if the check is not received per these instructions.

  
  
  Regards,
  
  ******** ***

• Initial Complaint

  03/25/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unresolved

  More info

  My husband and I signed a contract with DK Home Improvement Company on 6/3/2023 to have our old deck removed and a new deck build. The owner, Carmine D*****, had met with us and told us both verbally and wrote in our contract that we would have a new deck that summer. We paid a cash deposit ($8,300) to secure the work and didn't hear from the foreman until 8/12/2023 despite contacting Carmine multiple times to ask when we would hear from the foreman. The foreman did come to our house to speak with us about our project in August but needless to say, the "summer" deadline was not met. The foreman shared that we would have a new deck by October 2023. In October, I was told by the foreman, I do not know when we will be able to start your project, we still have a couple of jobs to finish before we start yours. In November, I asked the foreman how many other projects did he have to finish before he could begin ours. He wouldn't give me the number but said once they are close to starting our job he would let me know......... I reached out to the foreman and Carmine on 12/20/2023 via text to ask for our deposit back because they still did not have a project start date for us. Carmine responded to the group text (I believe by accident) and said to the foreman, "Use your powers tell them right after the holidays that we one of the first ones And we have all their materials paid for already tell them". We have asked Carmine for our deposit to be refunded 5 times since December 2023. He has not refunded our deposit and it is now March 25, 2024. As of December 2023, DK Home Improvement Company did not apply for a permit from our township, nor have we seen a blueprint.

  Business response

  03/26/2024

  Concerning the ********s there were circumstances beyond our control we continually want to get in there and do this project but I understand and will talk to the ********s concerning their refund. I’m sorry we weren’t able to work this out due to material backlog on the product they chose in hindsight my foreman should’ve showed them what we could get in a timely manner instead of that special order but nevertheless I will refund their money. Thank you

  Customer response

  03/28/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  The business said they would refund our money. Since we paid $8,300 in cash for a deposit, we need a cashiers check sent to us in that amount as soon as possible. We will not close this complaint until we have received and processed our refund. 
  
  Regards,
  ******** *******

• Initial Complaint

  02/06/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unresolved

  More info

  The contract was signed on May 9, 2023, and a deposit of $5,000 was given to Carmine that day. In this paper, it very clearly states that 1/3 will be paid at the beginning of the project and 1/3 after the project is completed. This project consists of a new deck, a detached garage new roof, a new garage door with a new motor, gutters in the garage, and electrical work in the garage. The project didn’t start until August 31, 2023. That day, the deck was started. Firstly, the deck wasn’t done with the measurements that were previously discussed, something that I expressed, and Carmine insisted that that was the length that we discussed. That day, the crew and Carmine communicated that the deck was done. I texted Carmine asking why if it's done we don’t have the rest of the railings that a deck needs to be up to code. He expressed that the crew will return to complete the job. Still, to this date, this project hasn’t been completed. I’m the one that has been initiating contact with this company, and every time there is an excuse on Carmine's part.

  Business response

  02/07/2024

  we will be finishing up her railing soon

  Customer response

  02/07/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  I need to emphasize my dissatisfaction with this response and continued delays, which have unfortunately exacerbated the condition of the garage roof. This situation is unacceptable, and I expect immediate action to rectify it. It's imperative that we prioritize addressing the deteriorating roof and expedite the completion of the project. This includes finishing the deck, garage roof, garage door, electrical work and the rest that you got paid for. 
  At this point you as a business can’t be trusted. 
  I trust that you understand the seriousness of the situation and take the necessary steps to ensure the project is completed satisfactorily or provided a refund accordingly. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ******* ****

• Initial Complaint

  01/08/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I will let the pictures speak for themselves. I hired this company, and there were so many issues, but today was the icing on the cake, and I have been more than patient. Today, the owner, Carmine showed up for the final payment because he said his sub-contractor told him the job was complete, and I walked through it yesterday and was satisfied. That never happened. He is demanding final payment, even threatening a lien. Had the nerve to call me stupid and say I will never be satisfied. Would you be satisfied with this? He told me the building inspector passed it... the building inspector made the final inspection, but he doesn't walk around saying this framing board needs removed, this dirt needs filled in, etc. etc... There is a puddle of water in the storage portion when we haven't had rain for weeks..... but he said this is normal condensation.... (and I'm the stupid one.) Once he started calling my husband and I names, we told him to leave, and he yelled "Are you going to pay me or not?".. I told him I would pay when the job is done.... this is not done. I would like this nightmare to be over, I can't even describe how frustrating it is to work with someone who thinks they are doing you a favor when you've paid, and paid and then paid even more for things that "weren't included in the contract". You have to be kidding me, because the contract does not spell out the drain-pipe will be buried, it is okay to have it exposed and above ground. When he actually called us stupid today (three times by the way,) I just said enough is enough. A few months back he told me he filed for bankruptcy so he actually has no obligation to me to complete the job, but wanted to because I am such a nice lady. Look Out!

