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:09/30/2025

  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.

  We signed a contract on June 13, 2025 with Alternative Design & Construction and paid the down payment of $16,500.00 via check. This was for a tear off and re-siding of our home. Work began on July 7, 2025 and was supposed to be a 2-3 day job. After day two of the job, we noticed all the flaws in the installation of the product as well as damage to our personal property, home and yard. Called Alternative immediately to come out and see the poor install. *** *******, owner, did not come out until one week later. Numerous plans were put in place on how to rectify, however, each time a worker was sent out, the re-install was worse. They went through their "own" employees - ******* ****** ******* Sully and ********* - in an effort to fix all the errors. Siding is crooked, hanging off our home, not locked in the j channel, is bubbling, etc. J channel cuts are flawed. Siding is scratched and dented in places. Fascia is rippled and now coming off in parts. Chimney has been resided 4 times and still is not correct. Crew from day one and two scratched our new gutters, destroyed mature plantings, scratched our aluminum windows, and were found in our garage taking tools and other items without permission. A window was broken (has since been fixed). Crews did not clean up. We have spent hours cleaning up and still are finding nails, product, etc. There was no urgency from anyone but us. A week would go by with no work done. On September 19 we asked for a refund of our $16,500.00 so that we could go in a different direction and have our home properly sided before winter. *** ********, owner, refused and is demanding the other half of the total due, citing the "job being complete". As of today, September 30, 2025, we have siding hanging off our home, coming out of the j channel, flawed cuts around windows, nails in siding, glued pieces, caulking is bad etc. We have hundreds of pictures, these are a few of our home. Contract has also been uploaded.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 10/16/2025

  Alternative Design & Construction has not been paid in full for this project. The homeowners have paid less than half of the siding contract amount, plus an additional charge for rotted wood repair discovered during removal of the old siding.
  Even with a significant balance remaining, our company continued to act in good faith, STARTING A WARRANTY CLAIM. When a manufacturer defect was identified in the siding product, we worked directly with our supplier and the manufacturer to secure full coverage for all new materials, labor, and dumpster costsproviding the homeowners a complete re-siding package at no additional expense. These vouchers have already been issued. While such efforts typically occur only after full payment, we pursued this resolution proactively to protect the homeowners investment and ensure a positive outcome.
  The homeowners signed a contract on June 13, 2025, and work began on July 7, 2025. The homeowners initially assumed the project would take two to three days. The siding, soffit, and fascia work agreed upon in the contract was completed by July 28, 2025. At that time, all materials were installed, and the homeowners told several crew members they were happy with the results and considered the project completeaside from a few aesthetic touch-ups.
  Following completion, the project transitioned into a warranty claim to address those items. ******* **** contacted the homeowners directly to develop a plan for completing the requested aesthetic revisions. In similar circumstances, final payment would typically be made at completion, with warranty work handled afterward or with a small holdback (such as five percent). Despite not receiving final payment, our company continued to cooperate in good faith to ensure the homeowners satisfaction.
  Due to the importance of the exact color of soffit (vinyl), fascia (metal), and siding (vinyl) all needing to match precisely for the customer, our project consultant initially recommended LP SmartSide (or an equivalent product) that could be professionally finished in any desired color. However, the homeowners chose to move forward with a vinyl product due to cost considerations.
  Once the project began, *** ******** (owner) became directly involved on-site from day one, assisting with new material sourcing after color variances appeared between the selected vinyl and metal products. He coordinated immediate adjustments so the project could continue without delay.
  Again, after the manufacturer defect was confirmed, we filed and managed the warranty claim before receiving any final payment. The claim was approved, resulting in 100% material and labor replacement coverage for the homeowners.
  This project was performed to industry standards with transparency, responsiveness, and consistent owner involvement. We respectfully decline the refund request, as the work was completed in good faith, all warranty actions were handled properly, and the homeowners have already been granted a complete manufacturer-backed remedy. As a result, we believe the customer should pay the balance of the agreed contract amount.
  *** ********, Owner
  Alternative Design & Construction LL

