We hired Ken Monilaw on January 9th, 2024, and signed a contract, as well as gave a deposit of $2,500 (50% down), to build cabinets and shelves around our fireplace. He spent an hour at our house measuring and discussing the project, and we were impressed with Ken's professionalism. However, as he was leaving our house, he announced that he would be by sometime in May, maybe June, to do the job. We were taken aback by having to wait six months but decided it would be worth it to have a 5-star rated carpenter do the job. He never gave us a copy of the signed contract, and I had to call him several times to remind him. Each time, he apologized and said he would mail it, but he never did. So, I drove up to his workshop from Batavia to Carpentersville to get a copy. Ken was not there, despite knowing that I was coming by. I was told he had an appointment in Barrington. I finally got my copy. Since then, I have never heard from him, so I would message him asking if he could give us a date for the job. He kept telling me he was busy and would let me know, but he never contacted me. I would usually message him once a month, so as not to harass him, but it seemed like he wouldn't get back to me for a couple of days. It was always an excuse. In May, he had to build and deliver a desk to Florida. Then, on June 8th, his grandmother died in Texas, and he went down there for the funeral. He tells me he returned on the 21st of June and would start our project, and that he already bought supplies. I was in his area on June 25th and stopped by his workshop to say "Hi" and get an update on the project. The door was locked, and his truck was not there, and this was at 3:00 pm! I messaged him, and he responded the next day, saying he was 'probably' out shopping.
His favorite words are "maybe".... He never pins himself down to a date! It has always been 'Maybe'.
I felt that I had hired a reputable guy based on his website and 5-star reviews. Now, it's July 1st, and I am beginning to feel that he has been stringing me along. I hope not! We want to believe that we can depend on the people we hire, but as of now, I am going to the bank, getting a copy of my check, and will take action. I hate to do it, but I am feeling abandoned, confused, and stupid! If you read this, Ken, shame on you! Contact me soon, or you'll be hearing from my lawyer!!!!!!! Do the right thing and return my $2,500, and we will forget the whole thing!!!
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