Reviews

Review Details

• Review fromMartin P

  Date: 12/05/2022

  1 star

  Martin P

  Date: 12/05/2022

  In early fall, we hired contractor *************************** of Azimuth Works for an exterior window and deck restoration project and had a very negative experience. Initially the project seemed to go well. We signed onto a bid that provided low- and high-end estimates of labor and material costs. Part way into the project (we ************ third) we received an invoice that, together with the deposit, equaled the high-end estimate for the entire project. We were surprised by the invoice since the project was not near completion. We also had unsettling interactions with ********************** just before and during the new billing. The first occurred earlier in the day before receiving the new invoice. In a conversation about how work was progressing and our desire to have more priority given to our project, the contractor began shouting insults while on our property and continuing as he got into his car. We tried to lower the tension level with appeals for reasonable dialogue to no avail. Two days after we received the invoice, at 6:30 in the morning, we were awakened by a police officer at our door informing us ********************** allegedly had tried that morning to remove the stack of boards (which hadnt yet been installed) from our porch. Later that same morning, we received an email threatening a lawsuit unless we paid the invoice immediately. This occurred even though we had previously communicated to ********************** we were reviewing the invoice.We paid the remaining bill although the work was far from complete. We wanted to have no more dealings with **********************. We would like to emphasize that clients have the right to review and question billing and other work-related issues without having the threat of lawsuits and other intimidating actions aimed at them. Looking back, we regret we did not research the reviews and complaints on the Better Business Bureau and other review sites before starting the project.
  

  Azimuth Works Inc

  Date: 12/06/2022

  When you read an outlier review like this, that is inconsistent with all of the other legitimate reviews that have been posted by our happy clients, it is important to consider why it was left. This review is not based on facts. It is a deliberate effort to damage our firm's reputation.At Azimuth Works, we have a very strict code of conduct and a long track record of excellence working on everything from maintenance to high-end custom projects. We've built hundreds of mutually respectful client relationships with homeowners across the city. We always engage with clients on a mutually respectful basis. We look forward to working with customers who reciprocate that courtesy and treat our team with mutual respect.Whenever you see a one star review outlier like this, you have to ask yourself why it was left. This derogatory, misleading review left by ***************** illustrates why our firm was forced to terminate the project which we was originally defined from scratch working solely with ******************. ****************** was consistently polite, pleasant and professional. Unfortunately, our firm had to terminate this project before completion because ***************** treated our team in an inappropriate manner and then threatened to withhold payment on their outstanding bill. On this project, we followed our standard process. We provided a written estimate that defined a very clear scope of exterior carpentry maintenence work with ******************, who is ********************** wife. Once again, ****************** was consistently polite, professional and reasonable in our interactions with her throughout the project. From the beginning, we worked solely with her to define three areas of exterior carpentry repairs and purchased the required materials. We engaged with ***************** and began the project. Shortly thereafter, we met *****************, her husband, for the first time. Almost immediately, he began to be disruptive, obnoxious, demanding and rude to our team. Up until that time, we had had nothing but pleasant and polite interactions with ******************. ********************* inappropriate and dramatic behavior derailed this project. We originally engaged to perform carpentry repairs in two very clear areas, all of which was previously defined explicitly up front in the estimate with ******************. Once the project was underway, ***************** stopped by several times while ****************** eas not present and began changing the scope, adding scope. He began directing the project making decisions without ****************** present. This is highly problematic behavior. Numerous times, we made an effort to loop in both parties and we successfully confirmed several scope changes that were made in person. The couple agreed to add significant scope to their project which increased the cost of the project by 40 percent. They asked for this additional work to be performed abd agreed that it was necessary. We operate Azimuth Works on a retainer basis. That means that when clients add scope to their projects, we ask them to prepay for additional labor and materials. When we invoiced the couple for this additional added scope, things became quite unreasonable. ***************** began to behave even more inappropriately toward our team. He stated that he was not happy with the level of service he had received and that he would not pay for the additional material or the additional labor. At that time, he also contested the labor and materials that had already been provided. We made every effort to work with the couple but the simple fact is that ***************** and ****************** breached our trust. They intentionally imposed on our firm in bad faith when they withheld payment for outstanding labor and materials that had already been provided. In addition, ********************* behavior continued to be dramatic and inappropriate.When this happened, we immediately notified the couple, in writing, that we would not be able to continue working on their project. As we stated clearly by email, on Tuesday November 1st,... "...We have followed up by email to establish a dialogue with you. Yet, you have made no effort to communicate with us to resolve this matter We have been forced to suspend this project after your husband behaved in a way that was rude and inappropriate" Azimuth Works is a well-respected and experienced contracting firm and we have policies that we follow consistently. For example, our code of conduct defines how we we engage respectfully with clients whose behavior is also professional, appropriate and mutually respectful. Additionally, it is important to note that our firm offers contracting services. In order to do so, we provide formal, written estimates and written policies that must be reviewed and approved by the property owner in order to start a project. In this case, ******************* participated in our standard process, approved our estimate and agreed to our standard policies. She and her husband both approved changes to scope as defined by our policies which are standard/normal for the industry. When someone involves our firm in a project then changes scope, we're always happy to make changes and adapt. That's what we do. However, when a client behaves inappropriately, acts rudely and engages in misrepresentation and false claims, like this review, we have no choice but to terminate the project. We don't continue to engage with people like this. Our firm does not need to be involved in any of the unpleasant drama and conflict that they create. We're simply a contracting firm. We always do our very best to help others and serve everyone across the ******* community. When we do rarely have an unpleasant interaction like this, we truly appreciate all of the thoughtful clients that trust us to do great work and consistently treat us with courtesy.Happy Holidays to you and your family. Azimuth Works Inc December 6th, 2022