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:10/20/2024

  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.

  On March ******* Mr. ****** Alves from Alves Construction was given a check for $8,500 for windows. Since then there have been multiple excuses for why we don't have our windows yet including our windows were broken by the manufacturer, the windows were ordered for the wrong customer, he was trying to find a company that took vouchers that he had etc., etc,. ****** our last conversation, ****** indicated that our small windows were done but they were waiting for the large windows to be completed. He frequently indicated that we would have the windows in two weeks.After multiple attempts to contact him and again getting no response, we sent a letter asking for the smaller windows be installed. **** indicates that the letter was handled to an individual at his address but again no *********** one point in this 2 1/2 year fiasco, we were given multiple phone numbers to reach him on because he was having phone issues. The multiple numbers were not successful. Again limited response always with excuses.We have used Alves Construction for multiple projects including a bathroom, a deck and a kitchen with minimal delays. We were familiar with the company and with ******. Never did we expect that the person that we considered a friend and trusted would take our money and ghost ***** looking at negative reviews, ****** seems to lash out and make the customer to be the problem. Bottom line, ****** cashed our check, said he ordered windows multiple times and we have nothing to show for our $8,500. We were available, had working phones and usually home.We have left multiple messages and texts and if he finds this annoying, we would appreciate a refund and would like to sever all relationships with Alves Construction.Vilmar is a smooth talker, personable and we were gullible. Use caution when dealing with Alves Construction or avoid them at all costs. Perhaps Vilmar has forgotten about the $8,5000 dollars but we haven't. IT IS TIME FOR A REFUND.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 11/13/2024

  To Whom It May Concern,
  
  I am writing to address certain statements made by Mr. ***** in his recent complaint. While I acknowledge that I made an error in taking on this project, I believe there are crucial details that Mr. ***** has omitted which are essential to understanding the circumstances.
  
  As Mr. ***** mentioned, we have successfully completed several projects for him and his family in the past without any issues, including work on his bathroom, kitchen, and deck, typically for significantly larger sums than this recent project.
  
  One important detail not mentioned is that Mr. ******* son worked alongside us, which included the time when the windows for Mr. ****** home were purchased. For clarity, we typically allocate around 60% of project costs for labor, overhead, and profit, with the remaining 40% covering materials.
  
  For the windows in question, I charged Mr. ***** only the cost of the windows plus a $2,300 dollars for labor to assist in their installation, as we were operating on the basis of friendship. The decision to deposit his check was necessary to access contractor discounts on the windows.
  
  Unfortunately, the trucker strike in 2022 led to significant delivery delays, resulting in some windows being damaged upon arrival. After months of dealing with the supplier and insurance, we received a voucher for new windows. I kept Mr. ***** informed throughout this process. When the second order also encountered issues, I ultimately offered to refund his money instead. However, he requested that I source windows from another supplier, which I did without applying typical customer charges.
  
  The small windows arrived in December 2023, though my ongoing project commitments have delayed my ability to deliver them to Mr. ****** home. I will drop off the windows as soon as possible since we charged no labor fees for this project, which would typically amount to over $20,000 at market value.
  
  Regarding communication, it is inaccurate to say I was unresponsive. Mr. ******* son worked with us for months, ensuring good communication. There was a temporary phone issue that was resolved within a week. Additionally, we have never received any formal complaint or documentation from Mr. ******************* you for taking the time to consider my perspective on this matter. I hope this clarifies our position in this unfortunate situation.
  
  Sincerely,

  Vilmar Alves 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/30/2024

  In response to Mr. *********************** a year is too long to wait for the window installation.  In response regarding dropping off the windows, we have no use for them if they are not installed.  I would request seeing the original invoice to assure that these are the custom windows I requested and ask if this also includes the larger windows.

  Concerning my son working for Mr. *********************** I believe he quit June of 2023.  Conversations concerning the windows should not put  my son in the middle between his parents and his employer.

  I am aware that his main employee's son had major medical issues and that he lost another of his good workers. I would have understood the delay, but not communicating with me has caused a lot of stress on me and within my family.  Still I believe that a year is is an unreasonable amount of time to wait.

  My major issue has been the lack of communication.  Phone calls, texts and a letter went unanswered.  Trying to reach him through his employee eventually ended. I don't feel that I should have been the one to reach out.

  I have no complaint about the quality of his work, but considering the time it has been, I would like the return of our $8,500 and closes this chapter.

