Complaints

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  Jennings Construction & Waterproofing, Inc.

  728 S Greensboro Street Liberty, NC 27298

  
• 

  Jennings Construction & Waterproofing, Inc.

  PO Box 1255 Liberty, NC 27298-1255

  

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:11/03/2024

  Type:Product 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 am filing this complaint regarding severely delayed and incomplete construction work on my balcony. I am requesting that the company return my deposit of $5,625.15. Timeline and Issues:Initial Agreement:- Contract signed in June 2024 - Project scheduled to begin in August 2024 - Estimated completion time: 2 weeks - Deposit paid: $5,625.15 Project Delays and Quality Issues:- Work didn't begin until September 2024 - Initial tile installation was defective, requiring complete removal - Multiple instances of using incorrect materials (40 PVC instead of 45 EPDM for waterproofing)- Attempted to cover rotten plywood with cement board instead of replacing it - Failed to properly waterproof the construction site, leading to water damage - Structural concerns emerged regarding beam installation and support Communication and Failed Remediation Attempts:- Multiple unanswered emails and delayed responses - Repeated broken promises regarding completion dates - Failed to provide promised structural engineer inspection - Multiple scheduling conflicts and no-shows - On October 11, 2024, they agreed in writing to refund the deposit if dates couldn't be agreed upon - As of November 3, 2024, the project remains incomplete, and the deposit has not been returned Current Status:- Balcony remains incomplete and exposed to elements - Water damage occurring due to improper temporary coverage - Original completion date exceeded by nearly two months - Company is now avoiding meetings to return the deposit Documentation:I have retained all email correspondence, including:- Original contract - Multiple requests for project completion - Documentation of defective work - Their written agreement to refund the deposit - ********************* regarding deposit return Requested Resolution:1. Immediate refund of my full deposit amount of $5,625.15 2. Compensation for any water damage caused by improper protection of the construction site (per estimate given by the new contractor)

  Business Response

  Date: 11/12/2024

  
  
  * Contract that was sent out was delayed then signed on June 21, 2024 by customer customer then sent by text message that a personal check would be mailed out on June *******. Customer then asked if we could hold the check for deposit until July 1, 2024.
  
  * Original contract start date was for August 2024 but because the delayed response, and delays to the received deposit, the start date was re scheduled until September 1, 2024 but being labor day we rescheduled via text message with the customer to new start date September 2, 2024.
  
  Response to delays & quality:
  
  * Project started on September 2, 2024 for demolition and preparations to make repairs.
  
  * Customer had concerns and was not happy with the quality of the tile installation (sub contractor) was performing, Me, my wife and customer immediately made a time to meet that afternoon to look over the work, immediately stopped the work and contacted the sub contractors business owner and asked him to come visit the site to go over concerns. Sub contractor assured us repairs to be made and work to be completed correctly. Next day Customer still was not happy with the repairs and sub contractor owner was asked to remove all tiles, and previous installed membrane. To start over, Next day sub contractor and his helper did remove all ceramic tiles  and all ceramic tiles was replaced with the exact tiles furnished new in box for the replacement, Sub Contractor owner had approved 40 mil PVC that was previously installed, he did not recommend using a 45 mil EPDM rubber membrane that was in the quoted contract.  Membrane had been installed for two days before any tile was set, no concerns was made during any of this time. Or during ceramic tile installation over 3 constative days.
  
  * Original deck repairs and sister joist to damaged studs where completed, customer did look over completed work and was home during times ply wood was replaced and dura rock installation, after tile and membrane was removed a soft spot was found at the edge where new and old plywood meets, we believe damage was from a heavy object (****** ******) being used during removal of tiles by sub contractor and the wet are of press wood ply board was from the rain earlier that day, without questions and complete apologetic we started to remove all plywood, dura rock we previously installed because customer was concerned more was wet or damaged. That afternoon we was told by the customer he wanted and expected the eve band that connects to the outer patio band be replaced because it also was rotten, not in contract again we agreed to complete this work at no additional fee, customer then asked to inspect all areas of work before re covering the areas, With no reason to refuse that request he did so, that afternoon the balcony structural and balcony plywood was approved. And recovered with his reassurance.
  