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/16/2025

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  [Please type your response here.]The response from *** ********/Alternative was misleading, does not address our complaint,  and is full of false statements.  We will address these with our response and corresponding attachments.
  KEY POINTS:
  *The appendix provided by Alternative is a document they put together and is not accurate.  The comments listed about homeowner said ___ and wife said ____ are things they added and false.  The portal that was set up is where communication/pictures were uploaded (per the contract).  We are providing the entire portal and entries for documentation.  
  **** ******** was not involved as he suggests.  He was here briefly on the first 2 days of the project, again on 7/16 to look at the house and all the errors from initial install, and a quick stop on 7/21 in which he stated he had no plan to finish and wed have to talk to *******.  He has not been back to the property since then, in spite of our numerous requests for him to look at the incorrect installation done by his company.  The last time anyone from Alternative was on our property was 8/29 and that was ******* and the supplier rep.  The last time work was done on our home was 8/11.  
  *Alternative uploaded 4 pictures with their response.  No pictures/comments to address what we sent with our initial complaint - one of **** waving (?), and three taken from a distance with no reference to date or what they were documenting.  We have many photos uploaded to the portal and sent to *** ********/******* **** since the start of the project.  We have the punch list that was submitted on 7/18.  Where are Alternatives pictures to confirm a completed project?  Where is Alternatives response to the improper installation claims?  
  *We were told this would be a 2 - 3 day project, we did not assume.  Work was not consistent - there were weeks when no work was done.  NEVER did we tell crew members that we were happy with the results and considered the project complete.  Not on July 28 as stated by *** ******** or any time prior/after that.  There was never a final walk-thru with Alternative, nor did we sign off on the job being complete.  ******** times in portal communication we stated that the job was not complete.  
  *We were clear from day 1 of our initial consult that LP SmartSide was not an option and we were looking at vinyl options.  What *** ******** stated in his response is a lie.  We were looking for siding and soffit/fascia that would be the same color and were told that the 6 triple insulated Craneboard was the only product that fit those specifics.  Alternatives initial proposal was for $20K.  ******* claimed there was an error and it went up to $25k and their final proposal came in at $33K.  In hindsight, the changing amounts should have been a red flag.  Also, what does the type of siding we picked have to do with improper installation?  If you sell a product, you best be able to provide installation for that product.  
  *The contracted amount of the siding job was $33,000.00.  We paid $16,500.00, which is exactly half.  Alternatives response begins with a false statement of paying less than half.  There was never discussion/agreement on extra repair work/costs, nor was anything written or signed by us regarding this supposed extra work.  
  **** Preschers misleading description of the warranty is addressed in the attachment labeled as such.  
  
  
  Regards,
  
  ********* ******

  

  Business Response

  Date: 10/23/2025

  The issues youre experiencing including bubbling, loose sections, and other visible defects are not due to installation errors or negligence on our part. They are the direct result of a manufacturer defect in the product itself. This has been reviewed and confirmed by the manufacturer, supplier, and their representatives, who have communicated with us through both email and phone to verify that the product is faulty.
  We recognize that the project took longer than initially expected, primarily due to homeowner-requested changes made during construction. Our team worked closely with you to accommodate ALL adjustments and ensure every concern was addressed to your satisfaction.
  Because the product defect was verified, the manufacturer has approved your claim and issued vouchers to replace the defective material. Its important to understand that our work was performed according to industry standards and the agreed-upon scope. While we understand the dissatisfaction with the appearance of the siding itself, that does not change the fact that the project was properly completed.
  We want to emphasize that the installation itself was correct. Manufacturers do not approve warranty claims or issue vouchers for workmanship problems. The approval of your claim is confirmation that the problem lies with the product, not our workmanship - which was confirmed by *** a 3rd party who has 30+ years in the industry.
  You may feel the product defect and the installation are the same issues; however, they are separate. The defective material is the root cause of the problems youre seeing & referring to. Replacing it with the new product provided by the manufacturer will fully resolve your current stated concerns.
  Weve explained numerous times that this is not an installation issue. We completely agree that the current appearance of the vinyl lap siding is unacceptable we wouldnt be satisfied either if we were in your position.
  We understand your hesitation about reinstalling the same product. However, this was the material selected for your home, and the manufacturer has taken full responsibility for its defects. Reinstalling the replacement product is the appropriate and approved remedy under the warranty.
  You also wrote the following message to us:
  We told *** and ******* that even if the claim is approved, we will not allow for this same siding to be put back on our house. We also expressed that we would not be comfortable having any of your crew doing the install, given what we have been through already.
  Despite this statement, we have continued to act in good faith to find a fair solution. We want to be clear that we are fully willing to return and redo the work using the replacement materials provided. Our goal is to resolve this properly but doing so requires mutual cooperation.
  If your position remains the same, the only alternative is for you to purchase new materials and hire another contractor to complete the installation. We understand your desire for a different product and your request for a refund so you can purchase a different product. However, a refund will not be issued, as the project was completed as contracted, the manufacturer has acknowledged responsibility, and we are still owed the remaining balance for the original work performed.
  Before any further work can proceed, the original contract balance must be paid in full. Once payment is received and replacement materials are ready, we will promptly reinstall the siding to meet both your expectations and the high standards of quality we stand behind.
  (The photos submitted confirm that there were no signs of bubbling, loose sections, or other defects following the initial installation. However, we acknowledge and accept the presence of the current defects that have been presented.)