   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/23/2024

  We have had no contact from Mr. ********************** concerning this issue.  We would like to have  this resolved. We have not had the windows installed or been financially compensated to resolve this issue. What would be the next step to get this resolved?

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/03/2025

  02/03/25 AB:  Called consumer and left a vm. 

  02/06/2025 AB:  Consumer called and stated that they would like the money back and if the business is not willing to do that they would $******* Consumer states that they have not received the product and would ideally like the money back. We paid him $8500 but if they have to negotiate then they are willing to take *******. This has been going on for 2 1/2 years to 3years.  Spoke with ***** the wife. 

  02/11/2025 AB:  Called consumer and left a vm, need to inform the consumer what the business has stated. 

  02/11/2025 AB:  Consumer called and stated that they ordered custom windows and will not take the windows that the business is offering to return. Gave consumer my email address to send documents related to the windows she purchased through the business. 

  02/14/2025 AB:  Consumer called yesterday returned call today and left a vm. 

  02/14/2025 AB:  Spoke with the consumer gave her my email address.  The consumer would like for the business to come and speak with the consumer's husband.  

  02/14/2025 AB  Consumer submitted documents and they have been uploaded to the complaint.

  03/04/2025 AB:  Called consumer and left a vm, I would like to know if they have been contact with the business. 

  03/04/2025 AB: ***** called back and stated that she nor her husband has heard from the business.  I informed the consumer that I had just left a message for the business and as soon as I hear something I will get in contact with her and the husband. 

  03/12/2025 AB:  Called and spoke with ***** stated that the business has not called her and she was given a good contact number for the business to contact him since he can not get in touch with the consumer. 

  03/12/2025 AB:  Called consumer and informed her that the business could deliver the windows on 03/21/2025 at 10am. Consume would like a invoice showing the amount of the windows paid and sizes for the windows.

  03/13/2025 AB:  Consumer called and stated that the business will only provide documentation showing the size and the price of the windows at a cost the business would like to pass that cost to the consumer if they request this. The consumer also stated that if the business did not have the windows delivered by Monday 03/17/2025 then the business would just keep the windows outside of his business. 

  03/17/2025 AB: Cell: ************, Consumer called and stated that two of the windows are not correct in size that is one window in the dinning room and another window in the daughters bedroom. Consumer will call back with the correct measurements.

  03/19/2025 AB:  Called ***** back to regarding the windows.

  03/21/2025 AB: returning call back from consumer from yesterday left a vm. 

  03/21/2025 AB:  Consumer called back and stated that the two of the windows are not the correct the bedroom window is off about 8in and dinning room window is off about 71/2 inches. ****** did contact the consumer about the incorrect windows but has not heard from the business. The consumer stated that if the business does not have the windows corrected then they would have to come out of pocket for the windows.  There have been eight windows delivered in total. 

  03/31/2025 AB:  Called consumer and she stated that the business came by and picked up the two windows that were not the correct size on Thursday and I informed ***** that we will be closing the complaint out as Answered.  I informed ***** if she does not get the two windows back with the correct measurements that she can contact me directly. 

  Hey, ******, this is ***** *****. I wanted to give you the measurements, a bedroom window is should be measured 39 and a half by 59, and it actually is 48 by 60. And then the dining room window is supposed to be 65 and a half by 43, and it actually is 65 by 35 and a half and that is starting with height and width. I do not think like the half inches are a problem is but the other ones that are, you know, like 7 and a half or 8 and a half inches off will be a problem. If you have any questions, please give me a call at ************. And we will contact ****. More about the in the measurements and the windows. And I can give you a call back up we hear from him. Thank you very much, bye

   

   

  

  Business Response

  Date: 02/07/2025

  02/07/2025 AB:  Called business left a vm. 

  02/07/2025 AB:  Business called back and stated the he helped them purchase the windows, they measured the windows and the windows cost 8700 and the consumer only gave $8500.  I made a deal with them I was going to charge them for two men to go and help the consumers put the windows in.  We ordered the windows and it took twelve weeks for the windows to come in, we picked up the windows and two of the windows were broken there was a battle between the manufactures they wanted to give the money back, the insurance company offered us the money for the windows.  I went back to the consumer and informed them that the insurance company wanted to give them the money back but the consumer wanted did not want to take the money they wanted the windows.  I was only doing this as a favor so I found another company to order the windows from, we receive the windows and the windows were not good and I informed the consumer that I would not install the windows, So I reached out to the business and they informed me  that for the cost that is what the windows  will look like.  When the windows came in the smaller ones were ok but the bigger windows looked like something a child made.  I did not charge the consumer for pick up, deliver etc. The business has the small windows and will give the consumer $2000.  So the business will give the consumer the smaller windows along with $2000.00 have it it dropped off. 

