Dunn-Rite Construction and Remodeling

Service Provider Response

To Member RE: Does not know what he is doing (AKA; Dunn-Rite Construction and Remodeling) In response to the deposition you typed Feb. 6 2013 there are quite a few things we at Dunn-Rite Const. would like to state on our behalf. 1. You (Member) wrote that the project cost $18000.00 when our records clearly indicate that the total labor and material cost at our end was $6074.61. Granted you purchased the fixtures, ceramic, vanity-base and granite counter top but in a room that is only at best 120sq. ft. you were short-changed by everyone but us. 2. You also stated that we did not do what we said we would. The room was originally approx. 65sq.ft. We gutted the fixtures and existing leaking shower then removed the entry wall and constructed a new entrance allowing for an additional 60sq.ft. We also re-configured the shower area to allow for more space and the 3-jet body massage system that was to accompany it. The new vanity/make-up desk area also required extensive rehabilitation as the existing walls were out of plumb and the corner was far out of square. As our notes recall none of those items were billed above the agreed upon estimate. We were hired to install all the required plumbing, framework, drywall, cement-board, electric, moldings, primer/ paint and the provided ceramic, shower door, fixtures & vanity base. We were also asked to be artistic with the shower ceramic (3-4 types) one of which was a border 6ft. from the floor. According to our records and your signature (where everything was acceptable) we not only did what you asked, but we exceeded what we were paid for. 3. The claim that there was no slope in the floor to the floor drain is also without merit. The floor sloped ¼ to 3/8 of an inch over 4ft. The slope was more than adequate but may not have been visible to the naked eye as the finished width of the shower allowed only 3/32-1/8 of fall from the sides. The shower drain was exactly what was called for as our records indicate that I had to make a specific trip to my supplier for it. 4. The leak that occurred did happen within 1 week of completion and upon our entry through the foyer ceiling we discovered that it was caused by a bad joint that was there prior to our work, while there we reinforced the floor drain to prevent future problems. The statement “stay off the floor drain” pertained to the curing times for the new construction 72 hours to two weeks. None of this work was billed as an additional cost. 5. NEVER in the 20 years Dunn-Rite Const. has been in business have I myself or any of my crew left behind garbage of any type especially in the walls or against a footer, also any food-stuffs would absolutely not be left behind (or hidden) this would result in an employee`s immediate termination. Member, the work we performed in July/August of 2004 was to our knowledge satisfactory and you signed as such not to mention you gave us the final payment without reservation. Since the inception of Dunn-Rite my final question to every client prior to the final paperwork is and has been; “Are you pleased with our performance and your completed project?” only after a “yes” answer will I ask for the final payment. Upon writing this retort I have been recalling some particulars involving your project the first of which, is that we were under a strict time frame as it was a surprise for your wife who was on vacation. As I recall we had 2 weeks before she returned and that you would be joining her for that second week. During that time the cabinet maker had to re-do part of the vanity base as he made some errors that we discovered. I also recall that the countertop was incorrectly made requiring the manufacturer to alter it and that it had to be installed twice, both times with our help (1 3/4hrs.) that you were not billed for. Another recollection is that I told you NOT to measure or order for the cut glass shower door until the ceramic was installed. Do you still have that extra $1200.00 shower door? The other thing that bothers me is that for someone displeased with our performance you still asked us to perform additional work in the bedroom, sunken lights as I recall. Most aggravating of all is the claim concerning garbage in the walls. That claim is exceedingly hurtful considering we pulled quite a bit of trash out of your walls while we were gutting the shower area on the first day, and we made you aware of it. Member, since 1992 when Dunn-Rite was started I have always told each client (before I leave them) if they have any problems to call me and I will be there ASAP as my reputation is worth more than any paycheck. I last spoke with you in August of 2004 and you have never once tried to contact our office over the past 8 ½ years, yet we have been at the same location & had the same phone # since 1996. Due to this we can only speculate that with your complaint at this late date is to set a statute of limitations, which our office does not understand as we left you on a very positive note. Our work carries with it a guarantee of 5 to 10 years (depending on the scope of work) however, since we were never notified or observed the claims you have made we have no way of knowing if your allegations are true. Furthermore, since you claim to have had another contractor in to modify our work without our prior knowledge, you have rendered those guarantees void as we can neither confirm or deny the claim that is being made. We can only guess at your intentions of inflating our cost since everything in the room would remain the same with the exception of the lower one foot of your shower as this is the only leak you incurred after many years. Member, our reputation means a lot to us, but customer satisfaction is our primary goal. We at Dunn-Rite Const. can only hope that you will recall your claim against us as we were not made aware of the problem and never given the opportunity to make amends. Prior to and since the remodeling at your home we have constructed many showers with the same design and composition as yours with no mishaps. Several times we have been called in for additional work and have had nothing but glowing reports of our prior performance. I am personally hurt by your lack of communication, then your poisoned pen, all those who know me know me to be a man of my word and a grade of F is unjustified. Sincerely, Todd Lesniakowski, Owner Dunn-Rite Construction and Remodeling