Stone & Masonry Specialists

We met with them in July, signed a proposal August 4th with a project total of $4870.00. We also issued a deposit check in the amount of $1625. This is just over 30% of the total bill. The agreed upon project included re-facing the entire fireplace up to the vaulted ceiling, re-facing the corner to allow for wood storage, build up the hearth in order to raise the front of our new fireplace insert that we have been unable to have installed, and mount a mantel piece that we bought of our own accord. The stone to be used was a Boston Blend mosaic and round mix of 70/30. It should be noted that at the bottom of page one of the proposal it is stated: all work to be performed professionally and completed in a timely manner. The verbal estimate on the amount of time it would take to complete the project was 7 days, with additional time as necessary to let things dry and set. At one point we were told it would be done by October 21st. And yet... On Friday the 10th of October, 2-1/2 months after our initial deposit, we gave an additional $500 (they had asked for $1200) so that they could order the stone. As you may imagine we are asking ourselves: what is going on here? For a 10 day project, it has lasted 3 months! (And to hear theyve taken on 5-6 more projects is just unbelievable.) The work done is not even close to catching up to the amount of money we have paid already. We have paid nearly half of the estimate $2125 or 44% to be specific - and only about 20% of the work is done, and no additional stone is on hand. The estimate of 20% completion is from another mason whom we have in line to complete the project. We want our money back. Recognizing some work completed 20% (or $974 of $4870), and us having paid $2125, we would like a refund of $1151. And we wont charge them for the excruciatingly long amount of time it took to get this far.Product_Or_Service: fireplace re-facingDesired SettlementThe estimate of 20% completion is from another mason whom we have in line to complete the project. We want our money back. Recognizing some work completed 20% (or $974 of $4870), and us having paid $2125, we would like a refund of $1151. And we wont charge them for the excruciatingly long amount of time it took to get this far.Business Response Although I do not agree with everything in this complaint, I will concede that the project did take longer than anticipated. But, there was definitely more than 20% of work completed. The delays were caused mainly because my [redacted] prevented him from working any more. So, I was trying to keep everything going by myself. Contrary to what Mrs. [redacted] said about my taking on more jobs I have not started any new jobs until I get everything straightened out and back to normal. I fully intend to refund the $1,151.00 that they have requested. However, it will take me a little time to raise the money. I will refund it as soon as I possibly can.Consumer Response (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)After watching our new masons work on the project, there is no way more than 20% was completed by them, 20% is generous. Furthermore, having worked with the new masons, we have come to discover that things were measured wrong causing the stove to not fit within the opening. We now have to pay to fix their work! For all the time this has taken, money paid, and now corrections we have to pay for - we want at least our full dollar amount paid ($2125) back, plus cost to fix his mistakes, plus damages. Damages including TIME. Months of Time we waited for all their excuses, time we missed work to be here for them only to have them not show up on at least 8 occasions.How can they say they disagree, but will give money back? Why don't they have the money now? We gave it to them, and they did nothing with it. I've heard every excuse from them - now it's his [redacted] that's the issue? I'll except their response when we get a certified check in the mail for the TOTAL we are seeking.