Contractor Alert!!!!! Leesburg Kitchen and Bath

[crash]

We are on a water view golf course lot and had a bay window. We contracted Leesburg Kitchen and Bath to remove the bay and install 2 large windows. We had good reviews about them but something has gone wrong and they are terrible. We also had them redo our bathroom to remove a tub and make the shower walk in. Both jobs are about 60% done and they will not return any calls and have abandoned me.

I have a large hole in the back of my house that I am now acting as the contractor to get the work done. I have had the roof repaired the soffit put up and the window goes in Thursday then stucco, all at my expense over and above what I have paid them.

They tore my house apart and then said they needed more money to put it back together. Like a fool I gave them money from what was held out and he has flown the coop. After paying the plumber, half the tile guy, the roofer and a mason the hold back money is gone and I will be looking at $10,000 to get my house back.

A picture of how he left the back of my house. Two pictures of the bathroom no pocket door and partially installed cabinets with major drywall work, finish electrical and plumbing to do.

Contractor License number CBC1261629 if another company is using this number it is the same people run.

[John_W]

Appears they have a facebook page. On their main page they have dated Jan 25th that their computer files and phones have been infected and they cannot be reached. Sounds like they have a lot of problems. Maybe you could leave your review there, they have 5 good reviews on that page.

Leesburg Kitchen and Bath - Home | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/leesburgkitchens/?rf=1398337433625002)

[Nucky]

Maybe, Maybe, Maybe. When I see stories like this it make my Blood Boil!

One of the main Rules of The Posters On TOTV'S is don't even think about paying until they are done. EVER! I've had some really nice contractors who I've

been tempted to pay B/4 the job was finished but fought the feeling so I didn't have to hunt them down like the Dirty Mutts they could be. Money is the Great Motivator

in finishing a job.

I feel so sorry for you. You made a mistake. I hope things work out but if I were you I would consult a lawyer.

[retiredguy123]

Reputable contractors will always perform a job without being paid in advance. If it is a large project, you can always agree to make progress payments, based on the value of work actually completed. But, never ever pay for work that has not been completed. I never pay in advance, and I have had no problem hiring good contractors to do all kinds of work. If they require a payment in advance, I just tell them that we cannot do business and that I will hire another contractor. There is no temptation at all for me.

[Boomer]

We have never done a major project in TV, just some landscaping and replacing bedroom carpeting. We chose well established brick-and-mortar businesses for both. Never any issues.

But — up north we have done a couple of big projects, involving general contractors — one a custom built house, one a major addition. We went under contract and we always got affidavits stating any sub-contractors had been paid in full. I have wondered if affidavits are ever a part of doing business in TV when doing projects involving subs under a general.

OP, I am so sorry you are going through this. Back home, I have always known a lot about whoever we hired. But that is not always easy in TV.

[JoMar]

We have never done a major project in TV, just some landscaping and replacing bedroom carpeting. We chose well established brick-and-mortar businesses for both. Never any issues.

But — up north we have done a couple of big projects, involving general contractors — one a custom built house, one a major addition. We went under contract and we always got affidavits stating any sub-contractors had been paid in full. I have wondered if affidavits are ever a part of doing business in TV when doing projects involving subs under a general.

OP, I am so sorry you are going through this. Back home, I have always know a lot about whoever we hired. But that is not always easy in TV.

We have been here 5 years and had some major projects. We used the contractors TV used (T&D for example) since we knew where they lived :). Have always given a small deposit (a couple hundred) and have paid additional based on agreed upon completion steps. Have held back 20% as a final payment following acceptance and release of liens documents. Have had no issues on major projects. Smaller projects followed recommendations by our neighbors. Learned a long time ago that lowest bid can be expensive.

[retiredguy123]

We have never done a major project in TV, just some landscaping and replacing bedroom carpeting. We chose well established brick-and-mortar businesses for both. Never any issues.

But — up north we have done a couple of big projects, involving general contractors — one a custom built house, one a major addition. We went under contract and we always got affidavits stating any sub-contractors had been paid in full. I have wondered if affidavits are ever a part of doing business in TV when doing projects involving subs under a general.

