Modular Builds are in the Rise in Long Island NY, there are a couple of reputable builders that do this work, but I'm here to speak about the ones that are not so reputable... Unfortunately, I have been a victim of a not so reputable Home Improvement Contractor, and there have also been other victims linked to such person. His company name: Fantasia Home Improvements. His name, John Trimpin.
Please read my story below and I hope that you can spread the word, so that other people will not fall victim and lose their hard earned money as I have and other families have. I am positive that there are more victims out there that I do not know of personally, but as word gets out I am sure they will all come forward. Now I am in the process of trying to recoup what I have lost and I am contacting all media, New York Government officials, as well as anyone else who listen to my story. Here we go:
I have been a victim of a Home Improvement Contractor, who has $52,500.00 dollars of my hard earned money since Dec. Of 2006 and refuses to perform the build as per contract and also refuses to return all of my money. Around July my wife and me decided its time to upgrade the size of our home. We figured we should have a second floor built with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. So I went on a search of a reputable contractor. I used search engines, and ended with 4 different Home improvement contractors. Before I called them, I checked their company names, and personal names thru the BBB. Anyway, they all checked out ok, (what a joke) with no negative records, so I made appointments with them to get estimates.
The 3rd contractor was John Trimpin from Fantasia Home Improvements. A well mannered, around 58-60 year old person. I explained what I was looking for (by the way, I don't have any experience with such proyects, what I know, I have learned within the past year) and he suggested a modular dormer. He said it would have 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. I would be 650 sq ft., 2 of the rooms would be approx 10x10 and the master bedroom would be bigger with the master bathroom. I got a price of $97,500 for this including, a new 2 stage furnace, electric upgrade to my home, stairs and whatever roof was left would be replaced. Also stated that my home would be done before December, and that once the dormer was on top it would take 2 weeks to finish. Of course I took the deal. Who wouldnt?
But before we closed the deal, I wanted to verify that he was involved with a modular home company, so i called Jan Contracting, spoke to Nick Girardi and he said he just started doing bussiness with him, but he checked out ok... So I went for it... Took out a second morgage, (Took it as an interest only morgage figuring this would be done in no time and I could refi once the house was done) On 10/26/06 I gave Mr. Trimpin $2500.00 dollars for plans and permits as per contract. This is where the crap hits the fan.
Over 3 sets of defective floorplans where made between Oct and Dec. There was no way we could fit what I wanted in 650sq ft unless I got 7x7 rooms and closet urinals. So the plans changed from 650 to 730sq ft. With other changes the new total is $103,500 (still good for the price). After a couple of more defective plans, I actually ended making the rough floor plans and sent it to the arquitect (yes me the guy that knows nothing). He then tweaked it some. Finally, Trimpin gives me a SET OF PLANS that we all can live with. I signed it out and on Dec 9 I gave Mr Trimpin another $50,000.00 as per the written contract for the deposit of my modular dormer. The date for completion changed.
Of this money Trimpin decides to give only half the money to the modular company and goes and spends the rest of it on himself... Comes out the plans submitted by Trimpin to Jan Contracting (modular home builder in partnership with Trimpin) were no good so now the modular company gets involved. They come in, make all new measurements and come out with a new set of plans.
Smaller than what I wanted, but still agreed to it just to get it over with. Riiiight! Nothing but problems with plans, runarounds, now we are talking Sept.
Now Trimpin and Jan Contracting go into irreconsilable differences. So I'm screwed. A year later and I have nothing to show for it. I request my money back and neither company is willing to return full amounts back to me, because they had "expenses". Mr. Trimpin claims he has no money and tries to"settle with me" for less than half the money given. He states on written E-mail if I sue him it will take years to recover my money. Jan contracting also refuses to return full amount because he also had "expenses"when after all was said and done, the plans his company provided failed to be sufficient to get the build permits approved by the Town of Islip. So neither company deserves a penny of my money they are sharing at this time.
My advice;keep the hell away from Both Of these Companies
Fantasia Home Improvements/John Trimpin
Jan Contracting/Nick Girardi
Like I said I am not the only one going thru this, there is another confirmed person that lost 47,000 to the same 2 companies. I am going to invite her to write her story here also. Thanks for reading
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