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BobsBurgers
12-22-2017, 07:00 PM
Has anyone had real results from Seniors vs Crimes? Not sure where to start, but we’ve got big trouble with Colony Tire Choice. What should have been a simple oil change has turned in to a nightmare. I honestly didn’t think to read up on that place prior to this “basic” request. BIG MISTAKE!

Help.

Chatbrat
12-22-2017, 07:03 PM
What did they do? They had tried to scam a woman out of close to$1500.00 a few years ago.The chain is known as own of the biggest rip-off's in Fl

villagetinker
12-22-2017, 07:05 PM
First sorry for your trouble. Second, if you paid with a credit card, call credit card company immediately and dispute the charge. I had contacted Seniors vs crime once before to check out 3 contractors before hiring, so I do not have experience after the fact. File a complaint with the BBB.
Hope this helps.

bobthegolfer
12-22-2017, 07:27 PM
We were helped by Seniors vs Crime a few years ago. We bought Two matching chairs at a Furniture Store in Leesburg (Now it's Family Furniture). Of course we had to give them a down payment . After waiting the 6 weeks (they promised delivery at that time) I started calling the store, but they never returned the call. We finally went to the store and asked for our money back. After an hour of rather heated conversations with the manager, he said if we would come back the next day he would have a check for us. He SAID the person who writes the checks had left for the day. When we went back the next day there was an OUT OF BUSINESS sign on the door.

We called Seniors vs Crime and the man we spoke to was most helpful. First call your credit card company. Then he pointed us to the person who would handle the closing of the store, leaving buyers high and dry. We did get our money back thanks to his help!

BobsBurgers
12-22-2017, 07:32 PM
They drained the transmission fluid instead of the oil. Then they added oil to the still full oil pan. My son then took the car and drove it all the way to Pennsylvania. You can probably guess where I’m going with this story.

pauld315
12-22-2017, 11:16 PM
They drained the transmission fluid instead of the oil. Then they added oil to the still full oil pan. My son then took the car and drove it all the way to Pennsylvania. You can probably guess where I’m going with this story.

He was able to drive a car all the way to PA with no transmission fluid?

Taltarzac725
12-23-2017, 05:53 AM
Seniors vs. Crime looks like a very worthwhile resource.

BobsBurgers
12-23-2017, 05:57 AM
Dangerously low, but yes. No Light on the instrument panel to indicate trouble. Until it broke down completely and he had it taken to the dealer. They were stunned.

Choice Tire won’t admit any wrongdoing. The dealer in Pennsylvania has even spoken with them. It has escalated pretty quickly. It’s time for action.

Taltarzac725
12-23-2017, 06:05 AM
Dangerously low, but yes. No Light on the instrument panel to indicate trouble. Until it broke down completely and he had it taken to the dealer. They were stunned.

Choice Tire won’t admit any wrongdoing. The dealer in Pennsylvania has even spoken with them. It has escalated pretty quickly. It’s time for action.

I had an experience like that with a gas station in Salt Lake City after they put the tie rod on backwards. I actually made it that way to Denver but the front tires were shot and the mechanic told me I was lucky to be alive. I limped into a garage just outside of Denver on my way to start my Masters program at the University of Denver.

My Dad went on the warpath refusing to pay the Shell card it was on. For the work by the Salt Lake City garage which eventually closed due to my father and I guess others working their way up the corporate chain with complaints about this practice . This was in 1983.

The garage in Salt Lake City had used fear tactics stopping me when I came into get gas and their employee telling me my alignment was bad. They made it bad after that by putting the tire rod on backwards and ruining the two front tires.

redwitch
12-23-2017, 06:38 AM
Seniors vs Crime seems to actually have little real bite. If the store/contractor refuses to give any satisfaction, it seems they have no authority to do anything but advise what to do next. However, it is a starting point. Also, consider contacting a local television station consumer advocate. This is another source that can be quite helpful.

Good luck. Hope you get some satisfaction. That type of incompetence is inexcusable.

New Englander
12-23-2017, 08:56 AM
They drained the transmission fluid instead of the oil. Then they added oil to the still full oil pan. My son then took the car and drove it all the way to Pennsylvania. You can probably guess where I’m going with this story.

