Complaints

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• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/15/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore 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.

  Work on our two remodeling projects (front hall and master bath) began in December 2022 starting with front hall. At that time, the “contractor”, Evan Gindling Plumbing, had the painters paint the front hall (before the tile work or anything else had happened), and had us pay him 60% of the entire estimate amount. That is all that was ever completed on this project. The bathroom remodel did not even begin until august, 2023. The estimated 6-8 week project drug on until December, still not complete (mostly due to lack of working hours on his part, and lack of skill…) we finally came to a halt when we were not happy with the uneven wall that came to a point, the wall that he made that did not allow the vanity to fit in the space (his solution was to cut out the drywall and shove the freestanding vanity into the walls to make it fit, add a piece to the leg because the floor (that he built) was not level, and caulk around it to try to hide that it was shoved into the walls. All a huge mess, and damaged the expensive teak vanity.
  His tile work in the shower area was also problematic with the grout recessed (likely from incorrect preparation and application.) there were sharp points that would cut our ankles on the shower threshold, and around the drain. When he put the tub in the wet area, he broke most of the tiles underneath, and had a “lump” in the shower area which would have led to water running towards the tub and not the drain; resulting in water damage. There were numerous other issues with his work also. Upon trying to address these with him, he became angry and stopped work. We had 4 contractors evaluate the situation and all agreed that the entire bathroom needed to be removed and redone, there was no fixing it; it was that bad.
  We formed a mutual release agreement with him where he would keep the nearly $50,000 we had already paid him, and we would all be done with this fiasco, and though he has agreed to sign, he continues to play games and not sign

  Business Response

  Date: 04/22/2024

  To begin, I have worked for this client for many years, with no problems. The main problem arose when the project was near completion, and we were discussing the extra cost that were added throughout the project. Numerous projects were added, and the scope of work had changed numerous times. We were happy to accommodate any changes that needed to be made. We moved walls, changed shower style (from a 36x36 shower base to the "wet room" as the client stated) which adds extra cost and time to the project. The client then had a third party (architect) inspect the project and found 3 small issues that needed addressed (a section of grout needed fixed, trim to the left and right side of the vanity, and a wall repair). We were happy to address any issues that needed fixed (we have all documentation supporting this) but the client would not agree to any of the extra cost, even after I sent her all the supporting documents. We even agreed on a much lower price to finish the bathroom for the client, but they would not agree to any of the extra charges (they would only agree to pay the original estimate amount, even though many things were added). This is when, we as the contractor, walked off the job and stated we will not be back until an agreement was made. Never once did the contractor get angry, as stated by the homeowner, never was there a voice raised by the contractor (this is not in my character), and we also had an employee there witnessing the more than appropriate response to the homeowner yelling at the contractor. As stated, we were the original ones who came to the conclusion to walk away from the project, with no more monies owed to us, even though the job was a few days from completion (shower glass needed installed, vanity top and vanity faucets needed set, and master toilet needed set). We have all appropriate documents, emails, and texts supporting all that we have said, and as the contractor, it was in our best interest to walk away from the project, as it was, for the benefit of both parties involved. A mutual release agreement will be signed, as stated to the client, once we have our attorney compile our own mutual release agreement protecting, me as the contractor, and her as the client. We will not sign a mutual release agreement only protecting one party, and not the other.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/30/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID 21575948, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, reasons for rejection are included below.
  
  
  Regards,
  
  
  
  **** *********

  Mr. Gindling previously worked for us only in the capacity as plumber; in which he was fine.  When he said he also does remodeling, we decided to give him a chance.  As described in my original complaint, he was a disaster in that arena, and caused a great deal of added expense and lost time to my life.  As I stated, 4 independent contractors deemed the work unacceptable and some of the work would cause damage to our home.  We had to have all that he did torn out and begin from scratch.  He walked off the job, I believe, because he knew his work was sub-par, and there was no way to fix it.  When I asked for receipts and invoices for all charges, he refused; saying that “no contractor provides his invoices for subs.” Which is not true if you’re being honest.  He tried to charge me $1200 to install 5 $25 door handles in our front hall (which were off for 8 months after painting) which actually should have been part of the front hall remodel price.; there were numerous other discrepancies in his charges which we tried to compromise with him on to no avail.

  The basic facts here are, he had my house in disarray for more than a year, did not finish either project, and what he did do had to be redone at our expense.  We graciously have offered to let him keep all of the money (nearly $50,000), and he agreed to sign a mutual release letter so we can all move on.  Our attorney has corresponded with him, and made the language changes that he requested be made.  Mr. Gindling has said numerous times that we would receive the signed agreement, yet we have not.  
  This whole ordeal has been going on now for nearly a year and a half, and we want to be done.  Mr. Gindling needs to sign the agreement and move on.