OP, I am so sorry you are going through this. Back home, I have always know a lot about whoever we hired. But that is not always easy in TV.
I agree with the concept of affidavits, but you need to know who the subcontractors are, and the affidavits need to be signed by the subcontractors. It they aren't, a subcontractor can just dispute the affidavit and put a lien on your house.

[Boomer]

We have never done a major project in TV, just some landscaping and replacing bedroom carpeting. We chose well established brick-and-mortar businesses for both. Never any issues.


But — up north we have done a couple of big projects, involving general contractors — one a custom built house, one a major addition. We went under contract and we always got affidavits stating any sub-contractors had been paid in full. I have wondered if affidavits are ever a part of doing business in TV when doing projects involving subs under a general.

OP, I am so sorry you are going through this. Back home, I have always know a lot about whoever we hired. But that is not always easy in TV.

We have been here 5 years and had some major projects. We used the contractors TV used (T&D for example) since we knew where they lived :). Have always given a small deposit (a couple hundred) and have paid additional based on agreed upon completion steps. Have held back 20% as a final payment following acceptance and release of liens documents. Have had no issues on major projects. Smaller projects followed recommendations by our neighbors. Learned a long time ago that lowest bid can be expensive.

We are on the same wavelength, JoMar. :) Yep. “Knowing where they live” is important to me, too. And, you are right about that lowest bid thing. If we think we need to pay a little more, it is seen as the cost of sleep.

[villagetinker]

OP, please contact Seniors against crime and file a complaint. Then check to see if any liens have been filed on your house, if so, report these to SAG also. As noted above you can get a attorney but SAG is free, part of the Florida Attorney General, and may get the results you want.

[Chatbrat]

? for the OP, was the contractor lowest bid ?

[EdFNJ]

I understand, they didn't RETURN CALLS but did you actually take the 15 minute drive to their place and see what's up? Did they lock the door when they saw you? Go with a cop in case they throw you out. If it were me, I would have been standing at their front door the first day they didn't show up asking what is going on rather than calling and/or sending email. Maybe you did but I didn't see it written. Sounds like a problem for sure, but really, you must attempt to go there first. Then call Judge Judy.

[crash]

Appears they have a facebook page. On their main page they have dated Jan 25th that their computer files and phones have been infected and they cannot be reached. Sounds like they have a lot of problems. Maybe you could leave your review there, they have 5 good reviews on that page.

Leesburg Kitchen and Bath - Home | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/leesburgkitchens/?rf=1398337433625002)

Thanks John I will do that and on Next Door also. I saw the good reviews they say how nice they are and how could anyone say anything bad about them. They are nice except a bad contractor that doesn't mind taking your money.

[crash]

I understand, they didn't RETURN CALLS but did you actually take the 15 minute drive to their place and see what's up? Did they lock the door when they saw you? Go with a cop in case they throw you out. If it were me, I would have been standing at their front door the first day they didn't show up asking what is going on rather than calling and/or sending email. Maybe you did but I didn't see it written. Sounds like a problem for sure, but really, you must attempt to go there first. Then call Judge Judy.

Yes they have moved and I have talked to him the list of things he says are the problem is very long. Basically he said he has no money to finish my job. He says he paid subs and then they show up unpaid. He didn't pay the bill for the window so I had to and within a week I have the window in. This went on for 2 months I have given up on him and in 2 weeks have a window, roof, bathroom electrical, stucco, and yard clean up done. All it took was getting reliable workers and paying them.

[crash]

? for the OP, was the contractor lowest bid ?

Unfortunately yes he was. He had good reviews and a recommendation from a friend.

[crash]

Maybe, Maybe, Maybe. When I see stories like this it make my Blood Boil!

One of the main Rules of The Posters On TOTV'S is don't even think about paying until they are done. EVER! I've had some really nice contractors who I've

been tempted to pay B/4 the job was finished but fought the feeling so I didn't have to hunt them down like the Dirty Mutts they could be. Money is the Great Motivator

in finishing a job.

I feel so sorry for you. You made a mistake. I hope things work out but if I were you I would consult a lawyer.
I agree with what you say but after 2 months of looking at a plywood wall broke down and gave him 1/2 of the reserve to get the window in. When he discovered that the money left would not pay the bills he bailed. The money I had left paid the plumber, the roofer, the mason and the soffit. Work went much faster when I was scheduling it and paying the guys doing the work.