This is really a case of total incompetence. I hope you get fully compensated for this.

yesi3putt2
12-23-2017, 09:16 AM
I called them regarding Ken Spano Golf Cart Repair for charging me for repair/parts that I found out later they never performed. They said Spano would not return their calls and they had several other complaints against Spano but there was nothing further they could do...

Chatbrat
12-23-2017, 11:39 AM
Honestly ,call the state office which licenses their operation and make a complaint--every facility in Fl has to have a license they must delicensed by the Fl Dept of Agriculture % Consumer Affairs-Adam Putnam is running for office--act fast

Bowtorc
12-23-2017, 12:49 PM
had great luck with them. Got a positive reaction from 48 hr blinds next day after they called them

birdawg
12-23-2017, 01:48 PM
They helped with issues I had with Comcast they called a VP and I got results

jtdraig
12-23-2017, 06:53 PM
I don't go to Tire Choice. It seemed every time (of the two I went) the car needed more and more repairs, all around $700.. I declined and took it to my garage where it turned out that none of the work they recommended was immediately necessary. All of these places pay their people commissions on this kind of work. You are better off finding a good, private garage that comes recommended. I did and I have been happy for years.

Happinow
12-23-2017, 08:16 PM
Has anyone had real results from Seniors vs Crimes? Not sure where to start, but we’ve got big trouble with Colony Tire Choice. What should have been a simple oil change has turned in to a nightmare. I honestly didn’t think to read up on that place prior to this “basic” request. BIG MISTAKE!

Help.

I’m very sorry for your trouble but.......why didn’t you check on this site before going there? There are countless posts where people have been ripped off by them. Every time I read a post like this I think....they should have looked on here. People on this site have great input on businesses throughout TV. I sure hope you get this resolved.

CFrance
12-23-2017, 10:55 PM
I’m very sorry for your trouble but.......why didn’t you check on this site before going there? There are countless posts where people have been ripped off by them. Every time I read a post like this I think....they should have looked on here. People on this site have great input on businesses throughout TV. I sure hope you get this resolved.
He already admitted that he made a mistake by not reading up on TOTV first: "I honestly didn’t think to read up on that place prior to this “basic” request. BIG MISTAKE!" He only has 21 posts, so he's new to the forum and may not realize how helpful it can be. Let's not make him feel any worse.

Chatbrat
12-24-2017, 06:52 AM
Maybe , there should be an info writing campaign to all the news sources in TV to help inform the public of the hazards of bring a car to any Tire Choice, not just the Colony one, also all realtors should inform clients of the problems with Tire Choice

A neighbor of mine who was a realtor here, almost got killed becauseColony Tire Choice put the wrong tires on her car and the car would not handle with the tires they installed--wrong tires for her car-her car needed different size tires in the front & rear--they put the wrong size on all 4 wheels

Challenger
12-24-2017, 07:59 AM
Maybe , there should be an info writing campaign to all the news sources in TV to help inform the public of the hazards of bring a car to any Tire Choice, not just the Colony one, also all realtors should inform clients of the problems with Tire Choice

A neighbor of mine who was a realtor here, almost got killed becauseColony Tire Choice put the wrong tires on her car and the car would not handle with the tires they installed--wrong tires for her car-her car needed different size tires in the front & rear--they put the wrong size on all 4 wheels



I am not a fan of Tire Choice, however, since this is a public forum I would not make assertions that in many cases are third party and hearsay. I would stick to the Facts of their performance . Receiving a call from a corporate attorney can ruin a good day.

PennBF
12-24-2017, 11:43 AM
First SVC has returned over a million dollars to seniors in 2017 and 2nd always call them before hiring a contractor, etc to determine the number of complaints and status regarding someone you are about to sign up.:wave:

the square
12-24-2017, 01:48 PM
If you shake hands with any one in the front office there, you better count your fingers when you leave..

hotdog
12-27-2017, 05:25 AM
Has anyone had real results from Seniors vs Crimes? Not sure where to start, but we’ve got big trouble with Colony Tire Choice. What should have been a simple oil change has turned in to a nightmare. I honestly didn’t think to read up on that place prior to this “basic” request. BIG MISTAKE!

Help.

They are out to get us. So are other businesses, they think we are easy prey. We should always review before we sign anything and ask the total price up front.