  * Tile Sub Contractor was not comfortable to re install the new tiles feeling he could not meet the customers standards of acceptance. So tile sub contractor was relieved from job on Sept 21, 2024. At this time myself and wife hired a new Tile sub contractor September 22, 2024, paid a deposit of almost double the original contractors charge and had him to meet us and customer with suggestions how to correctly complete work,  with new tile sub contractor and customer at agreement we made a few changes for the new tile contractor, during these changes we had to remove one piece of the trim casing below the eve and pull another away slightly for adjustments. That afternoon customer emails with concerns of newly installed *** and its decorative trim plates, We responded and customer requested meeting next afternoon, so we did so, he then asked for the *** beam that was installed a week before that he had been present during installation of, inspected and approved of to be uncovered so he could look at this work a second time. We uncovered this area of the main porches beam, A 6mil black plastic barrier was installed over the balcony area to deflect the hurricane weather and rains that was forecasted for the entire week, during that week multiple conversations, text and emails was sent always with responses, that plastic was moving during heavy rains, etc. Multiple trips, early 5 am mornings, mid day trips and late evenings at 845pm in hurricane rain and winds climbing a ladder was made in soaked clothes and rain coats to re staple, tape, weigh down etc. to make sure I made all efforts to keep the balcony wood dry, I even have emails with his appreciation of the dedication I was taking towards these efforts to keep the balcony wood areas dry.
  
  * September 30 2024 customer made concerns he felt he wanted a engineer to look at work, and to halt all work until this was completed. October 1 *********************************************************************************************************************************************** ********************** where he was at time of contact after Hurricane ****** then reaching out to multiple other structural engineer firms, most responding with weeks to month waits,  With dis belief customer reach out to engineer firms also to find same conclusion and to reach the conclusion he didnt like the comments or attitudes of those engineers he reach out to so at that time on Saturday October 25th customer asked for another meeting at 5 pm to discuss him taking over the structural inspections instead of the structural engineer being used, he then asked for additional areas of trim beside the contracted area of work to be removed because he felt more rotten areas was among it. At that time I removed the post cover to reveal a still good condition 4x4 post was present with concerns he recommended it be replaced and two 2x12 outer band beams be replaced also at no additional charge. Me and my wife agreed to this work even though on text message conversation I had made customer aware of the possible rot and that we had concluded we had confirmed additional rot in the 2x12 beam back on Friday September 6, 2024. When he arrived later that afternoon we showed him the areas of repairs and how we made repairs theses areas was un covered and looked at and *** inspected this day.
  Replacement 4x4 treated post replaced and two 2x12 treated porch support beams replaced at no charge to the customer, Customer was out of town for the previous week and returned on Sunday October 26 2024 to approve all structural work check to re approve and to recover all structural a second time now. Which was witnessed by a employee. And to tell me if we was ok to contact new sub tile contractor to finish tile work. Customers new completion demand date November 1 2024.
  
  * Customer has been involved with all steps of the work, has approved all the concerned areas, with emails to confirm.
  
  * All structural was installed correctly and all concerns and additional areas not in contract was completed with customers supervision and approval.
  
  Communication:
  
  All communication, phone calls, text messages or emails was responded to in a timely manner usually within hours or 24 hrs.
  
  *** Engineering Report was a option we gave to this customer see the customers contract, it was at his expense, He only asked for a engineer mid job for a report. I did try to contact multiple engineer firms, as did customer neither had any luck within customers wanted time frame.
  
  Documentations:
  * We also have emails, text message records, approvals to move forward, etc.
  
  * Records of the multiple visits to the property for meetings, visits during tile sub contractor work, bad weather trips, etc.

  * Work is over 85% completed and approved, Customer has only paid a deposit for work, Customer still owed 50% remainder of the completion, we offered the customer a $1,000.00 deduction off the completion balance for issues we have had with sub contractors, and missed original completion date.(customer is demanding deposit be returned with over 85% of work completed with a balance due at completion).

