BARGAIN BASEMENTS INC

Started fine with framing, very little insulation was installed, the project delayed by months. Even with full payment Michael Thomas, owner failed to pay the subcontractors and 2 of them put mechanics liens on my home. He still has not paid the liens, as of this writing 1/2/2012.

The project started 1 week early with great results and that is where it stopped. A diagram of the room layout was provided to BBI, but was not forwarded to subcontractors causing build-out issues. Found Michael to be a money handler versus a project manager; all project activities were subcontracted. The project slowed to a crawl. I compared my stories with a fellow neighbor using BBI and found similar results. When the quality of work deteriorated I hired other subcontractors to install the carpet, tile, acid stain floor, etc., and inspect the work performed by BBI. When project issues occurred, BBI ignored them until a draw was due. Issues within the project include: Plumbing issues and water damage, doors installed improperly, subcontractors not showing for work and mechanics lien on house due to subcontractors not being paid by BBI, BBI not having a business license during project, non-responsiveness, and being 2 months behind schedule. BBI was released in late September.

Issue: Michael Thomas, the owner of bargain basements inc.(BBI), did not finish my basement. The first 5 weeks went well and I paid the first 3 draws (approximately 67% of the contract) . Once i got ahead of him on payments the work slowed to a crawl. On the completion date of June 22, 2007 he was approximately 40% complete. After consulting an attorney, I negotiated a contract extension with Michael to get the basement completed by August 24. Michael agreed he could do it and he signed the contract extension on July 30. On August 24 he was approximately 60% complete so I fired him. I've had several of his sub-contractors complain directly to me about either not being paid and/or slow payment. Now I m asking for lien waivers for all work that his sub-contractors performed on my basement and for him to return approximately $10,115.48 which is estimated to be necessary to finish my basement per the original contract specifications. My emails and calls have not been returned.