Chatbrat
12-27-2017, 05:59 AM
To BobsBurgers-so what was the damage to your car? & how much $$$ did it cost you?

Byte1
12-27-2017, 06:24 AM
I had an experience like that with a gas station in Salt Lake City after they put the tire rod on backwards. I actually made it that way to Denver but the front tires were shot and the mechanic told me I was lucky to be alive. I limped into a garage just outside of Denver on my way to start my Masters program at the University of Denver.

My Dad went on the warpath refusing to pay the Shell card it was on. For the work by the Salt Lake City garage which eventually closed due to my father and I guess others working their way up the corporate chain with complaints about this practice . This was in 1983.

The garage in Salt Lake City had used fear tactics stopping me when I came into get gas and their employee telling me my alignment was bad. They made it bad after that by putting the tire rod on backwards and ruining the two front tires.

What's a "tire rod?"

Byte1
12-27-2017, 06:27 AM
I won't go to Tire Choice because about four years ago, they replaced the tires on my golf cart and a few miles later, one of the lug nuts came off in a tunnel. They hadn't tightened all of them. I probably would not have known it if I had not heard the loose lug nut rattling around in the hub cap.

Forevergreen
12-27-2017, 08:04 AM
Bad tire experience at Tire Choice.
Took my sports car to Tire Choice (TC) at Colony Plaza for a puncture repair after my preferred mechanic found a small nail in the center of the tread. Mechanic said it could easily be plugged. I had not experienced any loss of air in that tire, but wanted to be sure I’d not have a problem, so I took the car to TC.
I requested TC to plug the puncture and did not authorize TC to remove tire from rim. After waiting 45 minutes in their “holding cell” I was asked to enter the shop area to view the tire. Without advance notice, it had been removed from the rim and a white chalk circle was drawn around an obviously enlarged hole on the inside of the casing. When I asked to see the nail, they said it had been disposed. At that point, I had no choice but to purchase a new tire. TC also pointed to oil under the engine. I paid for a new tire and returned to my mechanic to have the oil leak assessed. The mechanic was suspect. He said the affected area was not in proximity to any area which would contribute to an oil leak. He said that the oil appeared to have been sprayed upward. When I told him where I had the tire replaced, he said that he had similar stories relating to other of TC’s customers. He used a solvent to remove the oil and flushed the area with water. Thereafter, no evidence of leaking oil has been observed.
Bottom line: don’t trust tire facilities that park you where you can’t see your vehicle. More specifically, don’t trust Tire Choice.

willbush
12-27-2017, 08:17 AM
Track down the headquarters and send them an email of what happened. Do not do a phone call as you want an official complaint with written documentation. Also like someone else said, file a dispute for charges and indicate any attempt you made to date to resolve with the company. Again, keep notes of any phone calls and names who you talked to and ask them for an email address then send them an email of what was discussed. Can't beat written documentation as you have a paper trail. Good Luck.

fastboat
12-27-2017, 08:34 AM
After paying $50 for a cabin air filter (on the Net for $13) and waiting an hour for them to install it (they don't stock them and had to wait for Advanced Auto to deliver it) my simple answer to ANYTHING they suggest is just NO! I should mention the purpose of my trip was originally to use a coupon for an oil change. I had a neighbor who went to this same Tire Choice to get his oil changed and left with a $1300+ bill. Use caution and learn how to say NO!

jrosaltal1
12-27-2017, 08:40 AM
Can you give me their nbr,? I googled them but didn't find them, Thanks

bouwie2
12-27-2017, 08:43 AM
You can believe it or not: I took my 2007 Toyota SOLARA, 15,000 miles, in for service air conditioning stop cold air. They had it for 2 hours, told me 3 different things needed replacement and with cost & labor, $1,157.55! I drove to Wildwood, tire & transmission place on 301...they had it in & out in 45 min., bill $35.89..running as cool as new 1year later. Colony Tire Choice should not be anyone's Choice

OhioBuckeye
12-27-2017, 09:29 AM
First sorry for your trouble. Second, if you paid with a credit card, call credit card company immediately and dispute the charge. I had contacted Seniors vs crime once before to check out 3 contractors before hiring, so I do not have experience after the fact. File a complaint with the BBB.
Hope this helps.

BINGO, you gave the right advice!

