We hired Jim Hossack (a.k.a. Man of Many Hats) and his colleague Nikki Boucher (a.k.a. Nikki Live) back in Early Spring of 2016 to start construction on a front porch. They confirmed a July 25th start date, so my wife and I made arrangements to clear the area they would be working in. This included removing many plants and shrubs, debris and rocks in order to be ready for their arrival.
After numerous emails and calls to both, we finally heard back in late September that there were issues with the permit. After several revised submissions, on October 20th, we received the permit in hand.
We should have known at that point the red flags were up and that we should have cut our losses after obtaining the permit, however these guys came recommended to us from a local friend.
During the first week of November, my wife took a week off and had the Inspector come out to the house to first inspect the holes that were dug, then later that week had him back for inspection for the concrete footings that were poured. It was at that time, the Inspector informed us the footings were not poured to code. After a week or so, someone from their team came back and re-poured the footings to code. What is even more unbelievable is that it took these guys two weeks to have the Inspector come back out to inspect the footings. Thankfully, they passed this time.
These guys now had the task of putting the framework together and when we arrived home discovered they had not constructed the framework to the approved plans and told us “that is just a guide!”
Now for the unprofessionalism…the work site was constantly left a mess with garbage, cigarette butts and coffee cups were strewn across our property, outdoor extension cord was left plugged-in (across a doorway) after their departure – which almost caused us a horrible fall on our back deck.
We were asked to purchase all materials ahead of time, so the process could run smoothly. We were also asked for a percentage of labour costs be paid ahead of time.
They have since been FIRED and we now have the task of protecting our materials until next spring. We are also out the deposit (to which we may get back…if forced to go the distance) for labour costs, to which we have asked to be reimbursed.
We have certainly learned our lesson with these two and will NEVER use them again nor will we ever recommend them.
This is not a rant to pressure them into giving back our money, rather a warning to all people in this community to NOT hire them! DO NOT ever give these people an opportunity to take your money and work on any of your projects!
- Approximate cost of services:
- $6,000.00
