Complaints

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• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/22/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore 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.

  Decks by Design had been contracted to build us a screened in deck/porch for a Contracted Price of Aporox $51500 plus delineated costs. At project end of ** **** ***** the deck was beautiful few complaints. I gave him 2 checks totaling $16800. Today he texted me afinal bill including $850 for architect fees which according to numerous contract lines are the builders responsibility. He has the contract and I put specifics back by texts saying he , not I are responsible for the $850

  

  Business Response

  Date: 05/30/2025

  To Whom It May Concern,I am writing in response to complaint #******** filed against Decks by
  Design.We completed the work associated with this complaint on May 21, 2025. Upon
  completion, the customer was sent a final invoice (attached), which includes a
  detailed summary of all payments made, as well as the remaining balance. On
  that day, the customer issued two checks; however, they covered only the final
  third payment for the project and did not include fees for the electrical
  permit or architectural drawings.As outlined in both the contract and proposal (also attached), our company
  obtains any required permits on behalf of the customer, but the associated
  costs are the customer’s responsibility. Furthermore, the proposal clearly
  states that any additional expenses necessary for the permit will be charged to
  the customer. In order to obtain a permit for this job the town required architectural
  drawings. In our contract it does state that the contractor will furnish a scaled
  drawing. Attached is the signed scaled drawing we provided to the customer.
  Typically, this drawing is sufficient for the permitting process. However, for
  certain projects such as this one, the town required architectural drawings in
  order to issue a permit. These additional drawings were obtained specifically
  to meet the town's permitting requirements and, as per the contract, the cost
  is the customer's responsibility.We have also attached both permit receipts for your reference.We understand there may have been a misunderstanding regarding these
  charges. However, this process is standard for all of our projects requiring
  architectural drawings, and previous customers have consistently understood and
  paid these associated costs.We hope this explanation and the attached documentation clarify the matter.
  Should you need any further information, please feel free to contact me
  directly. I am happy to assist.Sincerely,Paul S****** Sr. Owner, Decks by Design

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/31/2025

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not satisfy my complaint.The Contract clearly states that the drawings are furnished by the builder in multiple spots as I noted.That the elementary drawing submitted did not suffice by the TN of Amherst Building department and with his builders experience should know that that was not acceptable to them. The builder told me In an email that he had already done the drawings and never noted any additional charges to me. Note no signed paperwork by me. The contract is clear, not what Builders others customers typically do. This was not addressed by Builder until giving this unsigned change order until after final cash was paid by me.If builder would make an acceptable offer I will consider, otherwise I believe I can request by contract to seek outside arbitration. I await your reply.
  Regards,
  
  ******* *****

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/11/2025

  ******* ******Due to your misunderstanding
  surrounding the final bill, we have decided to split the cost with you on the architectural
  drawings. This adjustment has been applied, and the revised final bill is
  attached.Please note
  that there is still an outstanding balance for the electrical permit, which
  brings your total amount due to $465.00.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/15/2025

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 
  
  
  
  Regards,
  
  
  ******* *****
  I will forward $465 on 6/16/2025 by Certified Mail to Decks by Design at 6515 Transit rd Bowmansville ny