Landscaper/Contractor Warning in Flowery Branch area

Question

UPDATED:  I was interviewed by Adam Murphy with CBSAtlanta today about this story.  Its suppose to air tonight at 6.  Waiting to hear from the homeowners to see if I can help.

In case you have not seen it, for those of you in Flowery Branch and adjacent areas in Georgia, you may want to make note of this CBSAtlanta report about a bad contractor.  http://www.cbsatlanta.com/story/16430315/contractor-fails-to-make-repairs-to-shoddy-work-as-promised and this other update:  http://www.cbsatlanta.com/story/16457091/local-contractor-fails-to-make-repairs-sends-subcontractor-instead

This looks to be one of those cases where the homeowners failed to do their due diligence.  The Secty of State does NOT show any company in Georgia with the name Turfmasters Lawn and Landscape Management [One clue:  There is no Inc, LLC, LLP, Company, or Co in the name which suggests it is an AKA for a sole proprietor and may not be a legal trade name].

Some recent posts have noted problems with online reviews.  A quick check of another review website [named after a weed] shows only 2 reviews both horrible and the BBB rating is F.  If the homeowners had checked out with an internet search the individual 'owner' they would have likely found info on a Indiana warrant:  http://www.themostwanted.net/Indiana/Tippecanoe/View/43953 and possibly (if the same person) criminal issues in Daytona Beach.

3po3 · Answer

I'm happy when local newspapers and TV crews do their jobs and expose these jerks to help warn other folks.

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

This is a typical example of a contractor who is robbing peter to pay for Paul. I was at a home few months ago. New Home. 1.5 million. Water in basement. Met with builder determined what was wrong. After four months and 40 grand later job is still not done, no one can find builder and subs have not been paid. Although there is escrow to pay for these items. the attorney holding the money cannot release any until he signs off.  So the owner is paying everyone out of pocket so he does not get liens against his home.

Kevin M. Veler, Law Office of · Answer

I suspect there are other financial drivers to this problem.  I definitely agree with Steve that consumers need to be aware of these problems but I wish there would be a minute or two spend on how consumers can better protect themselves.  Nothing is fool proof but all too often the desperate 'low bidder' way below anyone else sounds great but leaves the homeowner a victim twice (they pay him and often they pay more to fix the problems left behinnd).  Just an hour of time checking on this contractor would have revealed many of his prior problems, a number of companies that appear and disappeared and other issues.

360 Sod (Donna Dixson) · Answer

I have a lot I could say about this particular individual, just suffice it to say that he has not honored a  large debt to a company that I worked for.

Kevin M. Veler, Law Office of · Answer

4S, I sent you an email but give me a call.  I have been in communication with the reporter.  Seems this guy had some problems in FL area (Volusia County)

Kevin M. Veler, Law Office of · Answer

Finally found the CBSAtlanta link to my story. Of course, most of my comments have been edited out but still a good warning: http://www.cbsatlanta.com/story/16476612/attorney-gives-advice-on-how-to-avoid-bad-contractors

Landscaper/Contractor Warning in Flowery Branch area

Suggested Project Book

These Amazing Vase Ideas Will Blow Your Guests Away!

Other

More

Landscaper/Contractor Warning in Flowery Branch area

Suggested Project Book