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Mark C
Mark C Cary, NC on May 23, 2012
Like Clip

Reviewed Charles Reffitt DBA Reffitt's Home Improvements

Service: Remodeling
I used Charles on my Townhome for what started out to be a job doing some interior painting and scraping the popcorn off of the ceilings . As it turns out , this guy lied to me and also my parents , after I questioned him about his people that work for him , and about his lead man . He told me that he had sponsored Jose , his lead man ,about 6 years years ago to become a naturalized US citizen .He told me he had flown to Guatemala with Jose for a funeral in his family and that one day Jose would own the company .This was the day I awarded him the job . Six weeks into the job and I ask Jose about his family and he tells me he hasn't seen them in 9 years , and I ask why , and he says he is here illegally and he wouldn't be able to get back in the country if he leaves . WOW ! I am many thousands of dollars into the job and don't know what to do . I should have fired him then .

All Charles 2 guys that worked for him at the time , regularly do is paint and patch sheetrock . He farms everything else out , even minor carpentry work . The sub that he used to replace my siding has more than a dozen unresolved complaints agianst him with the BBB as well as one they created for Charles last year that Charles has yet to resolve . Apparently they broke a window on a new door that Charles ...»

installed while they were redoing the roof . I was going to let Charles paint the new siding but after him spraying the first coat, which you could see through , I saw the bucket of primer , it was Lowes cheapest INDOOR Latex primer ! Luckily we were having outside work done by the homeowners by another contractor and I told him to quit . When he says from the floor to the roof , he is not kidding .

One of the first rooms that was on the original list was the Powder Room downstairs . In over 2 months time he never even came close to finishing that room . His subs that hung new bi-fold doors in all of my closets cut the bottoms off and they had to have stiffeners glued in to give them some structural integrity . The doors still drug on my new carpet and would have ruined the carpet had I not got them fixed . The list goes on and on . Charles towards the end was telling me that they tie up everything when they came back for " touch up" . That " touch up" cost me $4,000.00 I PAID to another contractor to finish the job . NOT just touching up . I told him he would never step foot in my house . For some reason Charles told ME he was trying to get out of Chapter 11 Bankruptcy , which he says his son-in law created for him , so be careful if you do give him work that he will be able to pay for your materials without you paying up front .Most companies use Subs these days and if handled properly that is fine . He did NOT supervise them or his people . I was at my Home everyday and saw first hand all of this. All these guys need is an email address and a cell phone to be in business . Be CAREFUL ! I hope this helps save someone some grief .

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9 Comments
  • Melissa K Blythewood, SC
    Should have checked with the BBB first rather than asking personal questions. BBB is very ipersonal and very truthful about all.
    on May 27, 2012 · Like 0
  • Karianne R Woodsville, NH
    I am sorry that you went through all of that. It is a shame that you cannot trust people these days.
    on May 29, 2012 · Like 0
  • Mark C Cary, NC
    Thanks for your support . I did file a report with the BBB and they are looking into it . Melissa is right , check with the BBB about the Contractor and also the companies that are recommending them .
    on May 29, 2012 · Like 0
  • Judy V Snellville, GA
    I'm still having problems with my contractor it's been 5 months and I still have no kitchen. Who do we complain to ,to get help.
    on Jun 10, 2012 · Like 1
  • Mark C Cary, NC
    You might want to talk to your State Attorney General's office and also your local BBB chapter . In my case the contractor lied about his company's people's background so legally it is considered to be fraud which is a crime and can be prosecuted as such . The problem we homeowner's have is the matter might be under a certain dollar figure , which usually goes to small claims court and most people don't want to bother . A lot of times you can contact your local building inspector and get ...»
    his input , you do pay his salary . Do what you can to fight this contractor and make him do the the right thing ! Good luck !

    P.S. Post complaints on sites that he advertises on , just make sure you tell the truth and can prove your case .

    on Jun 10, 2012 · Like 0
  • Judy V Snellville, GA
    Mine was in good standing with the BBB ,Has a license and was a 5 star company on Kudzu, I think the last year was rough on him and we paid the price.
    on Jun 11, 2012 · Like 0
  • Mark C Cary, NC
    Take him to court . You don't need a lawyer in small claims court . ....did you prepay alot of money ? He could be libel for criminal charges as well . Good luck !
    on Jun 20, 2012 · Like 0
  • Hewitt Remodeling Service... Virginia Beach, VA
    I think it is fair to say that most of us want to trust people. It is unfortunate, but when looking for a contractor, you must do your complete homework. There are lots of excellent contractors out there.....but we are outnumbered by those that work the "black market" side of the business. The BBB as well as the web-based contractor rating sites can be manipulated. Therefore, the information received from them should only be used to confirm the more important, reliable and relevent information received from recent customers, for example.

    on Jun 26, 2012 · Like 1
  • Mark C Cary, NC
    I hear ya' about doing a complete check. They won't give you an unhappy customer . I would get a bank reference , supplier list ( with phone numbers and contacts ) and see how they pay their suppliers , credit limits , etc) , and any continuing education they might have taken in regards to what services you are wanting them to do . Their insurance DOES NOT cover negligence on their part , which is were 90 % of the problems arise . This is huge . Go to a reputable building supply company ...»
    that does NOT contract the installation of products and get 3 references . If you are having Windows or Doors installed , tell the contractor you are going to have a Door Pressure Test done on your house when they are done . He'll either do it right or no bid it !

    on Jun 26, 2012 · Like 1

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