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| A Colorado contractor has been caught on video unleashing his anger inside a customer’s home after a pay dispute – using a sledgehammer to destroy a bathroom he had just renovated. The footage shared on Reddit shows the livid worker — identified as Terry James Gregory, co-owner of Dream Home Remodels — swinging the tool inside the home of Amber Trucke because she only paid $3,330 of the $7,555 total. As he destroys the bathroom, the roommate is heard saying, “Sir, I understand … Sir, please stop. Please stop.” But he turns to her menacingly and says, “Is somebody going to pay me? Let me tell you something — no contractor in the state of Colorado will fix that when they find out that I took it back because she refused to pay me.” |
The link below has much more details. He wanted payment before she had seen the finished work or tested the shower. He claims she needs to pay him before the grout is cured
Shit work - ( New Window )
Pull that shit in my house and he wouldn't have to walk out of the house. He'd get a free flight out the fucking window. Think he pulls that shit if a man is standing there?
Seeing this a lot lately.
Regarding their use of “reposses” a bathroom? Really? Unless Colorado has some looney tune laws pretty sure you sue for the payment not take a sledge hammer to property. The guy doing it is insane and the co owner trying to phrase it as those it’s a normal occursnce is even crazier.
No wonder he took a sledgehammer to it, to remove the evidence of their absolutely shit tile job. Wow...
Not really since he was allowed in. But i'd be disappointed if this clown is allowed to operate the business anymore. That is a harsh punishment, but he's clearly in-hinged. Go the fuck home and smoke some of that heavy duty Colorado weed.
Earlier point made here nailed it. This guy was covering up his mess. When in doubt, follow the money and one's own justifiable behavior. That's what motivates people to do really stupid shit.
I feel for these people. Part of managing a job is keeping an eye on work during the process, to nip shit work in the bud. If you either a) don't know what you're doing, or b) aren't around to monitor progress (or both), it's easy to run into problems like this.
Anyway, mistake #1 here was letting this lunatic on the premises in the first place, and not calling LE as soon as he showed up.
Regarding their use of “reposses” a bathroom? Really? Unless Colorado has some looney tune laws pretty sure you sue for the payment not take a sledge hammer to property. The guy doing it is insane and the co owner trying to phrase it as those it’s a normal occursnce is even crazier.
I think he did it because he knows how shitty a job it was and hoped they had not taken any pics of his shoddy work yet. He wanted full payment even before the shower door was installed which tells me he knew he was most likely was going to be sued for the initial deposit
No wonder he took a sledgehammer to it, to remove the evidence of their absolutely shit tile job. Wow...
ABsolutely this was what he was doing. He knew how bad it was and that he most likely would have to return her deposit after that crappy work when she sued him. He was hounding her for the check prior to the grout curing and the shower door being installed. She responded that she had not even seen the work or tested the shower yet. He figured she hadn't taken pics then and tried to pretend he was outraged to hide his work
You should be able to do the kind of work that will please even the lunatics or you shouldn't bid the job.
You should be able to do the kind of work that will please even the lunatics or you shouldn't bid the job.
then, later, if she fell overboard and got amnesia and forgot who she was, he could have said she was his wife to get pay back.
You should be able to do the kind of work that will please even the lunatics or you shouldn't bid the job.
Most important skill as a customer is to pick a good contractor too. I hired one that was a scummy piece of shit, and I learned my lesson.
Agreed. I can't lay tile. But I've seen it done and I've seen good finished products. This guy's work looks awful
then, later, if she fell overboard and got amnesia and forgot who she was, he could have said she was his wife to get pay back.
This is such a good idea. Someone should make a movie out of this story!
Contractor 1 - My GC on my basement and bathroom renovation. He would have been the slam dunk pick, but when he came in to survey the job he kept pushing an inferior brand window, to the point where I felt uncomfortable not going with his brand. He was also the highest bid by about 20%, and made it known to me that he wasn't happy being in a competitive bid seeing as I knew his quality of work was worth it.
