Warped wood

COMPLAINT: Regina Lopez, Miami

"I hired America's Best Home Improvement to build a deck. It's poorly done and unsafe. The wood began to warp within four months. The company said they wouldn't fix it."

DESIRED RESOLUTION: "I want the deck redone correctly."

RESPONSE: Eufemio Vargas, contractor, America's Best Home Improvement

"I informed her additional support beams were needed as the present ones were too far apart. She declined because of the additional $400 cost. On my first visit to buy materials with the member, she purchased grade No. 1 boards.

"On the second trip, she purchased a cheaper kind, which is what's warping. It's also due to the wide spaces between the beams. The member owes us a balance of $200."

STATUS: Stalemate

Drained

COMPLAINT: Elizabeth Amato, Coral Springs, Fla.

"I hired Artistic Concrete USA to lay tile around my pool and replace a drain. The concrete they laid was mismatched and lumpy. They removed the concrete to fix it, which created more damage. They've destroyed many things, including my lawn, my lanai, my drains, my pool, my spa and a television. They also used my electricity without asking. They've since abandoned the job, and I still have no drain or tile."

DESIRED RESOLUTION: "I want a refund."

STATUS: Penalty Box