  02/07/2025 AB:  Business called back and stated that he called the window manufacturer and he can get the windows and bring the windows to the consumer, Business states that they are not the best of windows it will take about a week to get the windows and take it to the consumers house and have someone else install the windows.  So, the $2000.00 is off the table the business will just give the consumer the windows.

  02/14/2025 AB:  Called business and left a vm.  Need to inform the business what the consumer would like to do.

  02/19/2025 AB:  Called business and left a vm. 

  02/20/2025 AB: Business called and stated that he will be willing to speak with the husband he will send a text the consumer today.

  03/04/2025 AB:  Called business and left a message, need to know if he has been in contact with the consumer, Consumer states that he has not. 

  03/05/2025 AB:  Business called back and stated that he did text the consumer from when we last spoke, but ****** has not heard back from the consumers.  business stated that the window dealers are delayed until the 03/11/2025.  Gave Vilmar telephone number ********** to reach out to the consumer and will touch base with him tomorrow to see if he has spoken to the consumer. 

  03/06/2025 AB: Called business and was unable to leave a vm.

  03/07/2025 AB:  Called business again today due to me having phone difficulties. 

  03/12/2025 AB:  Business called and stated that they have the windows the big ones and the smalls the business has reached out to the consumer with no luck. The business states just to bring the windows from north **** in the amount of $300.00.  The business asked the mediator to request from the consumer to remove their reviews.  I informed the business that I would not be able to do that  any time today after noon and tomorrow the business is open all day tomorrow for a phone call from the consumer. 

  03/12/2025 AB:  Business called and stated that the consumer left a message informing the business that they want the business to install the windows, and the consumer would like a lien waiver and they want proof that the manufacture has been paid in full. Business states that they can deliver the windows by next Friday at 10am on 03/21/2025

  03/14/2025 AB:  Called business and left a vm. 

  03/17/2025 AB:  Business called and stated that the windows have been delivered today to the consumer.  Business states that the windows have the size on each window.

  03/19/2025 AB:  Called business and left a message regarding the windows that have been delivered.

  03/21/2025 AB:  Called business and left a message regarding two of the windows not the correct measurment.

   

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/01/2024

  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 started working with Vilmar from Alves Construction in April 2023. We came to a legal agreement for basement remodel and main floor remodel. We have signed 2 separate contracts for basement and main floor. I paid my initial check back in April 2023 and waited for 7 months to start the basement work in November 2023. It is August 2024 now, even after 9 months still not even 50% work is completed yet in the basement. No work has been started in the main level till date. Electric is not hooked up to any lights or power supply and plumbing is not hooked up to anything, no showers, no taps, nothing. Vilmar is calling all the work has been completed with electric, plumbing and bath. Not even 1 room in that 1500 Sqft basement is fully completed yet. Im completely disappointed with ****** and Alves construction service and response time. There is no real commitment from vilmar and his guys. They hardly show up and do basic things for few hours and leave. All the work could have been completed long time ago, he dont come to the work area to inspect. He comes only in 2-3 months or if I ask him to come over to meet. The original commitment to complete everything by 6 to 8 weeks. It has been more 9 months, only 50% of the work is completed. No flooring, No plumbing, No Electric, No Bath, No Doors, No Bar, No Cabinets. Nothing has been completed yet. $50,000 is the agreed contract #**** & #**** for basement, I have already paid, $30,000. Only less than $25,000 worth of work has been completed. Plus Vilmar committed to resurface the cabinets which was not done as well(costs $5000). I need refund of $5000 for basement.I want the main floor contract #**** to be cancelled and I want the initial amount of $10000 paid on 6/15/2023 has to be returned back to me. It has been 13 months NO work has been started yet.Working with Alves Constructions has caused me and my family more pain with all these prolonged work and not getting it on time as it was committed.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/31/2024

  It has been 30 days and I dont see any updates on this case. I dont see my review has been added for this business as well.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 09/09/2024

  
  
  September 9th, 2024
  To Whom It May Concern:
  At the time we met with ************************ at his residence for the initial estimate I told him our timeline to start his project. ************************ and his wife both expressed that they wanted to have the basement project completed before the main floor project and they agreed to our timeline. We presented ************************ with a 3D drawing of the basement and contract which he signed and gave us the initial deposit. 
  
