Complaint Review: Southern Coast Enterprises - Deerfield Beach Florida

Please be advised that in my opinion I have experienced a severe lack
of cooperation from Steven Heller (the General Contractor) on our proposed and
unfinished renovation to our apartment; which was damaged by a ruptured fire
sprinkler head and a golf ball which damaged our apartment and our sliding
glass doors on our patio.

Steven Heller has not responded to any of our phone calls and/or registered
letters to him with regards to the two projects which we hired him for; while
representing Southern Coast Enterprises.

 On July 8, 2010 I signed a contract with an addendum between
Mr. Hellers company, (SCE) to repair my apartment and sliding glass patio
doors; the contract was broken down into two projects. 

 Project #1            Replace 6 Sliding Patio doors with
Bronze frames and Bronze tinted Hi-Impact windows

Project #2            Repair
apartments which were damaged from a ruptured fire sprinkler head

Steven Hellers employees/work crew removed the patio doors, framing, sun
screen shutters and proceeded with the installation of the 6 sliding patio
doors.  For which we advanced checks in
the total amount of $31,000.00,
as a deposit for both projects made payable to SCE which he represents.


It was agreed that the Bronze frame and Bronze tinting windows would be
installed for  $17,000 maximum minus 10%
which was to be paid to the public adjuster; (Triumph Consulting), (without any
rights to contest as this is the maximum amount agreed to be paid by Universal
Property Insurance Company; in the court ordered final appraisal award). 

As specified in the Addendum to the July 8, 2010 contract.

On October 26, 2010 the July 8, 2010 contract was again amended
to adjust the estimated total cost of the apartment repairs from $69,000.00 to
$48,000.00 (minus the 10% Adjusters fee
for the public adjuster Alliance Adjusting Group) as previously agreed to,
and that Universal Property would have the final say in the exact payment which
they would be responsible for after the court ordered appraisal. 

This came out to $48,000.00. 

(This paragraph applied to project two of the contract,
repairing the apartment (not the patio doors).


Upon the work stoppage by SCE and my inspection of their
work the following was observed:

Patios Doors frames were scratched severely in several
 locations on the framing.

The glass installed was clear instead of the bronze color ordered.

The screening outboard of the patio doors was
flapping (from top to the bottom on both sides of the framing) in the wind and
was not secured properly.

The final finishing (enclosing of support beams and fire proofing) was never
done.

Final inspection by the Palm Beach County Building Department was never done.

Final releases were never delivered (as requested) from SCE and the door
manufacturer of the patio doors showing that the doors were paid for, nor any
releases from any subcontractors were ever received.  (Which I requested on several phone conversations with Skip Bennett of SCE).

Therefore, after three certified letter requests, phone calls and a personal
appearance to the SCE offices, Steven Heller and SCE have refused to refund my
over payment.  The difference between the
agreed upon fee of $17,000.00 minus the 10% fee ($1,700.00) to Triumph
Consulting Group (for adjustment fees to replace my sliding glass patio doors)
should have been refunded.  $17,000 -
$1,700 = $15,300 was the final total cost which was payable to Steven
Heller and SCE.  The balance of $15,700.00 should
have been refunded upon cancellation of our contract. 

However, before work started I was required by SCE to advance $31,000.00 to SCE
as a deposit to begin their work.

After reviewing the quality of their work (which was unacceptable) I sent a
registered letter to SCE cancelling our contract with Steven Heller and SCE on
January 13, 2011 and requesting a refund. 
Although several additional registered letter requests, phone calls and
a personal visit to the SCE offices was made I have not been able to get my
refund.  Therefore, I am hereby requesting a full
refund of my $31,000.00.

I would appreciate your assistance in assisting me in obtaining
my refund of $31,000.00 from Steven Heller and/or SCE.