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This entry did not meet HomeStars review criteria.
16x25 Deck with built-in pergola
Landscaping, interlocking brick and deck built
On May 1, 2012 Ruth signed a contract and gave me 7 post dated cheques for my 30% deposit because she was doing other projects and couldn’t afford to pay me at that time. I told her that I could not start the job until I had the 30% deposit and 40% the day I started the job… she agreed.
She gave me 7 cheques in total… the first five cheques were cashed to cover 70% of the contracted price (deposit and cost of materials) as per our signed contract with the remaining 2 to be cashed after the completion of the project.
Ruth mentioned that she wanted me to dispose those last 2 cheques she gave me and replace them with 4 new post dated cheques because … “I need to redo my budget so I will give you 4 cheques (the last 30%) so that I can fit in the air guys payment” (she was also having work done to her AC as well… and had problems with that contractor too).
I explained that I’ve been more then patient waiting for these post dated cheques and that cancelling the original cheques she gave me was not the deal we agreed to. I began to be very suspicious and worried that I might not get paid for my work.
The issue of a building permit came into question… I did advise that she could get one but that it wouldn’t be necessary as the deck is not attached to the house and is a floating deck that is under 24 inches high.
Ruth marked out where she wanted the deck and I have a contract signed by her indicating the specs of the deck that she agreed to.
The deck was framed in 2x8 not 2x6 which I did to make her happy… Her measurements are also not correct, claiming I only used 2 ½ inch screws for the whole deck… I used 3 inch screws for the framing and 2 ½ inch screws for the top deck boards only. I cut out the water faucet. I also said we would cut the vents out… (the deck was over the vents not blocking them) She said and this is a quote from her email “Hey Rick don’t worry about the vents, I don’t know what I want to do. I went to Home Depot and purchased one (trap door) then had them cut it so it made a trap door with brass hinges
And brackets so all is ok….”
On July17, 2012 the deck was completed. While we were there she was feeding us watermelon and cherries and telling us how great it looked. She was home most of the afternoon with us. At the end of the day I said I would be back probably on Friday July 20 or Monday July 23rd depending on the weather, to complete the other contracted work she required (sodding which was already excavated and prepped, also some interlock in the front yard) and upon my return I would be cashing one of the 2 remaining postdated cheques which was dated July 13th . I did not cash this cheque because I didn’t start the job until after that date..
On Saturday July 21st I received a call from Ruth saying that she wasn’t happy with the deck and wanted brackets put on the 4x4 posts. Although the deck was completely secure I agreed to go and purchase the brackets to put on the deck to give her peace of mind. She then told me not to bother and asked to either refund her money completely or take the whole deck down and start over. I tried to work with her to come to a mutual agreement but she refused and told me that I wasn’t allowed on her property. It is questionable that the time when final payment was to be made, she all of a sudden didn’t like the work we did although while we were there she loved it. I also found out after the fact from my local branch that she went ahead on July 19 and put stop payment on the last 2 cheques she owed me (appr.$1600 in total) – this was prior to any discussion of her not liking the deck on July 20.
I have all emails, contract and documentation.
Regards,
Rick Zippoli
Extend existing interlocking stone patio, landscaping
front walkway, stone facing on front porch, garden landscaping