CAPITAL CITY BUILDERS

After having used Capital City Builders for a couple of minor projects around the house, we felt comfortable enough to use them to replace our deck. Our initial conversation went well when explained and described how we wanted our new deck. The estimate seemed a "little" high at 18k, but it was explained that premium grade decking materials including oversized posts, larger rim boards and stringers, and the use of stainless steels deck screws which I requested to avoid rusting. Things starting going downhill when the architect got involved to make the plans. When I picked up the plans that I had to pay for ($750 if memory serves me correct) they were NOT what was described to him as to what we were building. When explaining my concerns to Mr. Larry Strickland at Capital City Builders, his answer was "No worries". Another red flag! He required that we pay $1500.00 for permits, which I have later learned were less than $450! Another red flag! When the actual crew came out to do the demolition and build, they were very friendly courteous and respectful towards my wife and I. They also seemed to be competent craftsmen during the build. Problems came when the wood provided to them appeared to be substandard (YellaWood provided by Capital City Lumber) - NOT premium grade as stated would be used. This really got noticed when the deck had been completed and the after the first rain, the screws started to rust and boards split and bowed. Unfortunately the crew had to come back and remove and replace ALL the screws with the stainless - some screws were stripped and would not back out causing additional holes and remaining rusting components, also since the boards were not pilot drilled for the screws, this caused splinters at about every screw installed.

During the whole construction phase, Mr. Strickland never stopped by (even though he had to drive right past going to his residence) to check on the job. Every time I tried to call, he was "busy" with the Builder's Association. However, when the project was finished, he was not too busy to demand his payment, which was a verbal request and refused to supply a detailed invoice as to the costs incurred on the project. Basically got a receipt for final payment.