  * Also note in the contract signed by the customer that the completion dates are subject to change because issues with weather, material sources, etc. customers, we have had multiple delays with bad weather, sub contractor issues and to meet the customers demands
  
  * The October ******* document for refund was another demand of the customer, with additional daily fees if tile sub contractor could not complete work to his approval before or on November 1st 2024.
  
  * We never have abandoned the work to this property we was told not to return to complete, due to he did not like the day sub contractor was available to install tile on Monday November 4th, 2024.

  
  Conclusion:
  
  We contacted customer October 27th with tile sub contractors schedule and to let him know all trim work will be completed before the November 1 dead line. Customer was not happy that tile sub contractor had already scheduled other work while waiting on approval of customer and could not start tile work until the following Monday to complete by that Wednesday afternoon. But customer emailed back to refuse anyone back on property. Customer emailed Saturday November 2 2024 demanding a full refund, I responded that I was not able to meet at that time me and my wife was at the hospital, that our daughter was having emergency surgery and wasnt doing to well at that time. That we was happy to sit down with him and make some type of agreement as soon as we could leave the hospital. He replied with hope she is going to be ok but he expects me to come meet him (1 hour away) to give him his deposit back, I again explained that we was in a emergency and could not leave and would contact him after. But then again he responded with demands. Then on Sunday next morning we received this complaint.

   

  I am happy to provide photos of all before, after and progress photos of work. As well as text messages, emails, call logs, and trip logs.

  We have tried multiple resolutions, and went out of our way to try to make this a positive transaction, however homeowner thinks the delays gives him the right to demand refunds of his deposit, after all the work that was completed there to be free.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/12/2024

   I am rejecting this response because:

  Response to Jennings Construction & Waterproofing Inc.
  
  Key Violations and Issues:
  
  1. Legal Violation:
  The contractor performed structural modifications to my house without obtaining required permits, which is a violation of North Carolina building codes and regulations.
  
  2. Pattern of Professional Misconduct:
  - Initial tile work was so substandard it required complete removal, with workers abandoning the job site after three days without even finishing the job
  - Attempted to conceal rotten wood beneath trim, contrary to contract specifications requiring removal and replacement
  - Unilaterally substituted different materials from those specified in contract without consultation
  - Changed project completion date four separate times
  - Demonstrated consistent communication failures, often taking over 5 days to respond to emails, calls, and texts
  
  3. Written Agreement to Refund:
  On October 12, the contractor stated in writing: "I have no problem with returning deposit if we can't agree on the dates."
  
  I had hoped this matter could be resolved amicably through the return of my deposit. However, given the contractor's current position and refusal to honor their written agreement, I will be pursuing legal action through the courts.
  
  Additional documentation of all claims, including email correspondence, photographs, and the original contract, can be provided upon request.
  

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/22/2024

  Type:Service or Repair 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.

  Over the past 2.5 years, we've encountered numerous issues with Jennings Construction and Waterproofing, Inc. Initially hired for structural repair based on a plan by Structural Engineer **** ******** in late 2021, the structural work was completed in phases until mid-2022. Subsequently, a comprehensive kitchen remodel initiated in February 2023 was purportedly 90% complete by May 2023.
  
  Up until August 2023, we were led to believe all structural work had been done correctly and to building standards. However, breaches in the contracts surfaced during the installation of LVP flooring in August, carried out by a flooring team referred to us by Jennings. Problems included improperly replaced joists/girders, omitted concrete footers, and incorrectly leveled beams—issues stemming from work in our Master Bedroom during 2021/2022.
  
  The flooring team also identified errors in our new kitchen flooring, prompting a deeper investigation. A thorough inspection by ******** ******** ********* uncovered significant problems with leveling and structure. This led ******** to be called out to reassess his original plan against the executed work, not only in the kitchen but encompassing the entire 2.5-year span. ******** then drew up a notarized report and letter of his findings. He is currently working alongside ******** ******** and their third-party GC team to develop a comprehensive plan to fix all the structural issues still in play.
  
