Denver-area handyman disputes homeowner complaint

Better or bungled?

COMPLAINT: Bradley Odom, Littleton, Colo.
"I hired A Better Home Inspection to do countertop, trim and minor electrical work in my home. The electrical work wasn't up to code, the kitchen was unfinished, and the countertop wasn't attached. They were supposed to install drywall, tile, a new vanity and water lines and fix a moisture issue in a downstairs bathroom. They didn't replace the drywall.

"The wall they put in was uneven and crooked. They didn't have a tile cutter, and the tile looked bad. They installed a light correctly, but anything major wasn't finished or wasn't right. I paid in full, and I showed them the mistakes and asked they be fixed, but they refused. I had [another] contractor fix what they left."

DESIRED RESOLUTION: "I'd like them to pay for the labor to complete the work that was either done incorrectly or not done at all."

RESPONSE: David West, member, A Better Home Inspection "The member didn't allow me to fix the things he thought were incorrect. He wouldn't let me on his property, and he made threatening comments. I was never hired as a home inspector — I was hired to do handyman work."

STATUS: Stalemate 

Plumbing problem

COMPLAINT: John McInroy, Aurora, Colo.
"Oasis Plumbing Co.'s plumber came hours late to turn off a leaking faucet. It took two minutes and cost more than $100. A few days later, he put in a new faucet he'd estimated would cost about $150. He was late, took five hours to do the job and charged [more than the estimate].

"He forgot to hook up the soft water tank, and something was leaking after he left. I called the owner. He was late but did an assessment and said he'd be back, but he never showed up or called. I called the next day, and we set another appointment. He never showed or called. I've e-mailed both the owner and plumber and gotten no response."

DESIRED RESOLUTION: "I'd like the owner to apologize and reimburse me $200. It cost me more than this to have the poor job repaired."

STATUS: Penalty Box