This compliant is long overdue.
After getting (4) four estimates for a contractor to build my deck, I settled with Premier Homepro, MHIC license number: 95816.
Prior to meeting with the President, Allen Stevens, I faxed him Long Fence's estimate to save him a trip. I told him Long Fence had given me a good estimate, and was going to give me an additional five percent off the hand written estimate. I live in a new community, and the developer had used Long Fence to construct partitions between the townhouses. Mr. Stevens' said he was able to beat Long Fence's estimate, so we met the evening of August 13.
The next day, I emailed Mr. Stevens' and told him I agreed with the terms of the contract, and would sign the contract. Mr. Stevens' was to begin working on my deck as soon as he obtained the building permit. I signed the contract on August 18.
My complaint is as of today's date, September 1, Mr. Stevens' does not have the building permit in hand. Mr. Stevens' started working on my deck Friday, August 22, and on Monday, August 25, the City of Rockville issued a Stop Work citation. The deck is currently 85% completed.
On Tuesday, August 26, Mr. Stevens' sent me an email stating, My office manager went to the permit office this morning at Montgomery County. They sent her to Rockville City who told her it was going to take three (3) weeks for approval! Yikes! Montgomery County takes 3 hours! As soon as it is ready, we will pick it up and drop a copy off.in the mean time, all work is suspended pending approval.
Mr. Stevens was aware I needed the permit to get approval from my Home Owner Association (HOA) PRIOR to building the deck. He mentioned that in his email dated August 20, he also said, As we build it the City approves in stages. On Friday, August 22, his crew started building the deck without the permit and/or an inspection from the City. On Monday, August 25th, the City of Rockville issued the Stop Work citation.
After I saw the citation (Mr. Stevens never called me to tell me about it) when I got home from work, I called my developer (with my tail between my legs) and told him everything. He made a call to the City, and is working to have the permit expedited.
I wrote this complaint on the day, I was going to have my house warming/cook-out August 30 a week after Mr. Steve started on my deck and 5 days after the City of Rockville issued the Stop Work Order. So not only do I have the embarrassment of having an incomplete deck, it appears I am not compliant with my HOA. I am still not sure what penalty I have with them.
Mr. Stevens' website states he has been in business for OVER 30 years in Montgomery County. I choose him because he is listed on Long and Foster's website under Home Service Connections. I thought he ran an honest, reputable company, I am sorry to find out in an embarrassing way he does not.
The final straw was yesterday, with the emails between Mr. Steven's, Long and Foster and I.
From: holly
Date: Mon, 8 Sep 2008 19:29: 48 0000
To: [email protected]
CC: matt. [email protected]; hazel. [email protected]
Subject: RE: My Signed contract
Alan,
I'm not sure how you wanted me to approach you. I've been asking for a discount and/or some type of good faith gesture, on your part, and all you have said to me was "we're sticking to the contract"
You verbally told me this would only take 3 days. You said, I could have my house warming by Labor Day... It's been 2 weeks Alan, and you know that is not right. How about 20% off the total price of $3,400? That way you will not have to worry about being liable for repairs.
Holly
— alan stevens wrote:
Holly,
Thanks for your email.
If you had approached this in a different manner, I might have considered it but based on legal counsel, I have been advised to complete this contract and refer you to someone else. Should one of my men spill sealant on your home or on the patio, we would be liable to repair it and I have been advised not to assume the liability. My goal is to finalize our transaction as stated in the contract and assist you in the final inspection process.
We will resume construction and finish in a timely manner.
Warm regards,
Alan Stevens
From: holly
Date: Mon, 8 Sep 2008 18:55: 41 0000
To: [email protected]
CC: hazel. [email protected]; matt. [email protected]
Subject: RE: My Signed contract
Alan,
Thank you for the email.
I would like to take this opportunity again to request as a "good faith" gesture, you adding the sealant to the deck.
As you know, this has been an arduous ordeal for me, and has required a high level of patience on my part during the last 2 weeks. The sealant would be highly appreciated.
Thanks again,
Holly
— alan stevens wrote:
Dear Holly,
The City of Rockville approved your permit today and told us it is ready for pickup. I will try to get it late today or early tomorrow morning. Once we have it, we will resume our work and complete the deck as per our agreement. It should be done by week's end. You will be able to use it when the final inspection takes place. City of Rockville will dispatch an inspector and issue the use and occupancy permit based on their findings. Any discrepancies that may arise from an official inspection will be corrected in a timely manner and the deck will be rescheduled for a final inspection when all issues have been corrected (if any).
Once again, we will wait patiently and cooperatively with the City to work at their own pace.
I do not see the approval on the web site yet, but Martin in Inspections worked on it today. His number is 240-314-5000.
Sincerely,
Alan Stevens
From: holly
Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2008 15:40: 46 0000
To: [email protected]
Subject: My Signed contract
In your caption, it says, Includes permits and inspections
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