In about September we hired InstaDry to install baseboard "trenches", BrightWall covering, sump pump, and Sani-Dry dehumidifier in our basement. I borrowed $9,500 unsecured home improvement loan to pay the company. They did the work order in October '05.
I was in school and left my wife to supervise the work and pay them. My wife spoke up when she realized they were about to cut kitty-cornered into the concrete landing at the foot of our staircase. She advised them to cut the part of the concrete where the moisture collects.
They consulted with me and I told them to make it look good but practical.instead, they installed the sump pump trench where we wanted relative to the landing but tore up our concrete landing without fixing it.insult to injury: the crew never re-fastened our water pipe, gas, and electrical conduit fixtures to walls.
Unfortunately, my wife paid the crew anyway. I complained to the company explaining that the damaged concrete was not aesthetic and violated building code because it presented a trip hazard. I think I spoke with a head guy named Rick or Mike Goerdt who was so flippant.
He didn't even offer a provisional apology to us nor did he offer a voucher or correction of the poor workmanship. Mind you, my family invested $9,500 in the project. They said the only way they would dispatch someone else is if we paid them again; as if repairing the concrete was a separate project.
So, I complained to BBB. That was the only formal contact I seen from Goerdt in the form of a letter defending the lousy workmanship. He defended the work by stating "that's how they wanted it" [paraphrase] which doesn't explain why the crew didn't fasten my utilities back to the wall.
In the meantime, we paid a repairman about $100 to square up the landing. The mistake we made was giving those InstaDry bums the check. Better Business Bureau couldn't help resolve the complaint so I let it stand.
I could've complained thru the MI attorney general but didn't fight on. Remember the caveat: don't give 'em the check till you're satisfied with the workmanship.insta Dry Basement Systems is a franchise company so the names change but the pink logo design fonts are about the same.
P.S.- Get a second quote from another company, and second opinion from an expert on basement moisture mitigation before ordering everything on the home improvement menu.
0 comments