  A recently refused certified mail containing a demand letter and ********' findings to Jennings is indicative of their unwillingness to address the issues. Attached to this complaint are supporting documents, including ********' letter, the demand letter, and a few kitchen images. Additional documents and pictures from our general contractors and **** ******** will be provided if deemed necessary.
  
  Contract warranties vary, from limited lifetime, lifetime, to nothing explicitly stated.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/30/2024

  We was originally hired in September of 2021 to do repairs on the floor system, we worked next to the ***** and **** ******** the structural engineer who designed the first scope of work. We drew a scope and layout of where we would install 12 metal 3.5”x3.5” support beams and the 23 foundation jacks, we would do areas of bracing and repairs to the existing floor system and girder joist  that was in critical condition these sections of the work. During the work we had found several issues with the clearance under the home and available work areas due to poor conditions of the floor system and a open well that was not cap off correctly under the home. During this time we made multiple contacts with the ***** which was home during the work and asked them to come see some of these issues in person as well took photos of the ones they could not access. We at this time made them aware of because of very low less than 24 inches of clearance and the extremely heavy claw foot iron tub directly above the working area of the floor we needed to do these repairs to that at this point we could not do correct repairs to those areas and to the bathroom area unless we removed the bathroom floor system. This was the exact area the engineer had recommended the floor joist and system be replaced at the time we could only add some wood blocking and supports, (1) additional 3.5”x3.5” steel beam and place foundation jacks in this area. This would add and improve the conditions but made knowledgeable this was a limited fix and was approved by the ***** before moving forward with these repairs. And at this time additional work and issues was found and brought to the ***** attention. This portion of the work was approved and paid in full at time of completion.
  On September 23, 2021 the second quote was made for  Rebuilding and Supporting of the bathroom floor system, Concrete Patio area waterproofing, bio fungal and mold remediation rebuilding of cellar doors. We started work following week but during the patio waterproofing we found more issues and that they was a very large hole in the side of the homes foundation and much more rot and damage than was originally saw. ***** was immediately notified and brought outside to show the discovery and plans then started to be made. We was able to complete the patio waterproofing, the mold remediation/spray and built the cellar door. Approved and paid in full at time of completion.
  On December 21, 2021 the quote to rebuild downstairs bedroom floor system was sent.  (one of the very low clearance areas)To help with this project Me and my wife decided sense ***** was in middle of a law suit with original owners and short on funds we would allow them to finance the work for this area of the project. This work was over seen by the ****** also a visit by their lawyer and a general contractor. The ***** was very happy and work was paid in full.
  During this time frame ******** ******** was installing a full encapsulation and working in the crawlspace. After weeks of difficulties, multiple crews and multiple complaints and un happy **** we discovered that (3) floor jacks and (1) steel beam had been knocked down/removed.
  On March 16, 2022 the quote to replace hallway floor system was made and repairs to start, work was over seen by ***** and paid in full
  On June 16, 2022 a quote for a full home dehumidifer was made for the *****
  On December 5 2022 a Kitchen renovation and full basement waterproofing quote was sent, basement waterproofing was approved we at this time installed a basement waterproofing drainage system, sump pump and poly on the basement walls, The original floor jacks in this area was moved and readjusted and re installed to original area. ***** approved all work and paid in full.
  On January 12 2023 the Bathroom floor system replacement and renovation quote was made,
  Also to Renovate and rebuild/repair floor system in kitchen and plans/layouts and blue prints was started,
  We did do the renovation to the kitchen area of the home doing repairs to the floor system and sister joist to original joist of the homes floor system, ***** was home during the renovation and hands on of the remodel.***** renovation deadline was moved up 2 weeks for Mr ***** graduation, we worked employees late hours and even into the hours before the party started. ***** was very happy, and was knowledgeable we had some things that need to be completed.***** went on vacation, during this time we had multiple employee issues and fired. We experienced a time with no employees, got behind, ******* contacted us that she would like multiple items and had a list of thing to complete. I went and started working on the list, ******* asked to make a few design changes and make changes to the cabinets and add a few additional shelves we made those changes, She also asked to increase the lift of the steel beam and floor jack in the kitchen near the kitchen/side door (I expressed concerns of not increasing this beam because could cause issues if done to frequently or excessively, she insisted to increase, even after my concerns was stated).
  ******* expressed concerns of electrical in the kitchen area so we hired a outside licensed sub contractor to make corrections. I continued to return anytime a concern or issue was made aware to me, and worked to correct her list of items she wanted corrected. She asked for the return of the full deposit for the bathroom renovation this was also including the floor system repairs back in the original engineer report that she listed in report that was never repaired. I hired a sub contractor to install flooring in her down stairs bedroom, hallway, entry way and foyer we paid for these areas of flooring to be installed no cost to the *****. We also hired the same flooring sub contractor to repair and correct all issues in the kitchen flooring (ones in the photo she attached to this complaint) again no cost to the *****.
  