[crash]

Reputable contractors will always perform a job without being paid in advance. If it is a large project, you can always agree to make progress payments, based on the value of work actually completed. But, never ever pay for work that has not been completed. I never pay in advance, and I have had no problem hiring good contractors to do all kinds of work. If they require a payment in advance, I just tell them that we cannot do business and that I will hire another contractor. There is no temptation at all for me.

Not sure many contractors are going to start work on a project that is $40,000 with out getting some money up front. The contract called for money up front to start the job then a payment once the window was ready to go in and the bath was ready for tile. My mistake was making a payment out of the reserve before the job was finished.

[crash]

OP, please contact Seniors against crime and file a complaint. Then check to see if any liens have been filed on your house, if so, report these to SAG also. As noted above you can get a attorney but SAG is free, part of the Florida Attorney General, and may get the results you want.

Thanks tinker planning on doing exactly that.

I posted this to try and prevent this from happening to anyone else. I agree I messed up but that ship has sailed.

[retiredguy123]

Not sure many contractors are going to start work on a project that is $40,000 with out getting some money up front. The contract called for money up front to start the job then a payment once the window was ready to go in and the bath was ready for tile. My mistake was making a payment out of the reserve before the job was finished.
I disagree. I have done many construction projects over the years, several in excess of $100K, and I have never paid any money in advance. A good contractor will sign a contract and have sufficient assets or credit to fund the project startup. Any contractor who needs money before starting work is a contractor who I won't do business with.

[Sensei]

Rae Builders Family in Wildwood may be able to resolve this mess. They were spot on with our kitchen remodel.
352-973-7710

[Skunky1]

Beware of roofing companies that tell you that you have more than 20% damage to your roof due to a storm last year. I have seen one of these contractors climb up on my neighbors roof and purposely destroyed shingles.When you file a claim with your insurance company and have the roof replaced your insurance rates will go up

[ColdNoMore]

What a nightmare! :mad:


Thank you OP, for letting everyone know...so that it doesn't happen to someone else.


Good luck. :thumbup:

[greenflash245]

are they licensed and insured for starters? there are a lot of them out there just waiting for your call

[crash]

Yes they are licensed and insured not sure that helped. I have a claim into his insurance for water damage when the roof was off. They sent out an adjuster still waiting to see what they will pay.

[anothersteve]

I disagree. I have done many construction projects over the years, several in excess of $100K, and I have never paid any money in advance. A good contractor will sign a contract and have sufficient assets or credit to fund the project startup. Any contractor who needs money before starting work is a contractor who I won't do business with.

Well I disagree.
I was in construction for 39yrs and it's always been
one third deposit at the start with contract, one third payment at the middle and the final third when the job is complete and the customer is 100% satisfied.
You can never trust those damn homeowners :boxing2:

Steve

[Maryland04]

Sorry to hear your story. Never, never ever pay anything upfront to any contractor. You need to make they have not put a lein on your home, chect with the county.

[Nancy@Pinellas]

we are having some roofing done and will need someone to repair stucco afterward.

[Investment Painting Contractors]

Well I disagree.
I was in construction for 39yrs and it's always been
one third deposit at the start with contract, one third payment at the middle and the final third when the job is complete and the customer is 100% satisfied.
You can never trust those damn homeowners :boxing2:

Steve

Steve I agree, I have over 40 years in the Biz and would never do a $100,000 job without draws. $2000 t0 $5000 maybe. Depends on the account. Len

[PugMom]

OP, please contact Seniors against crime and file a complaint. Then check to see if any liens have been filed on your house, if so, report these to SAG also. As noted above you can get a attorney but SAG is free, part of the Florida Attorney General, and may get the results you want. Thanks for sharing this info:)

[cbv0211]

It seems like you have to cross your fingers and toes hoping that a contracted job will come out well. We used Melton Construction for one job and All Season Rooms to enclose our lanai. We were very happy with both contractors. Landscapers & lawn maintenance were a whole other issue. The first landscaper was a nightmare and the lawn guy just disappeared with our and other clients money. Welcome to Florida!

[Bryan]

For those worrying about making sure subcontractors are paid, Florida has something called a "Release of Lien". Contact Seniors Vs Crime or the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for more details.