Painting blues

COMPLAINT: Tom Fletcher, Katy, Texas

"G-Tex Renovation painted the interior of my home including the walls, doors, ceilings and kitchen cabinets. They estimated the job would take about five days. It took five weeks, and they left the job incomplete. I paid the remainder of the balance before I realized this.

"The kitchen cabinets weren't finished and left out on the floor, and they left paint cans at the job site. They didn't cover surfaces including the kitchen stove, AC inlet and water fixtures, which now have paint splatter on them and will need to be repaired or replaced."

DESIRED RESOLUTION: "I want a refund of $965 by the end of the month."

STATUS: Penalty Box

Sunken promises

COMPLAINT: Gloria Valles, Cypress, Texas

"Jeff and Susan Primm [owners of Backyard Vacations Pool & Spa Service LP] began work on pool construction and continued steadily for about five weeks at my home. However, they have only gotten half way through the electrical and plumbing work.

My homeowners' association has informed me that there's no evidence of the company paying the construction deposit. They left the sprinklers uncapped, and they cut the phone, gas and grill lines; neither Jeff nor any of his workers ever informed me of this.

I've received letters from his subcontractors threatening to put liens on my property due to nonpayment from Jeff Primm. I've filed numerous complaints - still no response."

DESIRED RESOLUTION: "I'd like a reimbursement of $9,000, which is another company's quote to complete the work, and $1,000 for the construction deposit for my HOA. I also want proof of their insurance or bonding."

STATUS: Penalty Box