ComplaintsforSouthwind Unlimited

• Initial Complaint

  06/16/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I contracted with Southwind Unlimited for: fence and back porch roof repair. They found damage in the building and added on additional work, Change Order, #**** on 1/4/22. I had issues during the work, such as his yelling at workers, the side-yard fence built not as agreed upon, not aligned, and the latches only facing inward. ***** tried to add on extra money for things that were not true. I have evidence of this on the fence, for ex, in which he claimed there were extra posts costing more, but I counted them and he was lying. I still have his paperwork for this so it could be checked. This complaint involves the painting. To fix the damage near the back porch, they estimated for interior and exterior paint, and I paid ahead of time. They said it was too cold to paint in January and they would return to finish the painting when it was warmer, which I understood because it was freezing. I have emailed and texted ***** several times beginning in May of 22. However he not only refused to complete the work but made up lies and was rude. My last communication was today, June 16, 22. I said perhaps you don't remember, here are some photos showing you that the paint is all different shades in different places and it obviously is not completed. He still refused and claimed I wanted it left "natural" and had rejected his estimate. HIs estimate was for additional drywall work inside, which I thought seemed high, and I said I didn't want that done right now, I would have another estimate first. This had nothing to do with the porch roof repair that led to interior and exterior repair of water damage that was already quoted and paid for. Amounts paid: (Fence: $3499 ) Porch roof and additional repairs including paint that was not done: $8213.50 + 2500 = $10,713.50 His paperwork was confusing, and he might have overcharged me, as I paid 2500 on 1-7 for materials, and then 8213.50 (which was 2500 + 5713.50, including materials ) on 1-13. 10 PHOTOS UPLOADED

  

  Business response

  07/07/2022

  I will provide a copy of the contract which details the scope of work that was done.  There was additional work needed due to damage which she was not charged for.  The work that was done before us, was not done well and we told them there was going to be additional work needed and she didn't pay for that at a cost of $2800 to $3000.  Any materials that weren't used, we substracted from the over all cost.  She requested that the exterior paint be left natural.

  Customer response

  07/15/2022

  The business said there was additional work needed that I was not charged for, which is not true. The paperwork I uploaded shows the added on fees for the extra damage found and repaired, and the payments made.

  
  

  The business said there was work poorly done before them, but I'm not sure what he means, in that no work was done prior to him related to the roof or porch.  (If he means the interior paint and leak repair on the slanted ceiling - it was done app. 10 years ago and it did not affect the areas he was working on.)

  
  

  As stated already, I did not request anything left natural, I requested them to paint and stain, and he insisted on returning to complete the interior and exterior painting when it was warmer, even though I already paid for this painting.  The paperwork I submitted clearly shows that paint was charged for and paid.

  
  

  My photos submitted earlier also clearly show that the job was incomplete, both inside and outside, and they left it like that now for several months.

  
  

  The business response also said they would upload something, but then they did not upload anything.

  
  

  Again, I request reimbursement for the work that was contracted and not completed.
  

  

  Business response

  07/18/2022

  In response to client complaint, COMPLIANT CASE ID # ********, client name ******.

  The additional work referred to concerned the roof and leaks there. The atrium was the leak start point, and caused damage found. If we were to stop where we had originally contracted to perform the repairs, the repairs would have been for naught due to the leak originating higher up. She stated that was going to be to much money. So to perform the task correctly, I invested materials and man power to correct this issue. And I stated to her at the time, that it was "ALL OUT OF MY POCKET', to do this. In reference to my statement of, "Prior work done poorly", I stand by that. Someone had attempted to seal the atrium, it did not seal. Where the roof line connected to the vertical walls, someone had injected expanding foam to seal leaks there. Improper and insufficient methods applied on both junctures. As to the exterior where siding was replaced on pocket porch. We removed the existing deck to access and replace rim joist. wall studs and bottom plates. She rejected the replacement bid for the deck, of which I submitted several options at no charge. And then , once again, rather than leave her no way to get in and out of her home, we fabricated a set of temporary steps using some of her old deck and lumber we had all labor provided by me. As to the painting. I did indeed tell her that it was to cold and we needed to let it warm up and that we would be back. Client then stated that she liked the natural look and to leave it as it was. This statement nullified our need to return. As to returning to paint the interior when it was warmer, that statement makes no sense at all. I have done this type of work for years and would never make that statement. The paint was for the inside work. When I submitted another bid to repair and replace the slanted ceiling and insulation, she stated the bid was to high and then stated what she would pay. After all the other incidents, like where she agreed to the fence price and then stated she'd only pay $2500.00 on a nearly $4000.00 invoice. I told her the interior repairs bid are that price. She refused and our business was concluded. I accepted $2500.00 on the fence due to attitude, refusal to sign contracts, and constant change of procedures. She still has a balance owed to me as an example of her actions and attitudes. Had I not ceased when we did? Half of my crew would have quit due to the work environment at the jobsite.  Submitted by-******* ** *****

