Handyman hangup

COMPLAINT: Lilly Feit, Elizabeth, N.J.

"I hired Handyman Home Services to paint and wallpaper walls, install a bathroom vanity and other small carpentry jobs. They said they would do the work, but then had other, seemingly inexperienced workers do it. I stopped them before they did too much work incorrectly. They cashed a $1,500 check against my wishes for services they didn't complete. I also paid them a $300 deposit to start the job. It was nearly impossible to contact the man with whom I contracted the work. It was a bad experience overall."

DESIRED RESOLUTION: "I want my $1,500 back."

RESPONSE: John Bouranel, owner, Handyman Home Services

"We completed $1,800 of services. There's no issue."

STATUS: Stalemate

Key question

COMPLAINT: Joan Surdukowski, Patchogue, N.Y.

"Mignone & Son Construction Corp. did some masonry work in my basement. They refused to give me my keys back. The owner's [Tony Mignone] wife says she'll mail the keys, but I haven't received them. I live out of state, and I already paid them. I'm concerned because I don't want my home vandalized or anything to come up missing."

DESIRED RESOLUTION: "I want them to send my keys."

STATUS: Resolved