Chicago Antique Dealers Chicago, IL

Tile trouble

COMPLAINT: Mike and Laurie Mohus, Winfield, Ill.

"We hired R.W. Sperling Marble & Tile to retile two bathroom floors and a tub surround. He said it would take no more than two-and-a-half days, but it ended up taking him four. He claimed he left his tools in another truck and continually borrowed tools from our personal collection.

"He showed total disregard for our property, leaving mortar stains on walls, furniture and carpet. He tiled over a heat vent in the bathroom, chipped the bathtub in three places, damaged the walls, and the tiles are uneven and look very unprofessional."

DESIRED RESOLUTION: "We'd like a $500 refund so we can have another vendor redo the work."

RESPONSE: R.W. Sperling, owner, R.W. Sperling Marble & Tile

"I took as long as necessary to do the work properly. Upon completion of the job, the members expressed satisfaction with my work and I was paid in full. At no time during the job did they complain to me about damage to their property or a mess being left. A heat vent was inadvertently tiled over, which isn't an uncommon occurrence.

"When they informed me of this circumstance, I told them I would be out in the next day or two to fix it at no charge. Before I was allowed to, they changed their mind and told me not to bother. I stand ready to do whatever work is necessary to do the job properly; however, no additional work is necessary to complete the job as agreed to."

STATUS: Stalemate

Light fight

COMPLAINT: Phillip Levey, Chicago

"Bijan Solutions Handyman Service installed an outdoor light fixture with a motion detector on my porch. Bijan's [Alagheband, the owner] parting words were 'call me if you have any problems.' The light quickly stopped working, and I called repeatedly and left messages, but he didn't return my calls.

"Upon closer inspection of his work, I found he'd failed to install the weatherproofing gaskets on the light fixture. It failed after the first rain."

DESIRED RESOLUTION: "I'd like Bijan to correctly reinstall the fixture or give me a full refund."

RESPONSE: Bijan Alagheband, owner, Bijan Solutions Handyman Service

"When I saw the sensors and light were to be placed under a dark porch, I knew I couldn't install the rain guards because the sensors would have the light on constantly. I told the member I could extend the electrical work to make the light more effective, but he didn't want any additional cost."

STATUS: Resolved
The member says Bijan sent him a refund check, and he considers the matter resolved.

Unaccountable antiques

COMPLAINT: Roger Sutton, Shoreview, Minn.

"I contracted Loon Lake Antiques to appraise and sell over 70 antiques and collectible items in his Flossmoor store and on eBay. The owner, John Brandt, has failed to provide appraisals or any accounting on the progress of the sale.

"He consistently fails to return phone messages and written requests for accounting. For all practical purposes, it appears Loon Lake and John Brandt have no intention of making any payment or returning these items."

DESIRED RESOLUTION: "I'd like a full listing of all items sold and the amount due for each, a full list of all unsold items and those items returned to me, and the full amount due paid to me."

STATUS: Penalty Box