OhioBuckeye
12-27-2017, 09:35 AM
They drained the transmission fluid instead of the oil. Then they added oil to the still full oil pan. My son then took the car and drove it all the way to Pennsylvania. You can probably guess where I’m going with this story.
I'm not saying that you didn't tell the whole story but like someone else said, you mean they drove the car all the way to Penn. with no Tran. fluid. I'm not saying that Tire Choice didn't do that but it is a little hard to believe that they did this without knowing. With no transmission fluid it would be hard to swallow to believe he could even make it to the state line. Thanks for sharing!

Chatbrat
12-27-2017, 12:49 PM
After looking @ all the complaints about Tire Choice throughout the State of Fl, our Ag, should start a criminal investigation and she should refer the results to the Feds under the RICO statute-their practices appear to be corp. driven

justjim
12-27-2017, 01:50 PM
I don't go to Tire Choice. It seemed every time (of the two I went) the car needed more and more repairs, all around $700.. I declined and took it to my garage where it turned out that none of the work they recommended was immediately necessary. All of these places pay their people commissions on this kind of work. You are better off finding a good, private garage that comes recommended. I did and I have been happy for years.

This is politely called “Up charging” and this unfortunately is a common practice that has been well documented by other Threads on this website.

OP, sorry for your troubles. :cus: Seniors vs crime and BBB does work with many situations. State of Florida is very business minded but these type of business operations should be pursued by the Florida attorney general. If the Attorney General refuses to take your case, the other option would be a private attorney. Good luck.

pgc4340
12-27-2017, 05:06 PM
Has anyone had real results from Seniors vs Crimes? Not sure where to start, but we’ve got big trouble with Colony Tire Choice. What should have been a simple oil change has turned in to a nightmare. I honestly didn’t think to read up on that place prior to this “basic” request. BIG MISTAKE!

Help.

We reported a business to Seniors vs Crimes. All they did was write a letter to the business. Total waste of time.

Sandtrap328
12-27-2017, 05:14 PM
We reported a business to Seniors vs Crimes. All they did was write a letter to the business. Total waste of time.

Actually it was not a waste of time. The writing of a letter by Seniors vs Crime created a file. Whenever a person interested in contractual dealing with that company - and if they contacted Seniors vs Crime to see if any complaints has been made against that company, it would show complaints - and that person would go with a different company.

Before going into any contractual situation, always check with Seniors vs Crime.

perrjojo
12-27-2017, 05:45 PM
Seniors has no authority to do anything to a business but they do report the complaint and keep records on all complaints. It is wise to ask for the specific business record. Then you must decide for yourself if the complaints are warranted. They are also there to guide you as how to proceed with a claim. It is a valuable service.

Chi33
12-27-2017, 07:15 PM
Seniors vs. Crimes did nothing for me when a landscaping company top rated here took my money. Be careful.

kappy
12-27-2017, 07:40 PM
We had a similar experience with Tire Choice. They wanted over $550.00 for brake work. We went to Sumter Tire in Wildwood. They checked out our car for more than 20 minutes and told us we did not need that work done at all. When we asked how much we owed, they said, “No charge”. They were very friendly. Since then, we have told many friends about Sumter Tire and it seems that many of them where aware of the fair and friendly service.

RayAmb
12-27-2017, 09:35 PM
Yes. I had a nail in the tire on my Cadillac XTS. The mechanic told me I needed a new $200 + dollar tire and showed me an article out of a magazine to support his position. I told him of several approaches repairing the tire. He was belligerent and pushed for a replacement tire.Very unprofessional and obviously was use to intimidation of people. I finally told him to take my car off the lift and I left. Goodyear repaired the tire for $10. It lasted for two years with long trips and local driving. Not a single issue. Obvious to me that Tire Choice will never be my choice ! OH DID I MENTION I WAS CERTIFIED A A MECHANIC IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY !

The Tire Choice needs to get a different business model, in my opinion.. I caution all my friends to be knowledgeable when they think about Tire Choice. For me --- no way I'll do any business with them.

