ComplaintsforCruz Construction Group, Inc.

• Initial Complaint

  01/20/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We hired **** Construction to deliver architectural and engineering plans with the objective of getting an approved permit by late August/ early September in order to renovate our home. The milestones and priority dates of these deliverables were agreed upon from the onset of the signed scope in January 2023, and maintained throughout the scoped project via ongoing bi-weekly and monthly meetings. The agreement was for $21,210. By ****, it was evident that the engineering plan revisions were progressing very slowly than agreed upon, holding up the permit submission, and more importantly the approval process. When the plan was submitted, **** filed using an incorrect Broward County form which delayed the process even longer. After several attempts to course correct with **** construction, we decided to withdraw the permit application. The payment terms of the agreement were standard: 30% deposit, 30% progress in delivering the plans, 30% permit submission, and 10% after permit approval. One of the line items of fees was $4,200 for permit expeditor. We made all the payments against key milestones, even the 30% for permit submission despite the fact that it was submitted incompletely using incorrect forms. Where we have strong issue is regarding the final 10% payment, particularly against the $4200 expeditor fees. Clearly, the permit was neither approved nor had anyone expediting it since it wasnt submitted correctly. We met **** Construction halfway, but pushed back on the final 10% payment for approved permit. They had us sign a notice of commencement form under the guise that it was required for city permitting process. It was a lien on our house, which they used as hostage so we couldnt sell our house and move on. So basically we paid on 10/5/2023. We had to pay fees for a permit that was never delivered and an expeditor who never had an accurate permit to expedite. This presents itself as clear bad business practices from **** Construction.

  Business response

  01/21/2024

   

  Subject: Response to ****************** Complaint Dear [**************], 

  
  We appreciate your concerns and acknowledge the challenges posed by the intricate designing and permitting process in South *******. The involvement of various independent actors often leads to a lack of coordination, making the process more complex and takes more time than in other regions. 

  
  As a construction corporation, our role was to facilitate coordination among the designing team and expedite the project. We made efforts to streamline the process, understanding the time constraints. It's crucial to note that *********************, engineers, or part of government entities, and each actor operates independently. 

  
  Regarding the Notice of Commencement form, we proactively sent the initial form to expedite the process. However, Broward County's upgrade necessitated a new version, which we promptly communicated to **************. Unfortunately, the updated form was not returned making impossible to finish the approval process.

  
  Contrary to the claim of threatening with a lien, we did not pursue this route, respecting ********* lien law, no lien was imposed on your property, and we challenge you to provide evidence to the contrary. 

  
  Regarding the contract's amount, our expectation was based on the significant progress made before the contract was unilaterally terminated. By that point, 95% of the process was completed, with designs and documents submitted, at that point, was a matter of waiting for the city to respond.

  
  We regret any frustration you've experienced but emphasize the importance of accurate information. We stand by our 22-year reputation in the construction industry, with over 100 successful projects and no previous complaints. 

  
  Sincerely,
  **********************
  Owner/President
  Cruz Construction Group Inc.
  
  

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