  The project was started, and the basement walls were framed based on the original provided design. ************************ wasnt happy with the size and location of the rooms. He asked us if it could be changed. I explained the scope of work which include moving an exterior door (slider to single), siding outside, cut concrete throughout the basement floor to run plumbing, and moving the walls that were already built. I gave ************************ a new quote, he accepted, and we started the modifications. 
  
  ************************ knew that we are a small business. Our crew leader had an unfortunate family health emergency while we were working at the residence. ***** had to take time off to care for his family as his son ended up having 5 brain surgeries while we were working at the residence. Obviously, it did delay the project, but we made sure to always have at least one guy at the residence. ************************ was made aware of this unfortunate event and understood we were doing everything we could do despite this situation.
  
  The project also became much more complex as the Homeowner add several items to the project. Some of these items were estimated in writing and some discussed verbally. The additional work added several weeks to the original time scoped. 
  
  ****** absence at work did delay the job to some degree. However, other factors also caused delayed. Such as my crew having to work around ************************ things. There was workout equipment, an air hockey table, and several other items that were supposed to be removed from the area by the homeowners prior to the start of the project. The Homeowners told us some of it was junk that they needed to throw away. We offered to take away the junk and dispose of it ourselves since it was in the way of our projects if they would separate it out. It took the homeowner over two weeks to simply separate those items so we could remove the excess that was in our way.
  
  There were a couple of occasions that my crew went to work at the residence and left after few hours, mainly when the drywall mud was being done as sometimes the mud doesnt dry enough for another coat or to be sanded. There were other times that my crew showed up to work and the basement door (our point of access to the residence) was locked and there was no one home to allow access.
  
  ************************ did sign the contract in which it specifies that in the case of the homeowner canceling the contract we would not be liable to refund the deposit. The contact also specifies that in the case the homeowner is not satisfied with the project, that the homeowner would give us the opportunity to remedy the project.  ************************ showed to be satisfied with the quality of our work but upset with the time it was taking. He simply decided that he wanted to have someone else finish the basement and the work upstairs. 
  
  Items in contract completed: 
  Estimate #
  1-Framing = $5,000
  2-Electric ($4,600 except for two hours of labor hooking it up to box -$200) = $4400
  3-Mechanical = $1300
  4-Plumbing ($4,500 except heart valve -$150+ one hour labor at $100 = $4,250
  5-Drywall = $5000
  6-Painting = $2,500
  7-Bathroom ($6000 except vanity and shower glass door -$850) = $5,150  27,600
  Estimate # ****
  8-Plumbing redirected = $1,500 
  9-Exterior door = $2,100
  10- Exterior siding = $450
  11-Soundproof insulation = $1,650
  12-Ceiling tray = $300
  13-Electric for sconces = $200. 6200
  Total work completed as per contract $33,800
  
  
  Additional work not included in initial scope of work 
  
  1-Modify frame of basement (move walls, media room, bar, water closet) = $2,000
  2-Platform in media room (build deck 12 high, 72x120, with electric receptacles on it) = $1,500
  3-Additional low voltage wiring (extensive amount of Cat8 wiring including main floor of the house) = $900
  4-Wall niches x6 larger one on stairs wall (redirect electric wiring for two) = $1,300
  5-Second layer of drywall in media room (walls and ceiling) = $1,600
  6-Additional color (accent colors) = $100
  7-Media cabinet niche (box framed and trimmed) = $500
  8-Additional electric receptacles on walls and ceiling x4 = $280
  9-Additional niche in shower wall = $350
  10- Finish underneath stars with electric for playroom drywalled and painted = $1,000
  $9,530
  Total work completed $43,330
  
  $
  Alves construction has received from ************************ a total of $40,000 
  Basement initial deposit $13,000 from 05/11/2023 on Estimate #****
  Basement second deposit $17,000 from 02/14/2024 on Estimate #*************
  Upstairs project $10,000 from 05/11/2023 on Estimate #****
  
  At this point, ************************ owes Alves construction $3,330. In an effort to keep the peace as we understand the frustrations with the project delays, we agree to not charge for the remaining amount due and close the work out as completed and paid. No payment would be expected, or refund would be offered. If in agreement, Mr. ***** ************************* would also agree to not pursue this any farther in any other avenues.  While there was a time delay, the quality of work completed at their home was to the expectation originally stated, and our crews agreed to go above and beyond to keep the customer satisfied.
  Thank you.
  
  Vilmar Alves
  **************