PETERSON BUILDING CO

Kent Peterson's craftsmanship might deserve more than two stars. He repaired severe damage to a finished basement, installed new vinyl windows in a 1952 National home, replaced closet doors (though left dark greasy fingerprints on them) and added ceiling lights, and several other fixes required by the Ann Arbor Rental Department. However, craftsmanship is not all that makes a business, and we certainly could not now recommend him for more than small, quick jobs. Kent doesn't work with a contract or work order, billing by the hour, and I sentimentally went along with that since I'd known him since grade school. Big mistake. He was cavalier with this client's schedule, letting the work slide "because other clients were yelling" despite 1) client's academic schedule of Fall classes beginning 100 miles away and 2) desire to have house available for rental before UM school year. Then he'd nervously ask for immediate payments. True, closet door and ceiling lights installation was added when it was clear his July 1st completion milestone had passed. But when we thought jobs would be completed, he disappeared several times, in Fall and Summer, for vacations of varying length...up to five weeks. One would hope, after decades of carpentry, Peterson could estimate time and costs with some accuracy. Not being on site, we had to take his word for it on his bill that work certain days required his entire crew of four for eight or more hours. We didn't question until we were presented with a final bill that duplicated five days' work already paid for...at a higher rate! Last and worst of all, Kent emotionally lost it, and berated client on her front lawn when he arrived to inform us furnace repair was scheduled; she thought he was there to discuss the bill he sent the day before, which we hadn't yet examined. Family issues may have stressed him, but hIs misplaced anger and public tirade seen by worried neighbors was uncalled for, compounded with a pissy email demanding an apology (when his own apology might have mitigated our feelings). It was a sad and unfortunate end to a working relationship and fifty-five year friendly acquaintance.