Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. 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.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/21/2024

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I met Mr. ******* on 2-1-24 at my condo (*******************************************************************************) requesting a quote for a kitchen remodel. On 2-2-24, we met at his business to look at his available product. I reiterated additional remodeling would be budgeted based on the cost of the kitchen. Later we met at ************* to view the kitchen countertop slab I had already secured and compare it to a cabinet door sample. At this time, Mr. ******* insisted he collect $2500 from me, stating he would need it for the permit process because it could get expensive." I advisied him I was not comfortable giving him $2500 without a contract.On 2-12-24, I went to the ********************** ********************** to discuss what Mr. ******* had done. I was advised;1.He opened permit #BLDC-0224-0060 on February 5, 2024, which required no money.2.He stated the proposed kitchen, bathroom, and tile flooring renovation cost estimate was $60,700.3.Normally, a signed contract is in place before this type of permit is opened.I then met with Mr. ******* advising him I wanted to end our communications and requested my money back. Mr. ******* stated I would only be entitled to a portion of my money due to his time and effort already incurred. Later, I received via certified mail documentation regarding his expenses, a check for $375, and the renovation designs he had created. In his documentation, he stated to the ****************, **** hired FDeluca Construction LLC." I understood permits would be required if we moved forward with a signed contract. I felt pressured by him to provide the $2500. I disagree with his assessment that he was "hired." I never received a project estimate. In addition, at no point was there any discussion, agreement, or signed paperwork regarding;1.The final project to be performed 2.The costs or hourly rates of said project 3.The project contract

  Business Response

  Date: 03/29/2024

  It was nice talking with you on the phone this morning in regard to a complaint ID: ******** that ********************* has filed to BBB.
  As I explained on the phone this lady has conducted illegal renovations in her unit without pulling the permit and hiring the licensed GC as the *** requires for homeowners.
  However, she got caught by the sheriff and the ******** city building department, and as you see on the paperwork I sent you, she was stopped and got ************" posted on the front door of her unit.
  She contacted me on February 1, 2024 at 8:58AM asking me to meet up with her at her place. 
  I went there, met with her and she had removed *********** from the front door which is against the Law and handed me *********** and after we discussed what happened up to that date and also how to redesign her kitchen and bathroom, she authorized me to proceed with the project. First to remove *********** by speaking with the Sheriff and after to apply for a new permit, which I immediately did.  
  Then she made several appointments to meet with me again to select items for her new kitchen/bath including going to the granite place.
  I informed her about the deposit of $2500.00 and the ballpark cost of the project well ahead of time we have these meetings, and she had issued me the check for $2500.00.
  After I created new designs for her kitchen/bathroom, and sent her pictures to review, she replied back to me "Yes I got them and thank you " as you can see in her texts.
  After she knew that I spoke with the Sheriff to remove *********** and applied for the permit, she contacted me to meet her at her place. When I went there she said that I don't want to proceed with the project> I said that's fine BUT I have to cancel everything that I have done for you and *********** will be reinforced and you must put it back on your front door as I will notify the sheriff and the building permit. She was unhappy and started going crazy. I said now I do believe that you were thinking that you got off the **** while having me do all this for you as mentioned above.
  I immediately went to the **************** and applied to cancel and remove F'****** Construction LLC from the permit and reported the situation. After I deducted the hours  I spent with her , I went to the city and worked with the kitchen designer. I sent all the paperwork back along with the retainer. All paperwork was sent to her address by certified mail.
  
  Thank you for taking care of this matter and please if there's anything else please notify us.
  
  Best Regards,
  
  F'****** Construction LLC
  

  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/05/2024

   
  Complaint: 21461063
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  

  Mr.*******s comment that I conducted illegal renovations without pulling a permit is interesting. At our initial meeting, he was advised that everything I did was at the direction of previous contractors or business associates. He commented at that meeting that he would advise the ************** Building code enforcement that the stop work permit was due to the bad information I had received.
  
  I did remove *********** from my door, but interestingly, Mr. ******* makes no comment on my conversations with ************** Law/Building Enforcement regarding my situation. FYI, its not on the door now, and there has been NO interaction with law enforcement or the city about my illegal red tag or door actions.
  
  NO renovations have occurred since I was informed of the proper procedures needed for work to move forward.
  
