Lodged An "Official" Complaint Today

buildenterprise

Against some hacks that underbid me on a deck job then proceeded to well, hack it up.
I stopped by the job after it was finished, no one was around. It is a second floor Azek deck, duplex. Main thing that stuck out to me was the poorly built stairways. 8" risers, no nosing on the treads, decking rabbeted into slots in the outside stringers, center stringer notched so deep there was about 2" of wood left, and it was attached by one screw at the top. No graspable handrail, and last but not least, no permit issued for the job. I know because I called to ask, and that's when they told me I'd need to come in and file an official complaint for them to do anything about it. I stressed that I was reporting it due to numerous safety issues and not just because it was built by an unlicensed, uninsured hack. We'll see what happens, they promised to call me with any updates.

kevjob

I have tossed around the idea of turning in jobs that require permits and don't get them. Here it is a a phone call to building dept and the address and they come out meet the H.o. and the "contactor"

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Kevin
Basement Finishing Highlands Ranch Colorado
Littleton Colorado, Basement Remodeling
Kitchen Remodeling Denver

Bill

Good job! I swear that every job I see thats screwd up or using illegle help I am going to report them.

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Is it beer thirty yet
Virginia Department of Licensing
Virginia Plumbing Codes

mickeyco

If it's anything like it is out here, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for them to take action, now if it was a small infraction by a licensed professional they'd be on it like a fly to s*#t.

I filed a complaint against an unlicensed individual 2.5 years ago, nothing yet, and it's the biggest case of unlicensed architecture practice in Illinois history. I'm told huge cut backs in the investigative department, but don't worry the illegal aliens aren't suffering, no matter how bad of shape the state is in we are still able to provide them with free housing, health care, job training and day care (we have a special programs for job training and day care for illegal aliens). We also removed the burden of them having to carry auto insurance or to go to jail when they commit crimes (beyond illegally entering this country and identity theft). Oops, I went off on a rant, hopefully you'll have better results.



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Some people climb mountains. I take out the trash. But we both do it for the same reason.

buildenterprise

Please, just do it! The HOs and contractors both deserve whatever they get.

buildenterprise

That's why I emphasized that it's a safety risk, with the poorly built stairs. They seemed pretty motivated to get to the bottom of it.

redwood

I filed a complaint against a unlicensed contractor about 4 years ago. It took about 2 years for them to find him, but he is still out there. He advertises in a little community paper. For the last 2 years he states in his advertisement that he is unlicensed, but should have one anytime soon.

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Mark
Los Gatos, CA
www.creative-redwood-designs.com

BKFranks

That cool man. Let us know what happens.

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buildenterprise

Looks like something finally happened with this, because guess who emailed me this morning?



"Last year you gave me an estimate to replace the decks on our duplex on $$# Street in &^%%^$ City. My neighbor wanted to go with another contractor who they knew for a long time. The decks are up but unfortunately, they are not up to code and not being approved by the building inspector. The following needs to be done: The stairs need to be removed and rebuilt, fabricate stringers and supports, install new treads and risers and reinstall rails. and the deck needs the installation of ledger lock bolts and hurricane straps(Simpson H2.5 with Z-max coatings, installation of appropriate post to beam connectors, and the removal and reinstallation of existing PVC posts and beam wraps which is required to facilitate the installation of the hangers. At present time I just need a quote for my side. Thanks so much"


Gotta love it. Notice the part I underlined. I will ask him when I see him, why do you need a quote, so you can pick the lowest number again? Isn't that what got you here in the first place?

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loneframer

Double the original quote, plus cost of living increase.

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"Walking the fine line between production and perfection"



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buildenterprise

Word up!

naptown CR

the Ben Dover estimating system is definately in order

katoman

Quote? what quote, go T&M. It costs what it costs to do it right! And good for you for speaking up in the first place.

neolitic

What makes you think the
"Go for the lowest price" guy
has changed religions?
He'll still shop bids.
Hell, now he even has specs.

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Put your location in your profile!
(Sorry....it seems there really are dumb questions)

BobsLandscaping

Present him a written estimate for all the work required and materials needed. Don't put a price on it.

Ask him how much he thinks the work is worth. Seriously.

Sometimes they don't have a clue how much work is involved. It'll give you an in. Educate the customer and hopefully collect a check.

Celtic

Good for you


Bid it as a ripdown and rebuild....who knows if the footers were sunk deep enough

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Five Star

What i usually do is call the building department and leave a message in the evening saying, im a neighbor on the block and give a house # 3 doors down saying theres all types of contractors,making noise, no permits in the window, whats goin on in this town,are all you inspectors alive or just sleeping...ETC ETC!!

then drive buy a few days later and theres a big red sticker on the window..LOL...!! and they think a neighbor called and complained!!..but the inspector sleeping ranting gets them goin..LOL

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BreyerConstruct

Awesome... thanks for the update- I remember when you posted this the first time!

Nice to hear one for the good guys...
~Matt

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Custom Deck Builder Deck Designer Lancaster Deck Builder Berks Deck Cleaning
Breyer Construction & Landscape, LLC Facebook Page
www.BreyerConstruction.com

neolitic

Ain't so easy any more,
Yesterday both Kohler and
a local flooring company
answered my call quoting
my name, address and
phone number to me.

__________________
Put your location in your profile!
(Sorry....it seems there really are dumb questions)

deckman22

I'd stick it to that cheap ...k for hiring that hack in the first place. He needs to pay a penalty to learn his lesson.

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Deckman
www.alscustomdecks.com