Contractor 2 - He had done siding for my father over the winter. My father had great things to say about his craftsmanship and his price (he works alone which keeps his price low). His main complaint is that the guy is basically retired, so he works when he feels like it. He may only show up 3 days a week, and will only work from 8 am-Noon. Since it was the start of the summer, I figured I could deal with the project being longer than expected, if the work didn't suffer and I got a deal. His pricing was right in the middle.
Contractor 3 - Very young and raw, although his father would be helping with the project and his father is a family friend and very experienced. When he came to quote, he had trouble taking measurements, so I immediately crossed him off the list despite coming in with the lowest bid.
I ended up choosing Contractor 2 over my regular GC. Initially, I was satisfied as the workmanship was good, but we had some material issues that required follow up. He would also just leave at noon without finishing an install. He did this while installing our door, leaving an open gap in the trim, then he went on vacation for a week. I had to duct tape it to avoid having an opening that critters could come in from.
We are now at the end of September and we're still waiting on him to replace two broken sash's (they arrived broken during delivery) and sealing up the outside on one window. I said to my wife earlier this week, "This is a lesson learned... We had a GC we knew and liked, we should have just gone with him".
Recently did a job for a guy. Was there to fix his chimney and guy had a retaining wall that he asked them to look at while onsite fixing the chimney. They told the guy it would have to be rebuilt. He says he can't afford to rebuild it right now, but pleaded with guy onsite to do a little touch up (parging) to make it look a little better for now. The guy onsite said ok, he had the tools and material already out for the chimney so he did it. Well they finished the chimney and send the guy a bill and he refuses to pay because his retaining wall looks like crap (his opinion) and he had another contractor come look at it and said they didn't fix it correctly. (Duh)
Father-in-law takes him to court, has all documents/emails showing the wall was not part of the contract. They didn't even charge him for the work they did to the retaining wall, the guy onsite was just trying to be nice! The court decided that they should meet in the middle and only pay 1/2 the cost for the chimney. Should have been and open and shut case in favor of the contractor, but nope. Guy got a chimney for 50% off. Word on the street is he did something similar to an electrical contractor as well.
then, later, if she fell overboard and got amnesia and forgot who she was, he could have said she was his wife to get pay back.
For the customers part, always get three bids and when you select someone get three references. Even then, make sure you have a very detailed statement of work that is agreed upon and signed by both parties. I tell my team this at work for all the professional services we engage, if it’s not in the SOW it’s not enforceable and it’s probably not even fair to dispute. Gotta be in the contract. Payment terms also.
I’d be interested to know what most contractors think are fair payment terms.
Contractor 1 - My GC on my basement and bathroom renovation. He would have been the slam dunk pick, but when he came in to survey the job he kept pushing an inferior brand window, to the point where I felt uncomfortable not going with his brand. He was also the highest bid by about 20%, and made it known to me that he wasn't happy being in a competitive bid seeing as I knew his quality of work was worth it.
Contractor 2 - He had done siding for my father over the winter. My father had great things to say about his craftsmanship and his price (he works alone which keeps his price low). His main complaint is that the guy is basically retired, so he works when he feels like it. He may only show up 3 days a week, and will only work from 8 am-Noon. Since it was the start of the summer, I figured I could deal with the project being longer than expected, if the work didn't suffer and I got a deal. His pricing was right in the middle.
Contractor 3 - Very young and raw, although his father would be helping with the project and his father is a family friend and very experienced. When he came to quote, he had trouble taking measurements, so I immediately crossed him off the list despite coming in with the lowest bid.
I ended up choosing Contractor 2 over my regular GC. Initially, I was satisfied as the workmanship was good, but we had some material issues that required follow up. He would also just leave at noon without finishing an install. He did this while installing our door, leaving an open gap in the trim, then he went on vacation for a week. I had to duct tape it to avoid having an opening that critters could come in from.
We are now at the end of September and we're still waiting on him to replace two broken sash's (they arrived broken during delivery) and sealing up the outside on one window. I said to my wife earlier this week, "This is a lesson learned... We had a GC we knew and liked, we should have just gone with him".
What is her remedy once she pays him?
I guess contractors are so busy they just turn down work.
I had a patio, walkway and front porch done last year for around 50k combined and I couldn't get anyone to return my call.