  Never once was we notified of any issues or concerns that has been listed. The ***** knows all our contact information including both personal phone numbers, emails, business contacts, ******* actually help design our company letterhead and helped with our website. So at any point they could have easily contacted us. I have always reach back out and made repairs asked, even during the time with no employees. We received the demand letter from her attorney on a Friday afternoon requesting us to make repairs, I immediately tried to make contact with both ***** and attorney but reported here she wants to have ******** ******** do the repairs, I feel that I had no chance to correct or make repairs to anything, I have tried to contact Aaron & ******* by phone and left voice mails, neither has returned my calls. I am willing to make any and all repairs and correct any issues.Img_28392 shows a normal end cut done on any edge of a lvl floor, the white material is basic white caulking that was used at a door jam edge to finish floor to door trim transition. The large amount of caulk was said to be under the door jam unseen.
  
  Img_28382 is a piece of flooring that was cut to fit under a cabinet with a piece of quarter round/base trim that covers the edge. The nail that is shown was from a braid nail that would originally held a piece of trim , the break was most likely done during the removal of the piece.
  
  Img_28352 area of flooring is directly above the beam ******* asked to increase pressure on even after me telling her increasing it can cause issues. And the corner of the plywood may came from lifting the piece of missing plywood sense this is the corner it could been easily re applied and attached. As you can see all the remainder floor is all flush.
  
  Img_28362 is HVAC boot that has fell and or dropped they are attached by small screws or nails into the wood this again could be result of separating, this area is within two feet of the steel beam and affected floor,as the floor being over lifted is likely the cause of this.second possibility is multiple people or contractors crawling under this low clearance crawlspace could have pulled or snagged it.
  
  Img_28372 shows a doorway between old floor and the new. This area before the removal was not just a hole I have photos of the floor area before transition was installed. During the time we was working and this area of the original floor planks. My belief is that this photo is taken after removal/floor being cut back by sub contractor while he was making corrections.
  
  All areas in these photos was repaired and are completed by a flooring sub contractor that we paid to make the repairs for the *****.  
  
  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/05/2024

  We submitted a BBB complaint after discovering that our certified letter, sent by our lawyer, was returned. At the time, we speculated it was because Jennings refused to accept. After we filed through the BBB, we discovered it was because Jennings had not updated their legal address. While we awaited a response to the certified email sent by our lawyers, we took action by filing the BBB complaint to ensure our concerns were heard. Currently, we are allowing our lawyers to handle communication with David regarding the issues.
  

  After reviewing **** ********* certified structural report and consulting with other contractors, it became apparent that Jennings had taken on tasks beyond his expertise. Rather than acknowledging the limitations of his abilities, he assured us that the work was completed correctly. There are numerous discrepancies in the work performed and issues encountered, which David either downplays or inaccurately attributes to us.
  

  Given our dissatisfaction with the delays, poor workmanship, and the need to involve additional contractors, along with Jennings' attempts to distort the truth, we are pursuing resolution through legal channels. We have concerns that Jennings will not be able to satisfactorily address the outstanding issues.