COMPLAINT: Anthony Ohotto, Portland, Ore.

"As the crew of West Coast Gutter Service Inc. removed my gutters, they reported that much of the fascia board had rotted and needed to be replaced. I agreed the gutter job should be suspended until the new carpentry was completed and painted.

"My painters washed the gutters and painted everything beautifully. Later, I examined the painted components and noticed the outlet tube, which connects the gutter to the downspout, had an opening of only 1.5 x 3 inches. This negated the benefit of an oversized downspout.

"I discussed the matter with the crew on installation day, and we came up with a method in which they would modify the outlet tubes to allow for a bigger opening. Unfortunately, they used unpainted aluminum outlet tubes instead. It looks terrible.

"After the job was complete, I noticed the gutter on the southeast corner of the house looked slanted. Apparently, this was their solution to account for the edge of the porch. In addition, the downspout was too long, so the sidewalk directed water toward the foundation of my house.

"I called their office to report that due to the faulty downspouts, rainwater had soaked into my basement. Additional inspection revealed they only installed 40 feet of new fascia board. I was charged $360 for carpentry work that was never done.

"They have failed to meet me as arranged more that once. Now they don't return my calls at all. I have no faith that my gutters will be reliable for any length of time."

DESIRED RESOLUTION: "I expect them to pay me the $360 they owe me."

STATUS: Penalty Box