I finally got someone and they did an ok job, but not great. there are a couple spots I have grass in between my pavers and they want nothing to do with me to fix it.
I would have loved to compare three estimates, but I was lucky to find one contractor to do the work.
or maybe it's not everywhere that people are this busy. But in MA they are - in all areas of contracting - small construction, landscaping, masonry, etc.
I want an outdoor kitchen which I figure is going to cost 50 - 75k for what I want, but i gave up trying to find someone.
There are so many road blocks right now between understaffing and parts availability. My advice to anyone right now looking to get work done is be prepared to wait a long time but be patient and go with the best contractor, not the fastest.
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I had my windows done in April. I bid the project out with 3 contractors.
Contractor 1 - My GC on my basement and bathroom renovation. He would have been the slam dunk pick, but when he came in to survey the job he kept pushing an inferior brand window, to the point where I felt uncomfortable not going with his brand. He was also the highest bid by about 20%, and made it known to me that he wasn't happy being in a competitive bid seeing as I knew his quality of work was worth it.
Contractor 2 - He had done siding for my father over the winter. My father had great things to say about his craftsmanship and his price (he works alone which keeps his price low). His main complaint is that the guy is basically retired, so he works when he feels like it. He may only show up 3 days a week, and will only work from 8 am-Noon. Since it was the start of the summer, I figured I could deal with the project being longer than expected, if the work didn't suffer and I got a deal. His pricing was right in the middle.
Contractor 3 - Very young and raw, although his father would be helping with the project and his father is a family friend and very experienced. When he came to quote, he had trouble taking measurements, so I immediately crossed him off the list despite coming in with the lowest bid.
I ended up choosing Contractor 2 over my regular GC. Initially, I was satisfied as the workmanship was good, but we had some material issues that required follow up. He would also just leave at noon without finishing an install. He did this while installing our door, leaving an open gap in the trim, then he went on vacation for a week. I had to duct tape it to avoid having an opening that critters could come in from.
We are now at the end of September and we're still waiting on him to replace two broken sash's (they arrived broken during delivery) and sealing up the outside on one window. I said to my wife earlier this week, "This is a lesson learned... We had a GC we knew and liked, we should have just gone with him".
It may have been a mistake to go with #2, but #1 doesn't seem like the right choice either given you didnt like the product he wanted to use.
I left one embarrassing detail out that my wife likes to remind me about...
I spent my Middle/High School years working in the maintenance department for a town nearby. Through that job I made friends with a few tradesman, one of which is a roofer who's retired and became a GC. He primarily does windows now, but I wouldn't call him to quote because I knew the guy to well. I felt it would be too awkward having a guy I used to help come into my house to do the windows while I sat at my desk and didn't help him.
Good for her for not paying everything up front for shitty work. Far too many home-owners don't know not to pay for work unless it is completed and acceptable. I have so many friends who have hired "great" contractors only to have them disappear with about 5-10% of the job left. It sucks. Finding a good, trustworthy contractor is really really hard. Especially right now.
I guess contractors are so busy they just turn down work.
I had a patio, walkway and front porch done last year for around 50k combined and I couldn't get anyone to return my call.
I finally got someone and they did an ok job, but not great. there are a couple spots I have grass in between my pavers and they want nothing to do with me to fix it.
I would have loved to compare three estimates, but I was lucky to find one contractor to do the work.
or maybe it's not everywhere that people are this busy. But in MA they are - in all areas of contracting - small construction, landscaping, masonry, etc.
I want an outdoor kitchen which I figure is going to cost 50 - 75k for what I want, but i gave up trying to find someone.
I started pricing my project in January, which I think helped with getting the contractors to return my call. A few weeks ago a neighbor asked me for the # of my contractor. He bought a door and has it sitting his garage, but like you said, he can't find anyone to install it. I gave him my contractors number, with all of the caveat's. My neighbor still reached out, thinking that since he had the material already purchased and on site, he shouldn't run into the same issues that I had.
I guess contractors are so busy they just turn down work.
I had a patio, walkway and front porch done last year for around 50k combined and I couldn't get anyone to return my call.
I finally got someone and they did an ok job, but not great. there are a couple spots I have grass in between my pavers and they want nothing to do with me to fix it.
