Gary Clark Review
Renovations Home Center Review…read moreKAS Construction Review
In June 2023, my wife and I hired Gary Clark, owner of Renovations Home Center and KAS Construction in Palm Harbor, for a renovation of our home. Unfortunately, the experience was overwhelmingly negative, and I feel compelled to share it to help others make informed decisions. (Yes, I did online research before commencing this project with Mr. Clark but there were no warning signs of what the future would entail.)
Key Issues:
High-Pressure Sales Tactics:
Gary Clark pressured us into making a $28,208 commitment payment for kitchen cabinets, claiming we had to act immediately to secure a distant construction start date. He hinted at a possible earlier timeline, which later proved to be false.
Design and Communication Problems:
Gary Clark delegated much of the design work and communications to his young daughter, which led to repeated revisions and delays. The designs often didn't align with what we requested, and I had to repeatedly remind him that this was my house. Adding to the delays, Gary Clark frequently left town for his new business in North Carolina.
No Progress Made:
By the time Gary Clark terminated the KAS Construction / Renovations Home Center contract via email after I expressed my frustration at the never-ending escalating costs, no tangible progress had been made. There were no permits, no architectural plans, no materials had been ordered, not even his "specialty" of cabinets had been ordered - nothing to show for the months we spent working with him.
Broken Refund Promises:
When Gary Clark sent a termination of services email stating "at this time I feel we should tear up your contract and I'll refund your deposit." Later he insisted on keeping "some" money for his "time," which ultimately turned out that he wanted to keep nearly all the money. After weeks of negotiation, he agreed to a more reasonable settlement, but I paid to have a formal settlement letter drafted, he refused to sign and reneged once again.
Unfulfilled Refund:
As of January 2025, we have not received any portion of our $28,208, nor have we received any cabinets or work from Gary Clark, Renovations Home Center, or KAS Construction.
Legal and Regulatory Actions:
We reported the issue to various regulatory agencies in Pinellas County and the State of Florida. Gary Clark was subsequently investigated for fraud and other potential violations. The Florida State Attorney recently "determined that the facts and circumstances as presented do not warrant prosecution at this time."
Advice for Potential Customers:
If you are considering hiring Gary Clark, Renovations Home Center, or KAS Construction, I strongly recommend submitting public records requests to relevant agencies. This will provide valuable insights into his track record and help you make an informed decision.
Final Thoughts:
This experience has been incredibly disappointing. We lost months of time, trust, and $28,208 without seeing any progress. Fortunately the statute of limitations is five years, so we have time to file a civil lawsuit, but that won't erase the horrible experience we had with the construction industry.