My husband and I were in the process of doing a Rehab Loan (Home Improvements) thru FHA. One of the jobs was to install a new fence since the old fence was falling down. When getting this type of loan, you need the contractor to submit a written quote, provide liability insurance and a homeowners contractor agreement. I thought we were in the clear but little did I know.
I contacted Timothy Strunk also knows as CEO of National Fences Direct (He also goes by other business names in the New England area, such as Bull Dog Fence, Route 2 Fence, Strunk Corporation, Mass Fence, Fences by Tim.) to install our fence. He came out with his son one day to take measurements and to look at the job site. He seemed like a stand up guy.
Prior to him taking the measurements, he was in full communication with me week to week. He checked in periodically to see when we were closing our loan. He asked for 50% upfront which is not unlikely since other fence companies ask for 50% so they can order materials. We wanted a white vinyl 6ft privacy fence since our backyard is exposed to a parking lot and 24 hour 7 Eleven Store.
When he came out to do the measurements, I gave him $3150.00 in a check form, not a personal check but an escrow account that the bank was holding all monies in. Once the work was completed he would get the remaining monies after a FHA home inspector came out and verified the fence was in good working order. The work was never completed. Through an email to me, he stated Mid November the job would begin. After Thanksgiving, Monday 11/28 he would begin the job. Needless to say, he did not show up that day. I called him multiple times and he would not pick up. Finally, the next day I got in touch with him and he said a crew would be out that day to start taking down the fence. I told him if he does not start the job I will be filing a compliant against him and will slander his business (via facebook, BBB etc..) in every way necessary. I also asked him numerous times when he would be installing the new fence, he said it would be wrapped up this week. I asked him for a time and day, he said it will be wrapped up this week. I knew at that point, this guy is pulling a fast one on me.
His son (he is setting such a great example to his son) came out that day and removed part of my fence. He did not take down our chain link fence that was in the contract and he also kept some of the fence on my property. He pretty much left "waste" at the job site, which is in breach of contract. He also started 30 days after we closed the loan, he also in breach of contract. He left me with no fence, safety issue for trespassing and most importantly for my 1 1/2 year old daughter.
I had my father call him and see if he can reason with him because at that point I was fuming. My father spoke with him and he confirmed that he would be out Monday, 12/5 to finish the job. Needless to say he never showed up, never answer phone calls or emails from my father or I.
At that point, I called the Weymouth Police Department to file a complaint. I filed a complaint with Better Business Bureau (BBB), filed a complaint with Martha Coakley Attorney's General Office in State of MA, filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, Called HUD (Housing Urban Development), and told the new fence guy (coming this week to install fence. He is local and has a showroom too) to contact his warehouses so that may be aware of the situation. (not that he even orders product)
I also have commented on Facebook about this guy (have over 600 friends) and told family/friends. This week I am filing a small business claim at the Quincy Court in MA. I have taken pictures, have a phone log, have his insurance, contract that he signed, printed all emails/correspondences and usacomplaints.com from this sight. I personally will do everything in my power so that he gets what he legally deserves. At THIS point, it is not about the money, I would prefer that he serves time behind bars for what he is doing to hard working families. I know the money is gone, but If I am able to get it back then it will be a bonus. I sent an email last week asking him to refund our monies. He had no response for he will not pick up the phone or answer calls. I urge all consumers, please stay away from this guy. He is a scam artist...
I may even contact the news station that way people will be aware of this scumbag!
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