Savoy Properties

"We performed the painting contract as agreed and took extra time to properly prepare the broomstick fences by scrubbing each with TSP, oil primed and two finish top coats, the paint information supplied by the member was outdated and incorrect so we contacted our paint reps and solved his improper information so the proper colors would be used. I was asked about my back ground and took the opportunity to explain my many years in contracting and various projects I had completed. I have worked for one of the homeowners in their historic district for over five years and "Annie" has always been pleased and complimentary about my work. The repair work was completed on a time and material basis and when the invoice was presented for payment the home owners association representative, he, immediately went on a defensive position claiming we had not performed the work presented in the invoice when in fact we had preformed the work and additional work was also performed and not charged for. The member's material list was his own device and copies of the actual purchased material invoices where supplied as documentation and back up. I could not communicate with him, he would not answer his phone, nor return my calls, nor answer his door when I attempted to meet him on site on more than one occasion. He left me with no alternative than to seek legal counsel from my attorneys which resulted in the filing of liens to protect my monetary claim, After some time had passed and multiple denials of the services provided I simply stated "Pay what you feel is fair" and this amount was in no way close to the costs incurred by me. I eventually dropped the liens, accepted the penance he paid and wrote off the balance as a business loss,vowing never to work for this particular person again. To this day I am stilled employed by "Annie" that has used my services for the now past 6 years and still hold a key to her front door. I am the only contractor that "Annie" will have in her historic home. It is most unfortunate that one person's inability to act professionally in a contractual obligation that results in the suffering of the entire homeowners association. I wonder if he has ever taken the time to truly hear and understand what the home owners members think of his ability to run such a group. I am a professional contractor with over thirty years experience and take great pride to provide quality work at a fair price and warrant all that we do, The unpleasantness were not solely caused by myself, Mr. Porter's lack of communication and a willingness to cooperate inflicted his own pain. I wish to put this most unfortunate incident behind me, considering all of the hundreds of projects we have completed, he seems to be one of two clients that have a negative comment to be said about me and my company. I hope this statement clears the air in some way and I am grateful for the opportunity to present my side of the coin as ever coin does have two sides. With great compunction, I remain, Very Truly Yours, Bill Pangburn / Owner. Savoy Properties"

"The member failed to mention he received Virginia State tax credits for 25% of the improvement thanks to my attention to historic detail and also received a $25,000 grant from The City of Richmond to be used on his project and did not have to reapy this amount, total savings back in his pocket is close to $50,000. He went over budget on several items, the kitchen floor was completely rotted and had to be demolished, reframed and new hardwood installed, (he fails to mention several defective items or areas that ran the budget over). His bank draw system for payments to Savoy took longer than expected and caused cash flow problems. We are a small company and rely on cash flow in a prompted method. The home was absolutely beautiful when completed. The member sold it some short time later for a handsom profit also. I dropped the law suit as it was pointless to try and get paid and he had no money to work with only a construction loan. He offered me a bottle of wine, $200.00 and symphony tickets as payment in full. I drive past the home every week during my normal course of busines and it still looks great. I'm glad someone is enjoying my skills and hard work. To other contractors, be careful with historic renovation work. The clients almost always go over budget and expect the contractor to foot the bill. He knew he was over budget and got away with it and in no way did he pay his attorney $10K. Respectfully submitted 09-19-11, Bill Pangburn, Owner Savoy Properties"