Sawhorse Designers & Builders

"First, review states “Work Completed Date: as March 15, 2013”….no construction work was started nor completed on the residence home. The client chose to terminate the contract on March 18th 2013 before any physical construction work started. Second, review states; “Approximate Cost: $5000”. Final costs to client for terminating the contract will be closer to $4200. Third, review states; “Description of Work”; “no wall takes (sic) out, just new cabinets,…” This project completely reoriented the kitchen layout: Sink and refrigerator positioned across the room, DW added, range moving, a main structural bearing wall removed, two detailed cased doorways were to be built. Extensive plumbing, electrical and sheetrock work, along with new; custom cabinets, granite countertops and porcelain tile backsplashes were all part of the scope of work. Client inquired and scheduled an initial design consultation appointment that occurred on October 11, 2012. After numerous concept proposals an accepted concept was reached and a contract was signed on December 7th. This client’s contract proposal was a 12 page and 121 line proposal with specifics of; inclusions, exclusions and “owner direct” items. Sawhorse employees both in contact with client and behind the scene were completing work towards a Client Plan Review meeting. This meeting was held January 25th 2013. During this meeting; working drawings, specs & selections are reviewed that clarify all inclusions and selections made by the owner since contract signing date. On Feb 12th an itemized Change Order was emailed to client of revisions requested. Negotiations on several items commenced. No fewer than 12 email or phone correspondences transpired with client in an effort to clarify and negotiate requested changes. An in office meeting was held on for March 1st, to review price options but more to confirm displeasure and to request contract termination and inquire what would be with held from his down payment. On March 11th designer contacted client via phone and informed of the $5084 retained amount and reasons for it. On March 18th a follow-up meeting was held in Sawhorse’s office to review; his point of view, our point of view, justification of $5084 cost or any possible way to move forward. After discussion, this meeting ended with client formally terminating the contract. Sawhorse has been in the remodeling business for over 35 years. We have had over 2000 very satisfied clients, each unique in their own ways and we have refined our practices to accommodate individual needs. Having a disgruntled client and ultimately losing the project is never good, this has happened so seldom that we don’t have a specific answer or track record of reasons why but, we will learn from it and implement changes that perhaps, could have prevented this choice by the client. We believe we were diligent and thorough in how we presented; original concepts, proposals and options for requested changes and are disappointed in the client’s ultimate decision. Sincerely, Rick Riley staff architect"

"This complaint is missing several critical facts, which we have to question the overall validity of how Angie’s List works – and if Angie’s List is equally fair to both parties… Does a story not sound weighted if some of the information is withheld? The client paid $1,000 for a design retainer to explore possibilities with the project. A first design was completed that included an addition, a main floor remodel and a partial lower level remodel. As usual the design included interior finishes and selections unique to the project, all done by the designer. The client agreed to move forward with the project and the “job book” was given to the client as the first step in continuing the project. The client then rescinded the project after a weekend of thought, but asked that a second design attempt be made, as well as a modification of scope to attempt to lower the price. The second attempt was completed and the project was back on again, only to be rescinded after another weekend of thought. The client then stated that now wasn’t a good time to do the project, due to upcoming educational expenses and that after a bit, they would look at it again. At this point we asked that the job book be returned, as it is part of our build process. After a few months the client contacted us again for another attempt at redesign and lowering costs, which was done. At no time was the client ever asked for more money to continue the process of redesigning and recosting, even though company time and effort is used to do so – we were trying to take care of the client and explore all possibilities. In the end, another company simply offered to do a similar project for less. Due to whatever reason, they were able to offer a lower number up front, which yes, often is made up in change orders along the way. How has any wrong been done here? The client paid for a design retainer, which was followed through with to an extreme. A complaint is filed because our guaranteed price to do a project was less than another company’s bid? This is where we have to ask if this is a logical approach to this entire concept. We encourage anyone to investigate us on the Better Business Bureau, which is an actual policed and monitored entity that strives to get the full story if there ever is an issue or complaint."

"The true and simple facts are as follows: 1. This matter did go through Better Business Bureau arbitration in July of 2009, and the ruling was for Sawhorse. In over 30 years of business we have only had to result to this process a handful of times. 2. The member had actually completed at least one major project with us prior to this – this was not the first time as stated. This was a repeat client. 3. No one from our company lied to anyone. We do not take credit cards unless the charge is less than $5,000. Think of it this way… If we cost and present a project to a client for $50,000, that means $50,000. Credit card companies charge businesses a variety of rates to charge to a consumers account. At 4%, simple math puts the “cost” to us at $2,000 for the same project that we just presented at $50,000. Should the client be charged the additional $2,000 to allow them to get miles on their account? Should we absorb $2,000? Our policy is to only accept charges up to $5,000. 4. The member’s original contract price was based on the removal/disposal of cabinets. He contractually benefited from this savings. Weeks before construction started, inquiries to the member were made if he wanted cabinets or any removed products. And again, days before demolition, member was asked if he made arrangements for any removed products – “no” was the answer. The common industry practice of workmen salvaging removed items has been the norm for decades… even before the current “green” movement. 5. There was an issue with dust escaping a sealed area that was acknowledged by us and dealt with appropriately. We sent professional cleaning crews through the home at three different occasions to deal with this issue in a “white glove” manner. 6. All issues of craftsmanship, fit and finish have been addressed and were addressed in the actual timeline of the project."