Complaint Review: A&J Home Contractors LLC

    My wife and I called A&J Home Contractors in late May of 2010 regarding a finished basement. Joe Janas and his assistant Mary came to our house on June 1 and provided an estimate, shortly thereafter. We accepted the offer and agreed to contract price and paid a $9k (6/10) down payment (56%).The job description included an estimated time to complete of 3 weeks.
     We weren’t able to secure the permits from the town, until August 13. Each item on the application that was rejected became a roadblock with A&J to rectify. Finally, workers came on 8/18 to paint and drylock walls, framing started on 8/24, but didn’t complete until 9/28. The town building inspector came on Friday 10/1, and noted fireblocking was required to pass inspection (noted on original plans).   Electrician and A&J worker came on Saturday 10/2 for about 6 hours and installed wiring and addressed fireblocking issue.   Inspector returned on 10/8 and again failed us for fireblocking and electrical (AJ issued  change order for electrical because access to box was in garage, compared to basement).  A third party electrician addressed the electrical issues, passed inspection 0n 10/15.  Finally, received a call on Friday 10/22 from Joe, he now understood fireblocking requirements (again, highlighted on initial plans), but thought they were excessive and would cost an additional $6-7k. Another change order was issued for $1,500. Fireblocking wasn’t installed, until 11/4, passed inpection on 11/8.
     Insulation was installed on Tuesday 11/9 and passed inpection on Tuesday 11/16 (in the am).  Sheetrock was dropped off on Friday, November 12 (required another $2k payment), installed on 11/16 (4:00-7:30 pm).   Worker returned to spackle and tape on 12/2 and again on 12/13. Joe called on Saturday, 12/11 about paint color and carpeting. There was an urgency, on his part, to finish the job by year end, but  additional payment was necessary. They sent an employee to our house from Toms River within the hour to pick up another $500 check. 
     I called repeatedly, throughout the remainder of December, January and February, but haven’t received any return calls. Calls to the office now go directly to voice mail. I filed a complaint with the BBB (2/7) and was informed (2/17) they are no longer at the stated location or went out of business.  We anticipated the basement would take a month or so, it has now been almost nine months. We’ve paid more than the original contract price and the basement is an unusable mess.     
    Please beware, even if A&J has gone out of business, Joe Janas will re-appear. He is very smooth-talking and will come across, as very trust worthy.  The reality is that is that he will take your money and you’ll be lucky for any work delivered in return.