I would have loved to compare three estimates, but I was lucky to find one contractor to do the work.
or maybe it's not everywhere that people are this busy. But in MA they are - in all areas of contracting - small construction, landscaping, masonry, etc.
I want an outdoor kitchen which I figure is going to cost 50 - 75k for what I want, but i gave up trying to find someone.
PJ, Just find someone to do the concrete pad, electrical, and plumbing for the outdoor kitchen. Those are three easy jobs that makes each contractor good money. They will jump on it. The rest of the work is the easier part and could be done over a couple of weekends
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are getting 3 bids for anything in this climate.
I guess contractors are so busy they just turn down work.
I had a patio, walkway and front porch done last year for around 50k combined and I couldn't get anyone to return my call.
I finally got someone and they did an ok job, but not great. there are a couple spots I have grass in between my pavers and they want nothing to do with me to fix it.
I would have loved to compare three estimates, but I was lucky to find one contractor to do the work.
or maybe it's not everywhere that people are this busy. But in MA they are - in all areas of contracting - small construction, landscaping, masonry, etc.
I want an outdoor kitchen which I figure is going to cost 50 - 75k for what I want, but i gave up trying to find someone.
PJ, Just find someone to do the concrete pad, electrical, and plumbing for the outdoor kitchen. Those are three easy jobs that makes each contractor good money. They will jump on it. The rest of the work is the easier part and could be done over a couple of weekends
thanks will try that - I also like aimrocky's strategy of getting quotes in January. In MA most of these stone work/mason contractors are not nearly as busy in the winter.
everything is insane right now, I called someone to get my driveway seal coated and expanded (I have too many cars with my kids driving and they block the garage so I want to expand the driveway so my kid's cars don't block the garage) and one of them told me they're booking into August. I said you mean October? They said no, August 2022.
Quote:
In comment 15380459 pjcas18 said:
Quote:
are getting 3 bids for anything in this climate.
I guess contractors are so busy they just turn down work.
I had a patio, walkway and front porch done last year for around 50k combined and I couldn't get anyone to return my call.
I finally got someone and they did an ok job, but not great. there are a couple spots I have grass in between my pavers and they want nothing to do with me to fix it.
I would have loved to compare three estimates, but I was lucky to find one contractor to do the work.
or maybe it's not everywhere that people are this busy. But in MA they are - in all areas of contracting - small construction, landscaping, masonry, etc.
I want an outdoor kitchen which I figure is going to cost 50 - 75k for what I want, but i gave up trying to find someone.
PJ, Just find someone to do the concrete pad, electrical, and plumbing for the outdoor kitchen. Those are three easy jobs that makes each contractor good money. They will jump on it. The rest of the work is the easier part and could be done over a couple of weekends
thanks will try that - I also like aimrocky's strategy of getting quotes in January. In MA most of these stone work/mason contractors are not nearly as busy in the winter.
everything is insane right now, I called someone to get my driveway seal coated and expanded (I have too many cars with my kids driving and they block the garage so I want to expand the driveway so my kid's cars don't block the garage) and one of them told me they're booking into August. I said you mean October? They said no, August 2022.
I had the same issue and what made it worse was our house was the kids' friends' hangout. I made a gravel parking pad next to the driveway that fits 4 cars and that was cheap and easy. Just make sure if you have your driveway plowed that they realize that parking pad is gravel so they don't dig it all up
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In comment 15380634 montanagiant said:
Quote:
In comment 15380459 pjcas18 said:
Quote:
are getting 3 bids for anything in this climate.
I guess contractors are so busy they just turn down work.
I had a patio, walkway and front porch done last year for around 50k combined and I couldn't get anyone to return my call.
I finally got someone and they did an ok job, but not great. there are a couple spots I have grass in between my pavers and they want nothing to do with me to fix it.
I would have loved to compare three estimates, but I was lucky to find one contractor to do the work.
or maybe it's not everywhere that people are this busy. But in MA they are - in all areas of contracting - small construction, landscaping, masonry, etc.
I want an outdoor kitchen which I figure is going to cost 50 - 75k for what I want, but i gave up trying to find someone.
