Complaints

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• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/06/2024

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore 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 hired Meisner Brem Corp to see if my current septic system at my residence would be able to sustain a two bedroom ADU and if not, to draw up plans for a septic that would. The current system would not be able to sustain the addition. They **** up plans and submitted the plans to the town of ***********, **, where the town denied the plans. Meisner Brem Corp then **** up new plans which were accepted by the town. In the original contract, which I submitted below, it states under line 3 the cost for "NHDES septic design plan and filing, including soil testing was $3000. The total estimate was $5800 which I paid. I also paid $500 for an excavator to dig up my yard for a test pit where the new septic was planned to go, and $300 for ******** fees. Neither the excavator fees or the test fees were disclosed prior. I then received a second bill, which I submitted below, which says I owe $250 for a test pit and $1400 for the second design plans. I received the bill and called to ask about it and they said I knew that each set of plans were going to cost extra. I did not know, and if the first set of plans were denied by the town, then they aren't really doing what I paid them to do in the first place. I don't think I should have to pay the second bill as it should be included in the contract. I don't think I should have to pay for each set of faulty plans, as why wouldn't they always draw up faulty ones to make more money for each set. I feel that is what is happening here. Thank you. *************************

  Business Response

  Date: 02/07/2024

  I've attached a response letter that details the *** position.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/08/2024

  Better Business Bureau:I have reviewed the response submitted by the business and have determined that the response does not satisfy or resolve my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint # ********. Please add your rejection comments below; if you do not provide any details, your complaint will be closed as Answered. 

  The only extra costs given to me by the company was the $300 for state filing and $500 for the excavator for the new soils testing. I was not informed it would be $1600 to draw up a new plan when the first one failed.  If I had asked for two separate plans so I could choose which one to utilize, I would understand the additional costs. I did not hire the company to give one set of septic plans that would not be accepted by NHDES and one set that would. The company did not complete the original contract by drawing plans that did not get approved by NHDES.

  Furthermore, in speaking with NHDES (*****, didn't get the last name), expanding an original septic system to accommodate an ADU is only allowed in rare cases when the septic system is brand new.  The first plans were to expand the original septic system as noted in the attached email (I copied and pasted to word as this site would not take the email). My system is over 25 years old. When the surveyor first came to my property, I informed him of this and asked if we should just design a new one. His response was "I don't think that will be necessary". The first plans were never going to be passed by NHDES.

  I also contacted another surveyor (Promised Land Survey) and they confirmed this. The other surveyor also indicated if the first plans failed because of something he should have known or something he missed, he would not charge for second plans. 

  I trusted the surveyor because he said he worked with surrounding towns and knew the regulations. I didn't know the regulations before I called today (2-8-24). I believed they would draw up the first plans within allowed regulations. So either the company didn't do their job in checking regulations before they submitted the first set of plans, or they purposefully submitted the first set knowing they would be rejected and I would have to pay for a second set. In either case, I don't believe I am responsible for the generation of a new plan nor the cost incurred due to the fact that the first septic plans were rejected.

  
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  FAQ
  
  Regards,

  ****