PennBF
12-28-2017, 07:04 AM
What is interesting is that when you go to Seniors vs Crimes and file a complaint you may or are talking to a retired very experienced attorney and getting free advise and help which you could not get other places without some charges or limited feedback. After you file your complaint it is not unusual for the staff in that office to discuss your case and the best way to proceed. Saying you received no help is ultimate of needing to complaint about anything! You got free advise, a team to try to get your money back, with some very experienced people and than you complain. Maybe if you called SVC before you signed up with a contractor or purchased a product you would have been protected from a loss etc. Think about it.:mornincoffee:

redwitch
12-28-2017, 09:36 AM
What is interesting is that when you go to Seniors vs Crimes and file a complaint you may or are talking to a retired very experienced attorney and getting free advise and help which you could not get other places without some charges or limited feedback. After you file your complaint it is not unusual for the staff in that office to discuss your case and the best way to proceed. Saying you received no help is ultimate of needing to complaint about anything! You got free advise, a team to try to get your money back, with some very experienced people and than you complain. Maybe if you called SVC before you signed up with a contractor or purchased a product you would have been protected from a loss etc. Think about it.:mornincoffee:

I think the problem is people believe Seniors v. Crimes has enforcement power, which it does not. They can talk to the company involved and try to get them to resolve the issue but can do no more than that. As you said, they can advise what steps to take next but that is the limit of their powers.

One caveat, sometimes a contractor is unfairly blamed. I know of one instance where a gutter got damaged by a falling branch. Because a tree had been trimmed a few days before, it HAD to be the landscaper’s fault. No one saw the branch fall. No one saw the landscaper trimming that particular tree, yet a complaint was filed and is now a black mark against that landscaper because he refused to pay for repairing a gutter he did not damage. So, do factor in that if only one or two complaints for a company that has been around for several years, it might not be a bad company but an unreasonable complainant or unfair complaint.

Taltarzac725
12-28-2017, 09:51 AM
I think the problem is people believe Seniors v. Crimes has enforcement power, which it does not. They can talk to the company involved and try to get them to resolve the issue but can do no more than that. As you said, they can advise what steps to take next but that is the limit of their powers.

One caveat, sometimes a contractor is unfairly blamed. I know of one instance where a gutter got damaged by a falling branch. Because a tree had been trimmed a few days before, it HAD to be the landscaper’s fault. No one saw the branch fall. No one saw the landscaper trimming that particular tree, yet a complaint was filed and is now a black mark against that landscaper because he refused to pay for repairing a gutter he did not damage. So, do factor in that if only one or two complaints for a company that has been around for several years, it might not be a bad company but an unreasonable complainant or unfair complaint.

Nice advice redwitch as usual. They are people who have been accused falsely for what ever reason so try multiple sources of information if available like the Better Business Bureau, customer rating sites, etc.

PennBF
12-28-2017, 01:24 PM
Unfortunately so many only give "half the story" which is seriously misleading. In one it is mentioned that "As you said, they can advise what steps to take next but that is the limit of their powers." This is misleading and unfair to the many hours the volunteers spend trying to assist the person(s) that may have been wronged in some way. There are thousands of hours spent in each office working with the person(s) are complaining and this includes contacting the alleged business or person that is in question. Probably approximately 10% is spent advising the harmed person and 90% talking to the business and and hands on trying to help them.
It may pay to stop by a SVC Office and inquire how they operate when a complaint is brought in. :ohdear:

ronsroni
12-28-2017, 04:49 PM
MY OPINION.... MECHANICS: OPINE PLEASE!
Transmission fluid has a lot less viscosity than motor oil. The thicker OIL will flow in a tranny but it burns up/evaporates. Thinner Tranny fluid does not burn up/evaporate. It may 'burn' inside the tranny, but it won't be gone.
I feel it is feasible that the car could have been driven to Pa. Why not? Eventually, though, the fluid would have been gone.
GET AN ATTORNEY. Don't cave in. That's what they count on.
Best of luck.

ronsroni
12-28-2017, 04:50 PM
what was your issue?

redwitch
12-28-2017, 06:12 PM
Unfortunately so many only give "half the story" which is seriously misleading. In one it is mentioned that "As you said, they can advise what steps to take next but that is the limit of their powers." This is misleading and unfair to the many hours the volunteers spend trying to assist the person(s) that may have been wronged in some way. There are thousands of hours spent in each office working with the person(s) are complaining and this includes contacting the alleged business or person that is in question. Probably approximately 10% is spent advising the harmed person and 90% talking to the business and and hands on trying to help them.
It may pay to stop by a SVC Office and inquire how they operate when a complaint is brought in. :ohdear:

I think they do a great service but their actual powers are limited. Yes, they’ll talk to a contractor but they can’t force the contractor to make restitution, which is what most complainers expect. They can investigate, they can talk, but ... So, I think my comments were neither unfair nor misleading. I was simply trying to get folks to understand the limitations of SVC, not disparage them.