PJ, Just find someone to do the concrete pad, electrical, and plumbing for the outdoor kitchen. Those are three easy jobs that makes each contractor good money. They will jump on it. The rest of the work is the easier part and could be done over a couple of weekends
thanks will try that - I also like aimrocky's strategy of getting quotes in January. In MA most of these stone work/mason contractors are not nearly as busy in the winter.
everything is insane right now, I called someone to get my driveway seal coated and expanded (I have too many cars with my kids driving and they block the garage so I want to expand the driveway so my kid's cars don't block the garage) and one of them told me they're booking into August. I said you mean October? They said no, August 2022.
I had the same issue and what made it worse was our house was the kids' friends' hangout. I made a gravel parking pad next to the driveway that fits 4 cars and that was cheap and easy. Just make sure if you have your driveway plowed that they realize that parking pad is gravel so they don't dig it all up
Thanks, I like that idea, I have a snow blower so not sure how that would do on gravel, but probably fine.
That dude is unhinged and should be prosecuted for property damage.
His 'company' needs to be crucified in every way on social media or other due to the 'craftsmanship'. I have done dozens of baths and have never TORN OUT tile that looked like that.
Customer likely did not do their research on his previous jobs. It is very easy for GCs to use fake photos these days.
Under $8k for a full bath? Hmm, I get that is really low, and you can't expect the greatest of work for that price, but it doesn't warrant getting your house trashed.
Some points (in my experience) on how to deal with GC and/or customer expectations;
Get multiple bids and have them each lay out in writing as closely as possible so you can compare apples to apples. I know running a business is usually not a GC's best attribute, but an understandable proposal is a must. Unless it is under a $1000 and a handshake deal, quick project, get it in writing!
Go see their work, or get solid referrals. I work interiors (cabinetry, woodwork), I escort potential customers to 2-3 previous customers' homes, and my own home. This sets a bar for expectations. If you don't like/love their existing work, that has been used and lived in, move on. That work also needs to be somewhat similar in scope to what you want. One woman I did work for saw a bookcase at a friend's house, and based on that, had the guy do her kitchen...an absolute disaster.
Terms...I do 40% or so (I round to the nearest big number for easy math) to begin (I only get $500 or $1000 if I can't start for a while), then 40% or so when we are about 80% complete. Then the final 20-ish% after final approval. The 20% is enough for me to come back and finish, but small enough that I won't go hungry if a customer goes off the rails. Monies should be paid commensurate with the work. If contractor expects much more money (other than the deposit) than the work performed, he is using your money to pay previous bills/debts. He is likely a little shady.
If they are not insured ($1 mil liability for medium and bigger jobs), have no contract, have sketchy looking guys, expect full payment too early, etc, move on.
You...do not pay cash without a receipt or simple document. Go see their previous work, take pics along the way, document their work if you have ANY reservations that crop up during the project, get the warranty for their work or the products supplied in writing, make yourself available for questions as much as possible. Get their hourly rate for extra work should anything arise. Provide a bathroom to use if a port-o-john is not required.
DO NOT: ask for extra work without the expectation of paying (if you are nice, you will be amazed how much extra work you will get for free)...do not expect them to let your dog out, accept deliveries from other companies, etc. If you make changes after work is performed, expect to pay. Many contractors make a lot of money on 'change orders' though. Typically they double the price of the extra work. If you can figure out as many of the details before the project starts, the less change orders will bite you. Yes, once a contractor starts tearing into a project, things DO crop up that may need extra attention. If they charge a fair hourly rate for the extra work, that is okay.
Working the trades is like any job, it is rewarding, but can lead to frustration. I do most of my own work, but also have gotten bitten a few times so have been on both sides. I could go on...but need to get to work. Just remember a rule of thumb.
You can have it fast.
You can have it cheap.
You can have it good.
You only get to pick two. All three does not exist.
Go Giants!
Additionally, this is the shittiest work I've seen from a professional. It looks like the work of a person who youtubed how to do tile and didn't have all the proper tools. I love the claim that he's taking his stuff back and he just leaves a destroyed mess on the floor and caused damage that wasn't already there. I hope she sues the shit out of them.