Ambiguous door documentation creates stir in Tampa

COMPLAINT: Randy Jaudon, Tampa, Fla.

"I visited Artistic Doors & Locks while shopping for doors that are impact resistant, hurricane-rated and energy efficient.

"The salesman assured me the doors met all these criteria, thereby qualifying for an energy tax credit, and that I would receive all pertinent paperwork documenting this.

"I purchased the doors, and the installation went very well. They mailed me the documentation afterward. The form was ambiguous and did not specify the doors were impact resistant. Nowhere on the form were the doors described as energy efficient. Their newspaper ad specifies their doors are 'hurricane-code approved.'

DESIRED RESOLUTION: "We would like Artistic Doors to provide a certificate showing the doors are energy efficient and impact resistant, as promised by the salesman."

RESPONSE: Ed Bailey, president, Artistic Doors & Locks

"Hurricane code approval and energy tax credit are two separate things. We supplied the door manufacturer's technical data to the customer. These ratings exceed the requirement for Hillsborough County.

"As for energy tax credit, we are not involved in any such program. We never have offered it and we apologize for any misunderstanding. If the customer could determine what the energy tax credit is for a set of doors properly installed and insulated on a house built in 1980, we could try to assist in getting their credit.

"Even though we feel we are not in the wrong, we would like to resolve this dispute."

STATUS: Resolved

Editor's note: Jaudon accepted a $1,500 refund.