  Business response

  01/16/2024

  THE NSTALLER ON THE JOB INFORMED ME THE PROJECT WAS COMPLETE.  WHEN I WENT TO THE HOUSE, ***** INFORMED ME THERE WERE SOME ISSUES SHE WAS NOT SATIISFIED WITH.  I SPOKE TO RON,  THE INSTALLER AND TOLD HIM OF THESE ISSUES.  HE IS PLANNING TO GO BACK ON WEDNESDAY OF THIS WEEK AND RECTIFY THESE THINGS IF THE WEATHER IMPROVES, IF NOT ON WEDNESDAY AS SOON AS WEATHER CONDITIONS IMPROVE.

  SINCERELY

  CARMINE D*****

   

• Initial Complaint

  11/14/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  5/15/23 Contracted with D&K via Carmine to “Redo” a small rotting deck and replace with a composite deck. Contract specified completion of spring/ summer. Carmine specified foreman would contact me for measurements. 7/13/23: No contact had been made with me therefore I emailed Carmine for an update. Carmine responded he would narrow down a date and to look to hear from his foreman. They had been very busy. 8/15/23: I contacted Carmine again after having no additional communications from anyone. I told him if the deck couldn’t be completed by the end of the month I wanted my deposit back. I stated it been promised by summer and obviously they were too busy to complete and it was too late for me to hire anyone else. Carmine responded “yes we will”. 9/15/23: Still no further communication. I emailed Carmine for the refund of my deposit. His response was “that they had everything ready to go and your one of the next ones”. 9/18/23: Men show up at my door to tear up my deck. No one told me in advance. Then they tell to me they were only told to pull up the decking but the framing is rotted as well. The entire deck was rotting, there is no way the supports wouldn’t be rotting as well. This had been discussed originally. “Redo deck” mean redo. 9/19/23: Foreman, Tony, comes to measure and tells me the cost didn’t include framing but admits contract isn’t clear in this. I specified I was clear upfront the deck needed to be replaced. Tony said would contact me when he would drop off supplies. 10/31/23: Emailed Carmine to ask what was going on. 6 weeks passed no communication again since. My items are scattered around and the deck debris is still on my lawn. No work has been done and I have not heard from Tony. Carmine responded he thought this was all taken care of and he would get involved and get it cleaned up right away. 11/14: It is now two weeks later and I’ve heard nothing once again. The ground will be hard soon and no work can be done. My patience has run out.

  Business response

  11/16/2023

  I am truly sorry it has taken this long.  We will be finishing up the deck project next week. 

  Sincerely

  Carmine

  Customer response

  11/16/2023

  
  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.
  
