Complaint Review: Jeff Rettig

Hello, I am a prefessional builder/carpenter that formerly had an independent construction business operating in the greater Grand Rapids area. I had a very diverse clientele that included owners of high end properties as well as realtors and owners of historical district properties. I specialized in custom trim and finish work, although I have done projects ranging from foundation replacements, whole house remodels, custom design work, custom millwork to match historical specs, ect.

A few years back, I was offered the position of Field Superintendent for a commercial retail construction company that is highly regarded for their reputaion in the industry. My job is to insure that every aspect of the project that we do for our clients is performed to the highest standards-100% correct, every time. I have this position because I demand excellence from all my contractors with the goal of retaining the esteemed reputation of myself and the company I represent.

I have provided this information about myself as a 'backdrop' to my experience with Jeff Rettig some years ago. I was introduced to Mr. Rettig through a mutual aquaintence, and he offered me a small job installing kitchen cabinets in a small, 1940's era 'saltbox' style property he had recently aquired. I had an opening in my schedule and agreed to the work despite some misgivings I felt at the time after meeting some of his crew and his Russian born business partner.

Over the couse of 2 days, I installed the cabinets and associated trim as verbally directed by Mr. Rettig. Early into the project, I discovered that the 12' long bulkhead in the kitchen was out of level 3/4" over it's entire length. The upper cabiners were to be installed to this bulkhead and corrective measures were necessary to ensure that the cabinets would function properly. Out of level cabinet doors will swing open inadvertantly and give the appearence to a bad install. I took corrective actions to ensure that the cabinets were 100% plumb, level and square.

I used trim to hide the 3/4" gap that was evident due to site conditions, essentially taking lemons and making lemonade. Also, the unlicensed 'electrician' on site roughed in his wires for the microwave to the bottom side of the bulkhead, signalling to me that the outlet receptical for the microwave was to be installed on the interior top panel of the cabinet. Both of these details of the installation were used against me when Mr. Rettig refused to pay me for the work I performed. He also cited 'incorrect' installation of crown molding, yet another preposterous claim. I am an EXPERT in the field, Mr Rettig, I can assure you, is NOT.

During the couse of this project, I personally witnessed Mr. Rettig installing tile and underlayment over rotted subfloor. A repair for this would have been relatively cheap and I offered to do so, but Mr. Rettig refused. I also witnessed his unlicensed 'electrician' installing wire and devices in violation of Residential Code- a document that exists to keep homeowners and the public at large safe from criminally negligent building practices. I can assure you that Mr. Rettig has no regard for this document. I also have photographic evidence of the violations I have outlined here and will provide to legal entities upon request.