Over the last decade, Cal. Showcase has updated all my windows, installed a new French door, and replaced a slider. Those experiences were great! When I signed a new agreement for a patio cover on April 7, 2022, I expected the same great product, communication, and installation. Today is September 25, 2022, and I still do not have a patio cover, and the last 5 months have proven that Cal. Showcase has become a company that cannot keep their word, and does not care to serve their customers.
1. On April 7, I received a quote to redo my patio cover. The quote was much much higher than I expected, but I am aware that costs have universally increased. Cal. Showcase threw in the promise to complete the job by June 30, so I could enjoy it all summer. They also reassured that Cal. Showcase uses only their OWN employees, and that I could save money by removing my own patio cover.
2. I removed my own patio cover in May, then took most all of my summer vacation days to be home during the construction. I was off the final two weeks of June, and there was no install, and no contact. When someone finally called me, the promise was "your patio cover is in one of our trucks. We'll call you soon."
3. In July, the project manager called me and apologized. Cal. Showcase was also suffering similar delays as most of us - Covid struggles, family members suffering through illness, and material delays. I was told that my project was essentially pushed aside, and that it would be done in late-July or early August. In the meantime, my patio furniture becomes sun-bleached, and my house bakes daily with no shade. The grass under the old patio cover has all died.
3. July passed by, and I call to inquire, again, for any update. I am told someone will call, but the call never comes. I wait weeks and then I call again, and someone eventually comes by, takes measurements, and promises the job will be easy (2 days). Even though the employee is NOT from Cal. Showcase, the gentleman is proficient & confident that the job is easy & will be done in 6-8 weeks. Cal. Showcase has outsourced their work, so I am a bit concerned with my previous agreement. I reached out to the project manager.
4. Each time I reach out to the project manager, I receive a text stating I will receive a call later. This never happens. Then I text again insisting I need to talk to the project manager, but I am pushed aside and receive a call from the hired contractor. He does not have any insight regarding the original contract, and he cannot provide an ETA for the project. I ask questions that prompt some research, and a return call. I DID get a call back, but the explanation of what is happening with my patio cover cannot be explained in any way I understood.
At this point, I've been 5 months without a patio cover. Cal Showcase lied about getting the project done by June 30 to pressure me into a costly project. The salesman has since retired. I had to tear down my own patio to save some money, waste my summer days off, and buy two fans (for the install) that are sitting in my garage (I doubt I can return them 5 months later). My summer air cost increased a ton, and my patio table is now faded.
I fully understand that the previous few years have been difficult. I understand delay in materials. I understand employees needing quarantine. With Cal. Showcase, it's unfortunate that lack of communication & integrity has been the prominent side effect. It's Sept. 25, 2022, and I don't know what is even happening with my patio cover. I am unsure if I can go with another company. I am unsure if I use another company, I will then have Cal. Showcase show up with custom-measured product.
This synopsis does not fully detail the ghosting I've received. "I'll call you later..." has been the company's tagline. Back in April, if I was told the project wouldn't be done until the fall, I would've said "no." However, I would've gone back to Cal. Showcase again and again (like I have), because the work they produce is great!
At this point, I have a full future ahead. I have more houses to buy, and children who will all buy houses as well. We will all look for companies who will keep their word ... and at least call with honest updates when circumstances beyond control force an agreement to be broken. read more