Many really do expect miracles from them and then get upset when that doesn’t happen.

BobsBurgers
01-03-2018, 01:51 PM
Update: the car is now completely inoperable. Needs a new transmission thanks to damage caused by a botched oil change. $7,000 estimate! Subaru dealer in Pennsylvania tried speaking with Colony Tire Choice to no avail.

So far I’ve filed complaints with BBB, AG’s office and Seniors vs Crime. Now working on Adam Putnam’s office of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Thank You everyone who offered suggestions. I will keep you updated.

Chatbrat
01-03-2018, 06:29 PM
How many miles on the car? Based on the reputation of Tires Plus it should be an easy win

Steve9930
01-03-2018, 06:52 PM
This is why I never deal with anyone but the Dealership. Yes, I pay more but it all goes back to you get what you pay for in the end. I have always been skeptical of these establishments. Where do they get their mechanics and where were they trained? With as sophisticate as these cars are today I prefer to go back to the dealer. Dealers have more to loose with bad service.

BobsBurgers
01-03-2018, 07:29 PM
How many miles on the car? Based on the reputation of Tires Plus it should be an easy win

It’s a 2015 with only about 45,000 miles on it. My son took it to Pennsylvania to use while his own vehicle is out of commission a while. After the oil change from hell he now has no vehicle.

Bowtorc
01-04-2018, 05:16 AM
SVC saved us 1200 dollars

Chatbrat
01-04-2018, 05:26 AM
If there was no trans fluid in the transmission--it should be an open & shut case, based upon the service record (mileage) when the car was in Tire Choice & when it crapped out (mileage)
What was the total miles after Tire Choice worked on the car?

Some cars no longer have dip-sticks for the transmissions. Noway to check the level unless the OBD tells you the trans fluids is low.

graciegirl
01-04-2018, 06:16 AM
I have heard NOTHING but bad things about that place. I am so sorry. Call the TV Station.

Chatbrat
01-04-2018, 06:27 AM
Its a shame that this place has been allowed to survive as long as this--every now and then they feed on the new uniformed Villager, visitor--

Houselover
01-04-2018, 10:20 AM
I agree with the above reply. What can we do to get the word out there about the valuable information on TOV to help other's from becoming prey for these vultures?

Chatbrat
01-04-2018, 10:40 AM
TOV does not IMHO have that big of a viewer base. It would be great if Villages get magnetic signs stating-do your homework before using Tire Choice-a bunch of cars cruising TV will spread the word

BobsBurgers
01-04-2018, 01:46 PM
I have heard NOTHING but bad things about that place. I am so sorry. Call the TV Station.

I’ve wondered whether Todd Ulrich @Action 9 would see this as a worthwhile story.

Chatbrat
01-04-2018, 02:06 PM
Please , would like to know how many miles did the car go before the trans, died after Tire Choice blew the work

BobsBurgers
01-04-2018, 02:21 PM
Please , would like to know how many miles did the car go before the trans, died after Tire Choice blew the work

About 1100. From The Villages to suburban Philadelphia. We were the last customer of the night at Tire Choice so my son left immediately.

Chatbrat
01-04-2018, 02:26 PM
Also, if your son paid tolls, the time & receipts would be very helpful--to show a direct time & show the relationship between the time he left Tire Choice--easy pass statement,etc.

