It was a kitchen remodel. Including removing existing cabinets & countertops & replacing with new. The salesman/owner Jim Gerard promised us everything we asked for, but then didn't deliver. For example, we wanted a double trash pull-out. He told us no problem, when our cabinets arrived he informed us it couldn't be done. The design of our new kitchen has no space other than a pull-out for a trash can, so now we have no place for it. The carpenter that he sent to do the installation was inexperienced, causing several delays and inferior worksmanship. He also damaged our dishwasher. There were several deep gouges on the front panel. Jim Gerards solution was to spray paint it, which left us with a dishwasher that is now 2 different colors. There were numerous problems with the cabinets themselves as far as fit and finish. Each one was addressed by Jim in a less than professional manner. It seemed that the only time Jim wanted to hear from us, was when money was due. Even though he promised final payment would not be required until we were completely satisfied, when we did withhold final payment he immediately threatened to put a lien against our property. We asked for references before signing the contract with Jim. We later learned that the references he gives out are people who purchased their cabinets from him, but were installed by other contractors. This should have been a wonderful project, instead it turned into a frustrating nightmare. Nothing he told us about how the work would progress was accurate. I would not recommend Kitchens & Baths By Ambiance to anyone !!
We did everything we should have to assure quality results. We got more than one estimate, we checked references. He was very convincing and by the time the problems started to surface, he had a signed contract and there was nothing we could do. We did contact an attorney, unfortunately Florida law favors the contractors, rather than the consumer. We basically had to pay him even though we were not even close to being satisfied with the work. We would recommend getting in writing if the remodel is not completed exactly how the contract states, full payment may be withheld until you are satisfied with all work done.
Service Provider Response
I am sorry that Member was dissatisfied. • Trash Pullout Issue- I had indeed promised a double trash pullout at time of contract. At the last minute, we (the customer and I) changed the design and modified the base cabinet to 18 inches deep. They do not make a double trash pullout for an 18 inch deep base cabinet. I obtained the largest SINGLE trash pullout that would fit and installed it. I discussed the situation upon the walk through with the Member, demonstrated the Large Single Trash Pullout and he had no problem with the Single and accepted the modification. • The Lead installer on the job was an experienced professional with over 30 year’s experience. He has been installing for Kitchens By Ambiance for 20 years. He was assisted by a younger assistant with much less experience. Both of these installers are originally from Michigan which is where the Member live full time. I was told by the Member several times that he liked and thought the world of both men. • Delays. When the cabinetry was installed the customer had an issue with the finish on a few of the doors. We re-ordered the doors from the manufacturer at no cost to the customer. The doors were ordered and sent to us in the standard 2-3 week time frame. We informed the customer as to the time line upon ordering the replacement doors. I was not aware of any other issues regarding the fit/finish of the cabinetry. • Dishwasher Scratch. Yes, we did (regrettably) scratch their dishwasher. The kitchen is very small. Upon a walk through with the Member, he pointed out a scratch in the finish. My installers admitted that we did it. I told the Member I thought I could have it re-finished and it would be “Good as New”. He agreed to let us try. We had it sanded, repainted and installed. I thought it matched perfectly. When the Member informed me that he disagreed, I offered to compensate him for the damage. He insisted that I reimburse him for a new $650 dishwasher…The dishwasher we scratched was 14 years old…..We agreed upon a credit ($250) upon final payment. • Asking For Money- I only asked for payment according to the stated terms of the contract agreed to and signed by all parties. • Final Punch Out- The day after the parts were received, our crew (Both men discussed above) returned to complete the final punch out list. The WRITTEN list had been discussed and agreed upon by a thorough walk through by myself, the Member and a Carpenter Friend of the Members who was visiting weeks prior. Our crew worked on the list as well as several on the fly adjustments and modifications requested by the Member. That evening I phoned the Member to schedule a walk through with her the next day. The Member denied my request and informed me she was leaving to go back to Michigan and would not be returning for 6 months. Neither she nor the Member returned any of my calls, e-mails or registered letter for the next 10-12 weeks. • I stand by every reference that Kitchens By Ambiance has ever handed out.
