If there were 0 stars available, I would have selected that. AVOID Doug at all COSTS, he will take your deposit and disappear! below is a full detail of what has transpired, and I hope that anyone reading this will be cautious, as I am now suing him for my deposit of $22,500.
I hired Doug in March 2021 to relocate my septic system and tank after interviewing a few contractors. He was one of the higher bids, although he was very communicative to start off. He did ask for a very high deposit of 50% for a 45k system, which was not the norm, but given that he seemed professional and was always prompt in his communication, I obliged. Doug continued with his prompt communication thereafter, and was slated to start the septic relocation in the summer. In Late June I have spoken to him and we have discussed that we would start the project towards the end of July or early August, as he had one of his foreman going on vacation and he had some scheduling conflicts. I have called him on July 20th to find out when he plans to mobilize, he promised me within a week or so as he was waiting on material. I followed up again the following week since he hasn't started, and that's when he started to dodge my calls. I have called, texted and emailed him for 3 straight weeks (every other day) until I finally made contact with him in mid August, to which he "apologized" for not answering sooner and said he has been very busy but promised to start the week of August 23rd. It was all confirmed. On August 25th I reached out to him after realizing its a Wednesday and he has yet to mobilize, and again he screened my calls, texts and emails for 3 straight weeks, till he finally answered on September 14th and apologized (once again) for his "shitty communication" and then told me he was having problems getting the gravel for system, bc of hurricane Ida's flash floods that took place on September 2nd. I offered him to source the gravel myself, as I did not believe him at all, and wanted to immediately find a solution to expedite this and get the work done. I asked him for the quantity he needs and when would he be able to start if I can get it onsite that week, he told me he will call me back within the hour with a concrete start date and quantity for the gravel. He obviously didn't call back, I called him and texted him numerous times that day, and every day till September 20th, when I hired a lawyer to recoup my deposit. Doug has yet to respond to the legal letter. My guess is, I'm not the first person he has done this to, as this entire ordeal seems too natural for him. I will be suing him for deposit and damages these delays have has caused. At this point I have hired a much more qualified excavator, who has delivered all his material this morning, on a much shorter notice. Doug, clearly never intended to perform the work, rather chose the easier option of enriching himself by stealing my money. I am more than willing to speak to anyone who would want additional insight here, although my short answer would be, AVOID him. You will get hurt. read more