BobsBurgers
01-04-2018, 02:33 PM
Yes, I told him to keep everything.

drooney60@hotmail.com
01-14-2018, 11:59 AM
We built two decks. one in the front and one in the back. The biggest mistake we made was when we asked our contractor for his business license and he said that he didn't have it with him and he would get us a copy. Well, we forgot and he doesn't have one. So, we agreed that him and his family workers would do the job. He told us that we didn't need a permit and we believed him. Well, while they were building, a truck came by and took pictures and the next day we were handed a letter that said we indeed needed a permit. So we go down to get one and they said that we were out of compliance because the front deck was too close to the road and was too big and the back deck was too wide because it was too close to our next door neighbors property. They told us that the permit would be doubled because we already built the decks. Also that if we wanted to keep the front deck that we would have to go in front of a Variance Board to approve or deny it which would cost $800 with no guarantee. We would also need to get an Engineer drawing. We just need to cut of 35" off our back deck and pay double for the permit and we can keep it. We are at our wits end. The whole project cost us close to $7,000. The Contractor told us that he talked to them and all they said was to take the front deck down, get a permit, and the rebuild it! So now we are at a standstill. Please if there is anyone that could guide us to a good lawyer, we would be very grateful Thank you so much in advance.

BobsBurgers
01-14-2018, 01:30 PM
I’m very sorry for your issues. I’m afraid I can’t help with a lawyer recommendation since we will most likely need one ourselves, but have you gone ahead and filed complaints with the agencies folks mentioned here in this thread? We got the ball rolling that way and are awaiting responses.

dbussone
01-14-2018, 01:32 PM
We built two decks. one in the front and one in the back. The biggest mistake we made was when we asked our contractor for his business license and he said that he didn't have it with him and he would get us a copy. Well, we forgot and he doesn't have one. So, we agreed that him and his family workers would do the job. He told us that we didn't need a permit and we believed him. Well, while they were building, a truck came by and took pictures and the next day we were handed a letter that said we indeed needed a permit. So we go down to get one and they said that we were out of compliance because the front deck was too close to the road and was too big and the back deck was too wide because it was too close to our next door neighbors property. They told us that the permit would be doubled because we already built the decks. Also that if we wanted to keep the front deck that we would have to go in front of a Variance Board to approve or deny it which would cost $800 with no guarantee. We would also need to get an Engineer drawing. We just need to cut of 35" off our back deck and pay double for the permit and we can keep it. We are at our wits end. The whole project cost us close to $7,000. The Contractor told us that he talked to them and all they said was to take the front deck down, get a permit, and the rebuild it! So now we are at a standstill. Please if there is anyone that could guide us to a good lawyer, we would be very grateful Thank you so much in advance.



Who is the contractor? Let’s keep this outfit from creating anymore problems. And I’m really sorry you had this issue. Please call Seniors vs Crime for a start.


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EPutnam1863
01-14-2018, 02:07 PM
I’m very sorry for your issues. I’m afraid I can’t help with a lawyer recommendation since we will most likely need one ourselves, but have you gone ahead and filed complaints with the agencies folks mentioned here in this thread? We got the ball rolling that way and are awaiting responses.

Isn't there a Small Claims Court in your county?

drooney60@hotmail.com
01-15-2018, 12:37 PM
Robert Merchant is his name. He doesn't have a business licence, but states that he's a handyman/contractor on his business card. Thanks for the advice. We went to Senior Vs Crime and need the next step for legal options or a name of a good lawyer.

Chatbrat
01-15-2018, 12:47 PM
Without a license, go to your county police dept, working in Fl as a contractor without a license is a crime also if you are over 65 there are additional penalties

BobsBurgers
01-16-2018, 09:06 AM
Isn't there a Small Claims Court in your county?

Unfortunately, our vehicle is now completely inoperable from the damage caused by Tire Choice. The total for a new transmission is in excess of the $5,000 small claims court limit.

Chatbrat
01-16-2018, 10:59 AM
IMHO, go to small claims ,if you get $5k, then hire a lawyer to go above the limit & with a small claims judgment getting additional $ should be a slam dunk also there should be additional damages a good lawyer could be very creative

But remember there is a big difference between a judgement and a receiving $$$'s

drooney60@hotmail.com
02-02-2018, 01:05 PM
A can of worms was opened up as far as our experience with this contractor and his family. They all worked on the house. We had a water softner that they moved to build the deck. They didn't hook it up right and now it's not working. Will cost us $150 just to see what is wrong. One of the brothers fixed our leak on our roof, but didn't seal it right and now there is standing water there and we might have to have a new roof. This is a complete nightmare. If anyone has any advice or suggestions on what to do, we would really appreciate it. Thank you in advance.