  Regards,
  
  ***** *******

• Initial Complaint

  08/17/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  My project recently completed was a 2 car garage with a 12x12 room on top, I was told the project would take 6-8 weeks, it took 17 months. If I would not have moved forward as explained below, this project would be far from done. Carmine stopped paying for material, I had to use the last 25% of the project payment that was supposed to be paid at the completion of the project to keep the project moving. I also had to pay an additional $10,000+ to finish the project, in which I am asking for a portion of this back. There are items on the contract that Carmine wrote, that were not paid for or completed by DK, below are the items that I need reimbursed for. • ****’s work to get the correct drawing to the Township, since a bogus drawing was provided and not able to be used per Evan at Ross $0 • ****’s work to find the guys to do the block work $0 • ****’s work to order the garage doors $0 • Electric Permit Application $200 • Electric Supplies $925 • Electrician Labor $750 • Porch Lights $33 • Garage Lights $100 • ****’s Electric Labor $0 • Man Door Knob = $35 • Beam Pine wrap for 1/3 of porch $600 • Garage White Wrap and Room LV Beam and Ceiling Support Materials $1300 • Tongue and Grove for 1/3 of porch = $450 • ****’s Structural Labor = $0 • Decking $2000 • ****’s Flooring Labor = 0 TOTAL = $6393.00 Carmine did nothing as you can see above, he paid labor to his workers that was it. I had to coordinate everything with Kurt, Carmine was not part of any of the material or decision making process. Below is the complaint that I had to file with the PA Attorney General to help get the project completed, I had to be involved in every single step to get to the next. It has been a nightmare working with DK, and as you can see all the other complaints, and of course BBB status. My project was an addition for a 2 car garage with a 12x12 room on top that connect into the existing house. The rest of the top of the garage was for porch/balcony that had half of the space covering it with a roof. Signed the initial contract in December 2019….YES 3+ years ago. Carmine could not get the work done in 2020 due to COVID Carmine could not get the work done in 2021 due to projects backed up, that is what he told me anyway…. In 2022 CHIC started the footer in March, Carmine would not share the permit but claimed it existed, in which it did, but was terribly incorrect (more to come on this). At that same time he collected my money 2 payments earlier and this one to total $37,500 thus far. He has not been on site since and continued to give excuses ABOUT EVERYTHING. Carmine continued to give excuse after excuse with no real meaning of why CHIC was only working on the project a couple days a week, until he finally told me that CHIC quit working for him and it was a favor for Carmine. The footer and pad took over 2 months to complete. Carmine had no project plan in place, or anything coordinated, he had 2+ years to figure this out. He submitted a bogus drawing to ROSS twp. I thought it was obvious the garage walls needed to be built with block, not lumber, to support the 12x12 room/roof that would be built on top of it. Carmine did not understand that, and could not find any block layer….Carmine said CHIC was doing the block, but he quit. CHIC’s version was he was not doing the block ever, he does not have the equipment. I HAVE NO IDEA THE TRUTH ON THIS ONE His installer Kurt and the engineer at 84 lumber said this project could not be done without block. Kurt said he would not be part of the project if it was not being done with block. I agreed the project could be done with lumber if Carmine hired an architectural engineer to prove it could be done. He hired them, they came on site and said NO, it has to be done with block. They were going to draw it up, SINCE NO REAL DRAWING WAS EVER CREATED. Carmine said he would not pay them to move forward with any drawing. I had to take charge and work with Kurt and submit a drawing to ROSS twp, ROSS made Carmine pay for a different type permit, after I had to fight for him to make the payment, the one he applied for was not valid, and also it expired anyway. I had to find the block layers to do the block work, Carmine could not find anybody. I have had to fight for every single step in the project, and am still fighting. October 2022 timeframe A 30’ steel beam was required to support the project on top the garage, I had to fight to get this paid for. Now that we are finally to the part where Kurt and his team can finish the project with lumber, Carmine tells me he does not have any money to pay Kurt or order my materials to finish my project. He collected a lot of my money(75%), what did he spend it on??????? WHERE IS MY MONEY????? I HAD TO PAY OVER $7,000 OF MY DOLLARS TO KEEP THE PROJECT MOVING for materials, he would not pay for it. He started to pay Kurt for the labor, a little at a time, they are making very very very slow progress and working between 1-3 days (6 hours each) a week. We are now in mid-December 2022 Carmine has not coordinated anything still……garage doors, windows, electrician, ect…..and says his garage door guy will not call him back, and he asks me for help to find somebody to install the doors. Within a week, I got quotes. I had to figure out and negotiate the garage doors prices, then I have to fight with him for week to pay for it. It will be 2023 in less than 2 weeks, and he has not finished my project The contract states for the driveway to be 6-8” down from the foundation of the house. This was not done correctly. Now we have to have a lower garage door and figure out a different way to do the decking. The contract states DK will provide the drawing for the permit, this was not done correctly The contract states the project will this project was to be done in July 2022 It is now 2023 Carmine will not pay for materials Carmine will not pay Kurt to do any work The windows and slider door at 84 lumber are on hold because his account is froze. It is now August 2023 I had to pay for the decking material and get the electric finished. I had to schedule the electric and final framing inspections I had to help his guys finish the decking Carmine has not reimbursed me for any of the extra costs that he quoted me and that he calculated

  Business response

  08/18/2023

  Last time I spoke with ****, he wanted Chick (concrete person) to come out and do a drain & fix part of the driveway **** said he damaged.  When he was finished we  would review everything.

  the garage turned out beautiful. Building inspector signed off on everything. Didn't hear from **** so I assumed all was fine.  Then I get a notice from BBB **** filed this complaint. I  would like  to resolve this matter  in an amicable way.   

  Customer response

  08/22/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

  The concrete work from CHIC has been done for over two weeks, I have reached out to Carmine and Donna several times since snd have not got any response, see text message screen shot provided.

