ComplaintsforVermont Painting, Carpentry and Handyman Services

• Initial Complaint

  12/13/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  We recently purchased a home in ****************, and were referred to *********************** (VPCHS) by our realtor, to do some construction work spanning several projects, including framing, drywall repair and painting. We met and discussed with **** the scope of work, beginning in November 2021. After obtaining design plans from an architect, we provided a deposit of $1,200 in July 2022, to purchase materials and begin framing a brand new bathroom in our basement. We then hit a delay with our project as we were awaiting plumbing installation and inspections. We told **** we would be in touch when we were ready. In December 2022, we reached out to inform **** wed be ready for framing within the next two weeks, and, several of our other projects were also ready to begin. ****, who is purportedly always very busy, indicated that he was wide open and available to start. He submitted a revised proposal for the additional phases of work (including repairing drywall in our garage, framing a new bedroom and painting, and removing a sink in our bedroom), which we immediately approved. **** came by on Monday, December 5th to pick up a second deposit ($1500) to procure materials so he could begin work, that same day, and after he cashed the check, he never returned. Despite telling us he was available to work with us exclusively for the next two weeks, he provided several excuses and then stopped responding completely. I have since read buyer beware reviews online about ************************* blatant lying and stealing tactics. We have also heard from our realtor who initially recommended **** that something has happened with him and he is not to be trusted. To date, we have received NO work services nor supplies from ****, and are out a total of $2700. We have filed a complaint with the bank for swindling / fraud, filed a complaint with the District Attorney, and will be filing a police report for theft. We are seeking a full refund, or that he provide supplies purchased.

  Customer response

  12/23/2022

  I have not heard from the business in response to my complaint. *********************** stole $2700 from me, and has not provided any goods nor services in return. He took our money, which was meant for supplies, and never came back to do the work. Over several days, he provided multiple excuses from having a headache, to getting tied up with other clients, before he ghosted us. Although he had been highly recommended by our realtor; once he stopped returning my calls - I discovered through online reviews (Yelp) that **** has been victimizing people throughout northern Vermont. His excuse and MO is that he is in a bad place, but would like one more chance to make it right. Yet, if and when he returns, he makes such a mess that it costs even more to hire people to do the job correctly. I was also able to track down his mother and business partner, ***************************, who was cashing Petes checks and she indicated **** is an addict. And yet, she continued to enable him to defraud people, knowing full well that he was lying and stealing from them - to the sum of more than $30K in 2022.  According to his mother, **** has since left the state, and is heading to a ********************************* in **************.  Im working with the other victims, and we are pursuing all legal channels to hopefully stop ****, recover the money he has stolen, and prevent him from victimizing others. It is atrocious that the authorities in Vermont have not stopped him (or his mother, who is complicit) and help them accountable. Several police reports have been filed and Attorney General / Consumer Advocacy Protection reports made. With our voices united, we are hopeful we will be heard and justice will finally be served, including the prosecution of **** (and / or ********) , and seizure of assets to provide restitution. Anything less by the State of Vermont is an abject failure to the citizens of this state, and further promotes of criminal behavior and deterioration of civilized society. 

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