Tampa cabinet makers give homeowners the runaround
Published on November 1, 2009
COMPLAINT: Terrell Larson, Wesley Chapel, Fla.
"I hired Cabinets N'More to install cabinets in my kitchen. After they were finished, the molding didn't fit and the countertop bubbled up. Owner George Chakkar came out and fixed the countertop, but it came up again two weeks later.
"He tried to file down the molding to fit, but left it worse than before. I've called George four times, and he doesn't return my phone calls."
DESIRED RESOLUTION: "I want George Chakkar to replace the oak molding above the sink."
RESPONSE: George Chakkar, owner, Cabinets N'More
"After I completed the job, I fixed the molding and the member said they were happy. I visited him and his family several times to do other jobs, and they never mentioned any problems.
"After that, I was out of the country for one month. I called when I returned, and the member did not return my call. The molding was not part of the original contract, but I agreed to do it at no additional charge.
"I would be glad to work with the member to fix the problem. Had I known, it would have been fixed already."
STATUS: Stalemate
Editor's note: The member reported to Angie's List that Chakkar came back out but did not complete the job.
COMPLAINT: Brian and Rebecca O'Connor, Indianapolis
"We hired Lee Ellis of Seminole-based Cabinet Specialties to construct and deliver a bathroom vanity to our vacation condo located in Treasure Island so that we could remodel our bathroom. It was a terrible disappointment.
"He always seemed very rushed. At one point, he mentioned he could make one door and drawer a different width than the other side, which we quickly disagreed with. Who would want a different width?
"Later, we called to check on his progress, but he rushed us off the phone. We called back later in the month, and he asked us what side we wanted the different width doors and drawers on!
"We reminded him of our previous conversation. While he was upset, he admitted it was his fault and agreed to return our $700 deposit. After several calls, we finally received a check for $173.64."
DESIRED RESOLUTION: We would like Cabinet Specialties to return the rest of the deposit – $526.36.
STATUS: Penalty Box
COMPLAINT: Jan Mitchell, St. Petersburg, Fla.
"I hired Affordable Roofing Systems to do a screen enclosure and soffit work on the roof. I signed a contract and paid a $1,000 deposit. Their worker told me they had somebody who works with them on screens. Two days later, I hadn't heard back from them.
"The gentleman they used for screens went out of business. Affordable Roofing called and told me I might need someone to do the screen and soffit work myself, even though they originally told me they would do this. I called and got two people out by the weekend.
"No other roofer had issues doing this. I told Affordable Roofing Systems that I couldn't afford to do both the screen enclosures and the roof, and asked for my deposit back. They told me I had three days to get out of the contract and I tried to explain that I had tried to get things set up in those three days and I kept getting the runaround.
"They told me I could extend the contract, cancel the contract and forfeit the deposit, or pursue legal options. They never had to order any material for the job and kept giving me the runaround."
DESIRED RESOLUTION: "I would like to receive my $1,000 deposit back."
RESPONSE: James (Rick) Mellette, president, Affordable Roofing Systems
"She signed the contract on 7/6/09, and I spoke to her on 7/14/09. I do not believe this is a legitimate complaint. She broke the contract, not us!"
STATUS: Stalemate
Credit card quandary
COMPLAINT: Karen Lucciola, Port Richey, Fla.
"I hired The Movers Moving & Storage to transport my things, put them in storage for six weeks, then move them to my new home. The guy who sold me the packages basically lied to me about the money.
"Everything was verbal, and their representative told me it was a special deal due to the poor economy, so I didn't have a formal written contract. It didn't feel right, so I wanted to get my things out early so another company could pick them up.
"At first, they didn't want to tell me where my things were. They finally delivered my belongings, but some of them were damaged and everything smelled musty.
"The job was supposed to only cost $188 for labor and the prorated partial month in storage. They told me the first month was free. They were supposed to provide proof of licensing and insurance, and they refused to do so.
"They demanded $714 before they would unload my things, and charged my credit card twice.
DESIRED RESOLUTION: "I paid $1,570.60 total. I would like a refund of the $727 overpayment."
STATUS: Penalty Box