  
  Regards,
  
  **** ********

  Customer response

  09/08/2023

  I wanted to share my receipts, they are attached I am still waiting for one from 84 Lumber worth about $600 and I also wanted to see about my driveway repair. I have a quote for $4000 that I’m gonna have to pay to repair my driveway from all the damage that they did,  should they be responsible for that I hope so.  

  Business response

  09/11/2023

  I have reached out to **** this morning 9-11-23.  Told him I wanted to reach an agreement and bring closure to this situation.  

  Regards

  Carmine D*****

   

   

  Customer response

  10/17/2023

  He has not reimbursed me per our agreement, can you update the status back to ‘not accepted’ ASAP?

  I told him I need an $100 per day starting today 

  Customer response

  10/19/2023

  I got the payment today. You can close the complaint. Thanks for all your help.

• Initial Complaint

  05/13/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  My fiance and I signed a contract with Carmine of D.K. Home Improvement on November 1, 2022 for a basic backyard deck to be built within 6 weeks (so by 12/13/22). We paid an initial deposit of $3,000. We reached out to Carmine multiple times in December and January and were informed of various delays. No supplies were delivered nor was any work started. Then in February 2023, without informing us beforehand, Carmine charged another $2,000 to our line of credit "for the delivery." When we asked Carmine about this charge on March 15, 2023, Carmine told us to expect a delivery next week. From then to the day we are filing this complaint (May 13, 2023), we have been in contact with multiple members of Carmine's company who have promised various delivery and project dates, but to this day, there have been no supplies delivered and the construction has not started.

  Business response

  05/15/2023

  I spoke with ****** last week and we got everything worked out. I was surprised to get this complaint. I guess it was filed before we spoke.  We will be at his home tomorrow  05/16/2023 to get his deck project underway.  I'm sure he will be pleased with the finished work.

  Carmine D*****

  Customer response

  05/18/2023

  Deck has been built, I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ****** *****

• Initial Complaint

  04/21/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  My partner and I hired DK Home Improvements to design and install a rooftop deck, stairs, and rooftop access to our new home in Pittsburgh. We signed a contract on 12/10/2023. After paying around $11,500 for the deposit. Our verbal discussion entailed grateful remarks that we gave them work to do during the winter that was "inside work" and an assurance the work would be completed by our move on 3/28. We did not hear from DK Home Improvement until a text I made in late Dec. stating that they would start work mid-late Jan. Upon that timeframe we still had no word from DKHI, I called and a meetup was scheduled in late Jan. to get measurements. During that meetup, I inquired when permits will be started and time frame as we needed the work completed before our move. Carmine assured me no plans needed to be drawn or permits pulled since we aren't making changes visible from the street. I questioned this and was uncomfortable but he was hired to be my professional advice, so I did not press further. Two weeks pass after me reaching out, Carmine stated his contractor needed to access the roof to get measurements. After doing so, he came back to me and said we do indeed need to draw plans and file for a permit but assured we would stay on our timeline. The survey on the property we had during closing was blurred so another survey had to be done. This took a month and at that point no drawings were ordered and the permit was not completed. After we reached the date of our move and the work still wasn't started, we made him write a new date for contract completion to be 5/8. As of 4/11, no work had been started and DK stated he was waiting on the architect to draw the plans, something I requested to be done in January. He did not complete any variances, the permit, the drawings, and no work was completed. Upon an angry request they returned 8K of my money. We paid for all permits, the survey and he kept $3500 for "project management" for work not started.

  Business response

  05/02/2023

   This must have crossed paths.  Mr. ***** and I came to an agreement on April 24, 2023. We sent him out an additional $2,000.00 as per our agreement. This check has since been cashed, which closes out our agreement.  I Sincerely regret the way this has turned out. 

• Initial Complaint

  04/12/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I signed a contract With owner CARMINE,
  From D.K. Home Improvement Company
  *** ****** ***** ***** * *** ***** ***** ** ***** ************ *******************
  Contract says 2 months, it OVER 2 YRS. Nothing but TALK TALK TALK, NO ACTION. Then
  July 2022 they rip PART NOT ALL of deck out. And QUIT..Saying lumbers on the truck and on
  the way,, 2yrs now, THIS COMPANY SUCKS. He TEXTS NOT TALK, haven't spoken to him
  since the beginning, just text ..

  Business response

  04/24/2023

  Mr. ******s project has been completed and he paid our foreman except for a small balance.

*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. ↩