  Customer response

  08/01/2022

  The evidence below clearly shows that the business was scamming by increasing the charges as they went and when I didn't fall for it, he left and did not complete the interior or external painting which was contracted.  Please ask him to refund the paint money at this time.
  

  
  

  The business has multiple false statements in his reply.

  1. I did not pay $2500 for the fence. I paid what was contracted, $3499.  See attached photo below, showing my fence check was deposited by Southwind!

  2. He did not say that about the fence. He brought new paperwork claiming he had to buy more materials for the fence. I counted those materials and he was totally LYING. I then said I would only pay his original contract.

  3. As I've already stated, he is LYING about the paint and the charges. I already uploaded a photo showing the condition of the inside and outside of the house.  These photos clearly show that the work was unfinished. The contracts clearly show that paint was supposed to be done. The "paid" scribble from the business clearly shows that I paid for the painting inside and outside.

  4. Additionally, he is just reacting to what I said earlier.  He yelled at his workers and I noticed it.

  
  

  His true statements are:

  1. He did provide new estimates for the deck, but because his original one was oddly high. One of the new estimates was a 4 ft x12ft pocket deck for over $4320, which still seemed high.

  2. He did build stairs out of the old materials, and I thanked him. However note that he was not supposed to remove my old deck at all. He did that without permission claiming it was necessary to do the repair work (might have been, I woudn't know), when he was hoping I would then pay him to build a new expensive deck.

  
  

  

  Business response

  08/03/2022

  Section one- FENCE. She states she paid for the fence. I agree with that. However, there were materials cost increases by the supplier that she REFUSED  to pay and I had to eat that sum as well. As to the addition of materials, I was informed b my lead that they were needed, and found out that they were not needed they were removed, also mid stream, again, she switches the design. 

  #2 PAINTING.  Yes I stated that when it warmed up we would be back to paint, and Once again, she stated  in front of the crew that she wanted it to be left natural in appearance. That alone terminated the come back when its warmer statement and the matter was closed.

  #3 YELLING AT THE CREW Site conditions in cold weather. Salamander heaters, air compressors asst. saws and drills running. Men on roof, men behind a weather wall etc. Had she ever been on an active site she would understand the noise.

  #RIM JOIST AND DECK REMOVAL. SHE WAS INFORMED, SHOWN THE DAMAGE AND GAVE  THE GO AHEAD FOR THE DECK REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT. HAD SHE NOT GIVEN THE APPROVAL FOR THIS WE WOULD HAVE BEEN FORCED TO DEASE REAPAIRS DUE TO THE ROT AND DECAY IN THAT ARE. As to the deck, she was given several options as to replacement styles and refused all of them. She never paid for the demo that was a total 0f $300.00  Also as to the deck removal, there was a gas line and BBQ that had to be removed as well, OF WHICH she took care of by hiring a licensed plumber to do the dis connect as required by law to do  

  #5 as to the continued name calling and  and making these statements of scamming. I would appreciate it if they would come to and end. My record speaks for itself in this industry. 

  Customer response

  08/08/2022

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  He keeps making up new things. He absolutely did not get permission to demolish the deck.  He told me it was needed after he demolished it, which is not ethical practice. I did not change my mind after a contract, he did it wrong and I had to explain how he did not do what we agreed on several times. Let's focus on the complaint topic, the painting not being done.  This is a very simple matter, and he is not providing an okay solution.  I've already had to pay another contractor to do the work that I paid Southwind to do.

  As I've already stated, he is completely lying about the paint and the charges. I already uploaded a photo showing the condition of the inside and outside of the house.  These photos clearly show that the work was unfinished. The contracts clearly show that paint was supposed to be done. The "paid" scribble from the business clearly shows that I paid for the painting inside and outside.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******** ******

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