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/25/2025

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  [Please type your response here.]***stallation is not complete, nor is it done to industry standards. Alternatives 10/24 response again does NOT address our original claim * no acknowledgement of the pictures we uploaded with our original complaint, nor on portal communication which refutes Alternatives false statements.  (Pictures from the portal were not uploaded with our previous response due to size but are available.) Our complaint is strictly on unacceptable workmanship and incorrect installation of our siding.  

  
  *Alternatives 10/24 response states You may feel the product defect and installation are the same issues; however, they are separate.  We have said this SINCE the start and it is reflected in our portal communication, complaint and responses.  Our complaint refers strictly to the incorrect, sloppy installation of siding.

  
  *Alternatives 10/24 response states We recognize the project took longer than initially expected, primarily due to homeowner*requested changes.  This is another false statement. Our only requested change was that it be done correctly.  

  
  *Refer to the portal communication sent in our previous response, specifically 8/8.  We sent this message: Next week will mark the 6th week of our project which is still not complete. We have communicated the handful of punch list items that are left over a week ago. If you can't give us a date next week when these will be completed then we will look to hire someone who can. We just want this finished. We have already conceded on numerous issues. We were told that finishing our project was a top priority. Your lack of communication and effort towards that goal does not reflect that. Please advise. 
  We received this back from *** *******: Hi ****,
  I just wanted to double back and say that we're not happy the project went the way it did either, we appreciate your patience and communication while we cross tasks off of the punch list. As we discussed I will reach out on Thursday 8/14 and confirm whether it'll be Friday or Monday that ******** & ***** (Sully) will be out to complete the last punch list items (with pics) you text me. Another example of Alternative making false statements and stating we signed off on the project on 7/28.  
  
  *All of Alternatives responses have dodged the issue of poor installation.  We will again correct the record to reflect that *** ******* was the supplier *** * not the manufacturers ***. ** fact when the supplier *** was here on 8/29, he pointed out some installation issues on the chimney to ******* ****.  That same ***, ******* was also on a ladder trying to put the siding that was cut too short and coming out of the channel back in.  

  
  *The pictures sent with Alternatives 10/24 response are all taken from a distance.  Nothing they submitted is up close, nor have they responded to the detailed pictures we provided. We put together a punchlist on 7/18 with all the installation issues and included pictures of each item.  Never did Alternative state this was due to flawed siding until late August when it became clear their employees did not know how to install correctly after ***eated attempts.  We are including a sampling of pictures taken yesterday, 10/24, from our home. These pictures and what they show have NOTHING to do with flawed siding and everything to do with poor installation.  

  
  *We do not want the ***lacement siding and we will not allow Alternative work on our home * we have been upfront about this.  Who would allow this crew/company back when they have proven themselves incapable of proper installation and workmanship?  We will not pay any additional monies to Alternative.   We are, however, open to working towards a resolution of a refund settlement.  An agreed upon settlement would result in us withdrawing our recently filed complaint with ***** and pause any legal action.  
  
  
  Regards,
  
  ********* ******

  

  Business Response

  Date: 10/29/2025

  At this point, it has become clear that we are unable to reach a mutual agreement regarding the matters currently in dispute. In accordance with the terms outlined in our contract, we will be pursuing mediation as the next step in the resolution process.

  Please consider this as formal notice of our intent to initiate mediation in compliance with the dispute resolution provisions of our signed agreement. We dont have a preference regarding which party finds or contacts the mediator the important thing is simply that we move forward and get someone scheduled as soon as possible. Please proceed with locating and contacting a suitable mediator, or let us know if you would prefer that we handle it.

  We hope this process will allow both parties to work toward a fair and timely resolution.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/02/2025

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and at this point we are moving to mediation.  As of today, the matter is not yet resolved, however, we are hopeful mediation will produce a result.

  Regards,
  
  ********* ******