  As with all events like this, there seems to be a difference in opinion on what was said. Mr. *******s response directly states that I conducted illegal renovations without pulling a permit,"  removed *********** from my door, which is illegal,"  and I authorized him to proceed with the project."  Yet he does not respond to:
  1. I disagreed with his assessment that he was hired.
  2. I never received a project estimate.
  3. At no point was there any discussion, agreement, or SIGNED paperwork regarding;
      -The final project to be performed
      -The costs or hourly rates of said project
      -The project contract
      -The cost of the permit he pulled (which cost him nothing)
  
  In addition, no building permit was ever placed on my condo by Mr. *******.
  

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

  
  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/10/2024

  
  Wed, Apr 10, 3:48 PM
  
  
  This is the last time I am replying to *****************.
  This plain and simple for ******, why did she have a ******** POST NOTICE onto her front door condo. That is written and given by the SHeriff  "Deputy" *******.
  ****** had removed the Tag from her front door so other neighbors won't see it but she authorized upfront and handed to me the Orange Note and asked me to talk to the Sheriff and the ******** Build Permitting 
  to let them both know as the ** I was hired by ****** to take actions and move forward with talking with the sheriff which I already have and to talk to the city and to applying  for a new permit which I immediately have.
  I have given everything to ****** as to what she asked me to design her place. The documents and text messages show it clearly. She understood every discussion we had and she gave me the deposit check to proceed.
  She received the new design she has never had and she loved it and agreed to it. Again, she may think that she could get away with canceling the permit and removing ourselves from dealing with her project BUT I have made aware that the violation Notice should
  be put back on the front door and it is enforceable until she finds another contractor. 
  ***************** is stating on the letter that she removed *********** and she ADMITTED it but she forgets that she authorized me to take over and most importantly she expects all of my services  for free. She is TOTALLY WRONG.
  I did what she asked and authorized me from the very beginning, and I did what she authorized and asked to END the DEAL!
  
  Thanks again for your information.
  
  **********/F'****** Construction LLC

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/17/2024

   
  Complaint: 21461063
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  

  **************** is entitled to his own opinion but not to his own facts. The facts are as follows:
  
  **************** saw firsthand my current new kitchen cabinets, which need to be replaced for various reasons. He was advised of the bad information I received from the previous company I had worked with. He was in COMPLETE agreement with this assessment and assured me that he would convey this to the ************** Building ************************
  
  During this process, I have had numerous conversations with the Pinellas ************************** and the ************** Building ************************ They are both well aware of my situation with ****************. This would also include a police report filed with the ************************************ regarding ***************** handling of this matter. At the time of filing that report, the Officer was at the Bay Island Condos location. *********** was not on my door. At no time did the officer ******* or express any enforcement regarding that I was in violation or illegal"because *********** stop work order posting was not on my door. In addition, there has been NO other interaction from law enforcement or the city about my illegal red tag door actions.
  
  My reasons for not hiring **************** were related to my comfort level with his methods. As the process went along, it created more doubt.
    - He wasnt listening to me. Numerous times, I expressed to **************** that all I wanted from him was a quote. He would always come back with either trust me,"  "relax, or dont worry, everythings going to be fine.
    - He did not have any pricing on his products, nor would he provide me with any pricing when asked.
    - He did not want me going to other companies to possibly select their products, even though I stated I was not satisfied with choosing from his choices at his shop.
    - He did not want me using the fabricators and countertop from the company I had chosen many months ago. He insisted he could get the same countertop after viewing my sample. This led us to go to the company I had selected the countertop from for him to review it. Interestingly, he insisted I not speak with the company representatives while there. I did not understand why.
    - He told me I could not use the free sink the countertop company had offered and had to purchase everything from **********. This would include all plumbing related materials.
    - ******************** stated he needed a $2,500 deposit towards permits. I felt pressured, but reluctantly did so in order to move forward and try to get a quote. He made it clear he would not do so without that deposit.
  
  Upon thinking about ****************** process, I decided not to hire or move forward him. Thus;
    - I checked with my bank and was informed he had cashed my $2,500 check.
    - I went to ************** Building Code Enforcement to discuss the permit process. They informed me **************** had submitted a cost proposal to them and done the paperwork for an open permit. He did NOT submit a contract (signed or otherwise), and what he had done required no money. This is NOT the correct order in the process when submitting the paperwork to building code enforcement..
  
  Again, ****************** response states that I am illegal." Yet he does not respond to:
    - I disagreed with his assessment that he was hired.
    - I never received a ballpark figure or written project estimate.
    - No building permit was ever placed on my condo by ********************.
    - At no point was there any discussion, agreement, or signed paperwork regarding
        - The final project to be performed
        - The costs or hourly rates of said project
        - The project contract
        - The cost of the permit he pulled (which cost him nothing)
  
  The listing of his individual expenses magically appeared when he was informed he was not hired.

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