Complaint Review: Joe DePaolis - DePaolis Cabinet Shop - D & K Fine Woodworking - Aliquippa Pennsylvania

This cabinet shop, was referred to me by my appliance co. The owner came to my home, took measurements, returned with computer drawings and an estimate. Required half downpayment ($7,728.48) to purchase materials, one third half way through the job, and the final third upon completion. His father, who was his partner came with him to make suggestions on the final plans. I trusted them and gave him a check to begin on 9/14/05. He was supposed to let me know when he would be finished with the previous job that he had begun so that I could take time off from work. By November I had made numerous calls to his shop and his cell to find out when they would begin and, even though he had my work, cell, and home number, I could never get in contact with him. After numberous calls, he would leave a message on my home phone, even though he knew I was at work.

Finally he did call appologizing that he hadn't returned my calls and said that the measurements weren't working out. He wanted to make an appointement to come back to remeasure. We were supposed to meet at my home after work one evening. I rushed home, only to have a message on my machine stating that he was still at another job and wouldn't be able to make it and would call the next day to rechedule. The next day came and went---no call. Finally, a few days before Christmas, when I had family coming into town, he wanted to come out. We set an appointment, even though it was very inconvenient, because I was afraid that I'd never be able to get in contact with him again. I rushed home, once again to be disappointed---another message was left stating that he couldn't meet me. In the following couple of months, I tried repeatedly to get in touch with him. Finally, he said that he could do the job immediately (but didn't say anything about remeasuring which made me a little suspicious and, at that point I was afraid to let him do the job).

I told him that because I had so much trouble getting him to call back that I had reconsidered and no longer could trust him to do the job. I just wanted my money refunded since he had done nothing. He said that he'd get it together and would mail it to me. After months had passed by, I filed a lawsuit on him and won. We placed a judgement against him but still have not received any money. I understand that he has had two judgements against him and has satisfied one. I have testified before the House of Representatives and have been on TV in the Consumer Reports on Ripoffs. Nothing makes a difference. I can't have my kitchen done because any other contractor will expect a downpayment and I haven't gotten my money back. My faith in people is shattered. The law should protect consumers against this type of individual. He has money that I had given him to do a job and he never did anything! I have tried to call, sent an email, even sent registered letters---still no response. Now his phone numbers have been disconnected but he is operating under another name (which is typical). If nothing else, I hope that other people learn from this experience.

Mary

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

U.S.A.