BEWARE: Do not use Terry Holter or Twin Cities Masonry…read more
On 3/1/24 Terry at Twin Cities Masonry (TCM) provided an estimate for two projects I was considering at my home. I explicitly asked that he break out the prices for the two projects, as I was getting numerous estimates for the work, and wanted the ability to easily compare and choose what portion of the work I wanted any particular vendor to complete. He provided the following:
1) A stucco repair for cracks in the stucco on my chimney.
a. Recommended a complete chimney tear-down and rebuild. $24,500
2) A minor repair and resetting of some cosmetic stonework on the front of my home.
a. Recommended new footings and reset stones with new mortar. $1200
To complete the contract, Terry wrote "$25,700 or circle choices."
After receiving several other estimates for the first repair, with no other vendors recommending a full chimney rebuilt, I chose a vendor who was able to complete the chimney repair for $3800.
On 4/29/24: I emailed the executed contract to TCM, and followed up with the mailed copy. As instructed, I crossed-out the chimney work, and circled the portion for #2 - the cosmetic portion of the work and mailed it with a check for $600 - half of that work, as instructed on the estimate.
On 5/13/24: since I had heard nothing back from TCM, I sent a follow-up email.
On 05/14/24 at 5:05 PM, Terry Holter from TCM called me to discuss the contract. He asked what happened with the Chimney repair, and why I had opted to not have him do that work. I told him I went with a vendor to repair the stucco for that work, rather than replace the entire chimney. He then said he wasn't interested in doing the second part of the work for the $1200 he quoted, and suggested that he would do it for $2400. I told him that wasn't acceptable, as he had quoted $1200 for that portion of the work, and told me to circle which portion of the work I wanted to have him do. He said "ok, if you want to play it that way." I told him I wasn't attempting to "play" anything, and simply expected that any contractor would abide by the terms of their written estimates. He said "well, it may take a while to get to you then." I told him that was fine, as it was cosmetic work, so he should contact me when he can fit this work in between other work, as I know it isn't a large job.
At that point, TCM proceeded to ignore my repeated follow-ups:
06/14/24: I sent an email: "Good afternoon and happy Friday Terry, I wanted to follow-up on the executed contract I mailed on 5/15, with a check. The check hasn't yet been cashed so i wanted to confirm you received it. Please let me know. Thank you."
7/10/24: I sent another follow-up email: "Good morning Terry, I hope your summer is going well. I wanted to follow-up again on our contract, so we can get the work scheduled. I haven't heard back from you since our conversation in mid-May, and while I know the work is not top priority, I do want to get a sense of approximate timing."
08/07/24: Good morning Terry, I am again following up on the executed contract. I have received no response at all to my repeated inquiries. The only time was our phone conversation on May 14th when we confirmed the work to be completed under the terms of the contract, and you indicated the work would be scheduled as your existing jobs allowed. While I understand summer is a busy season, and I can be flexible for the work completion date, I do deserve a response and at least a provisional start date. The favor of a response is appreciated. As always, you may also reach me by voice or text at XXX-XXX-XXXX.
08/07/24: For the first time, Terry responded to an email from me as follows:
Hi Aaron, Is this a joke? We have no executed contract... The proposal wasn't sent within the 30 days of the original proposal date and thus was revoked as it states on the proposal as it also states we will not be bound by an oral acceptance. I have no idea why you continue to email me. I have no signed contract or deposit from you and have no interest in working with you. Good luck with your project. Best Wishes,
Terry Holter
Twin Cities Masonry
2002 Ramlow Place
Saint Paul, MN 55116
612-702-9210
terry@twincitiesmasonry.com
Summary:
1) TCM is recommending repairs that go far beyond the scope of what is required, to enrich themselves.
2) TCM is attempting to change written estimates after the fact, to charge far more than originally quoted. In cases where customers refuse to allow this, TCM then simply refuses to honor the original estimate - effectively "ghosting" their potential clients.
3) TCM then claims to have never had such a contract or agreement.
Terry Holter and Twin Cities Masonry are a business who I would never work with, given their shoddy, unprofessional and unethical business practices.
