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:02/23/2023

  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.

  In October 2018, Bowser Construction put on a new porch/patio on my house. The total cost was $14,000. There were some issues I had with it, but finally got the porch post fixed last year. The main problem is the porch concrete pad. The pad was to join with an existing sidewalk. This sidewalk has now "popped" up creating a tripping hazard not to mention all the problems that occur as a sidewalk deteriorates from water, etc. I came to realize that Bowser had actually set the new porch pad ON the existing sidewalk which is now causing this problem. I found this with a garden trowel, I scraped away enough soil so I could easily feel the porch sitting on the sidewalk. Harlan Bowser came out to look at it. He led me to believe he was replacing my sidewalk at no charge because of their error. No, he gives me an estimate of $4600 to fix this sidewalk. I questioned this to Harlan about paying to correct their mistake. I was expecting not to pay anything. He said he gave me a free estimate. He then told me to get another contractor (text messages January 9, 2023). This porch pad also has another "pop up" where the porch pad and patio pad meet. So the integrity of this entire porch is in question. Harlan said the porch is sound. I would like at the very least to fix this sidewalk AT NO COST. I paid for this project, I don't see why I would pay for their mistake. I have photos to show the problem which I submitted to Harlan and have shown to other crew members who have come out. Also need to fill in the open space under the porch pad. Harlan said water and animals can get in there. This space was not done by any digging on my part.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/08/2023

  First, I want to thank Margaret ***** for her business. Customer requested free Estimate to replace old sidewalk. Sidewalk appears to have been done 20 + years ago by others. Bowser has never disturbed nor replaced this sidewalk in the past. I supplied an Estimate to replace the sidewalk per Margaret's request.
  

  The project that we did perform in 2018 was Inspected by Harlan per Margaret's request. The concrete remains to be crack free to date. Margaret mentioned one of the vinyl posts that was installed was a little loose. I sent our crew out and installed a new vinyl post at no charge to her. Once post was replaced Margaret signed off on a signature of Completion saying that she was happy with the job. 12/12/2022.
  

  We work hard at Bowser Construction to make all of our customers happy.
  

  
  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/23/2023

  Please note Picture Customer sent the side walk is 8' away from the porch. The side walk has settled down at seam. This has nothing to do with the job that had been done on the Porch
  I Don't feel that we did anything wrong here..
  

  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/26/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********* and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

  Bowsers is not admitting to their mistake. The rest of the sidewalk is in fine shape EXCEPT for that last section THAT HAS CONCRETE PORCH SLAB SITTING ON IT. 
  Think of a playground see-saw. You have 2 children about the same size, the see-saw is balanced.  Add the weight of a second child on one end, the side with one child raises in air.
  This is physics. Bowsers put the porch pad on the sidewalk causing it to crack and pop up. They need to own their mistake and repair that section of the sidewalk.
  
  
  Regards,
  
  
  
  Margaret *****

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/12/2022

  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.

  Entered into a contract with Bowser Construction in Sept 2021 for a deck remodel. Work was done in Nov 2021. They had to come back several times to replace about 30 balusters because they used cheap wood and they bowed. Also to fix a lot of mistakes.
  In contract it is stated that premium pressure treated wood would be used. Instead they used a cheaper prime #2 grade.
  Spoke with Harlan about them not using premium pressure treated wood that was in contract and what I paid for. He didn't really want to discuss it and made excuses.
  What I want is him to redo deck with premium pressure treated wood or at the very least refund my money.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/15/2022

  Please have Sue ***** to contact the office at her convenience. I will personally go and Inspect the Railings. We never was notified customer was unhappy since she paid her Invoice in full.
  

  We strive to Provide all of our Customers with Satisfaction and Quality work. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at ************.

  
  

  Respectfully Yours,

  
  

  ****** ****** **

  Owner & Operator of Bowser Construction