PAUL ARTHUR CUSTOM ENVIRNMNTS

We wanted a master suite remodel and got a few estimates that were very pricey, but low quality. We knew Mr. Arthur from some previous minor work he had done for us and we trusted him, so we entered into a gentleman's agreement for the project. His original estimate for his subcontracts and materials was $18,000. We met with him several times before and during the project to ensure we were on budget and inform us of any overages etc. We also ordered the majority of the materials (plumbing fixtures, tub, tile, lights, electrical outlets, toilet, sinks, marble tub and vanity slabs) and arranged for their delivery. We also provided the structural design. He raised the price to $19,500 within weeks of beginning the project and eventually charged a total of $28,400, plus he said he wanted a $3,000 commission two weeks before the project was supposed to be completed that he said he "forgot" to mention. He completed most of the project on time, but we had to hire another contractor to finish a few things before the final inspection because he got mad that we didn't want to pay his "commission" and left for other work. Also, some of the plumbing that we originally wanted completed was not included because he failed to properly inspect the plumber's estimate and our second shower now leaks since someone messed with it during the remodel project. We also had to clean up all of the dust (there was a lot) throughout the whole house after he left. We had been giving him "progress payment" checks that we assumed he was using to pay off his subcontracts until the plumber called and said he hadn't received the rest due to him. Mr. Arthur had specifically told us he needed money to pay off certain people, but when we heard this we discovered the truth and that he was likely holding onto all of the money to hold those payments hostage until he got his "commission." Honestly, we considered a commission at first, but the more we thought about what we had done and the problems we encountered along the way, we felt like we were getting fleeced. He never provided us with any commercial receipts for the things he did buy (paint, drywall and lumber), so we are pretty sure that we already overpaid him; we can only account for $8,315 that we know he paid out. He said he only needed 286 hours worth of pay at $35/hr which only amounts to $10,010. Anyway, we paid off the remaining subcontracts up to the remainder that we owed him, even exceeding it by $300 for a total of $28,700 and considered the matter settled. However, now his nephew who apparently did some of the work is calling us for payment that he said his uncle didn't pay him which, coincidentally, is nearly the same amount Mr. Arthur wanted extra as a commission. I wouldn't trust Mr. Arthur in future projects and the sad thing is we gave him lots of good advertising during a tour of homes that our house was on immediately after the project was completed. We have plans to remodel a laundry room, spare bathroom, basement and garage too, but we'll be going with somebody else next time and signing a contract. Lesson learned...