Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/16/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  In 2022, Design Builders, Inc finally completed a $203,000 project to build my outdoor space to include: outdoor kitchen, patio, deck, and sunroom. This nearly two year project was not only impacted by supply chain issues during COVID; but, Design Builders misrepresenting themselves as a Design & Build firm. We negotiated a conclusion July 14, 2022 which included a one year warranty period to make corrections. There are a number of portions of my decking which have come loose from settling with several causing tripping hazards on the stairs and the outdoor grill is not operational. I've made several attempts to contact Design Builders via their automated system, phone, email, and text with no response. The owner of Design Builders was often rude and unprofessional. I did work through their project manager even though in many instances I was left to "project manage" directly with their outside contractors. I would like for Design Builders to perform the contracted warranty service within the next 30 days.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/30/2023

  The homeowner was incredibly malicious to our staff and our employees.  Our carpenters who performed the work were treated like second rate citizens and not human beings. We were not allowed to use the driveway, use exterior outlets, exterior water spigots etc. despite the fact that our contract called for access to all.  We were forced to carry buckets of water from her basement to pour concrete for the 20+ concrete footings on the project.   We had to string multiple power cords from various outlets nowhere close to the project.  We were not allowed to use the client's driveway during construction of a 1000sqft  + deck and porch even though our contract called for its specific use.   For some reason, the client went out of her way to make our job difficult while continuing to ask for work for free, all during the extremely difficult COVID pandemic.  I was accused by the homeowner of trying to intimidate her by parking my car in her driveway while visiting the job-site.  To avoid escalation in the strange behavior by client, we tried to keep our distance and stick directly to the letter of the contract (even though the homeowner did not).  It's incredibly unfortunate and almost comical that after price reductions, additional work performed, and having to work in an abusive situation that the client a year later filed a complaint.  I can't say that I'm surprised.