CUSTOM REMODELING & SALES

Custom Remodeing and Sales is the last name in a series of company names used by Steve Kanallakan. Kanallakan originally operated in California, where he was in the general contracting and remodeling business. Kanallakan was highlighted in an LA Times expose on shoddy contracting practices. California eventually withdrew Kanallakan"s licenses. He then moved to Colorado Springs and took over operations of Home Improvement Center (HIC) a company owned by Bob Pendergast. We had just signed a follow-on contract with HIC to complete window replacements in our home. The follow-on contract was for $13640. We paid $5500 up front to get work underway. Shortly thereafter we were requested to provide an additional $3000, which we did. We heard nothing further from Kanallakan for months. Upon checking, we found that HIC was no longer in business at its former location and was not known to be operating anywhere in Colorado Springs. A check with the Secretary of State webpage established that Kanallakan had incorporated Best Way Home Improvement and was doing business as Custom Remodeling and Design. We finally located a business address for Custom Remodeling and Design and found Kanallakhan at the location. He had not ordered the materials needed for our window installation and claimed to have no money to proceed. After numerous communications with him, he ordered the required windows but the windows were damaged in shipment to Kanallakan. He refused to order new, undamaged windows or to reduce the contract price. After threatening him with court, his attorney advised us that Kanallakan (Doing business as both Best Way and Custom Remodeling and Design) had ceased business. Out money was not refunded. We took Kanallakan to Small Claims court and won a judgment against him. The judgment remains unpaid. Kanallakan has an email site "[email protected]". The El Paso building board denied contractor licenses to Kanallakan in Feb 2007.

It actually was a great experience. I had read so much about problems when it comes to remodeling, that I was very aprehensive, but Steve and his crew made it very easy. They respected our privacy, and they kept the area as clean as possible. As we went along, we made several changes, such as adding the deck, and adding a two sided fireplace. Steve always reacted in a positive and professional manner. In addition, any problems that did come up, were taken care of in a fair and professional manner.