COMPLAINT: Monique Wilharm, Glen Ellyn, Ill.

"I contracted with Robert Paul Designs to repair some exterior window trim and repaint my house. I also contracted with them to remove and replace 700 linear feet of cedar siding, including priming and painting.

"They required down payment for materials and labor before starting, and I insisted that they deliver the materials before I paid. They delivered the cedar siding but, after I wrote the check, they removed the siding from my property.

"They replaced some window trim and painted the house with one coat, instead of the two called for in the contract. The siding hasn’t been replaced but the workers tore off several pieces from the house, leaving the Tyvek exposed.

"It was inferior work and they left debris around the yard. Their workers would appear in the morning, but then disappear for weeks. One group of workers told me that they’d hadn’t been paid in three weeks and walked off the job.

"Robert Paul Designs refuses to finish because the contract committed them to finish by a certain date or I receive a $250-a-day credit on the balance. They’re impossible to reach — they don’t answer the phone and their voice mail won’t accept new messages."

DESIRED RESOLUTION: "I want the work completed or a full refund."

STATUS: Penalty Box

Chicago Penalty Box