TLDR, Mark is doing his best to do the work but I think he took on a bigger project than he could…read moredeliver here. You are likely better of with anyone you pick up in a HD parking lot.
We bought a fixer upper a year ago that needed work on everything but the mailbox. We redid walls, floors, pipes, AC, electrical, foundation, chimney work, fireplace, roof, siding... You name it we did it. During the early stages of the project, around Sep 10, 2025 we reached out to Home Repair Dudes for replacing the siding on the back of the house. This was the original siding from the 70s.
For added context, I am an engineer that has worked in construction and this is not our first house restoration.
Mark came promptly and inspected it, gave us his opinion and estimate in a timely manner. He was as knowledgeable as someone that works as a generalist/all rounder would be. He was courteous, polite and honestly gave an amazing first impression.
His quote came in about mid pack with the quotes we received. Not the cheapest but not the most expensive. We settled on a date gave him the green light. He was nice enough to tell us that since we are in a bit of a rush, if an earlier date comes up he will try and get it done sooner.
A week goes by, he says hey I got an earlier date, we are happy to have it done sooner.
Workers come next day or 2 days later, on time as scheduled and proceed to take a nap in the backyard for about 4 hours. Mark comes by and tells them what to do etc and sets them out to work. I was in the house when they started the demolition.
First window that they reach was a bathroom window and I notice the window has moved from the inside. Went out to talk to them about maybe being a bit more careful, was quickly "reassured" (let's not call it dismissed) that it's ok and part of the usual process. They proceed.
Next window is a massive 12 foot window. Hammering away they inevitably bump against it (not breaking it) and workers proceed to laugh about it. Mark just sits there watching. I don't say anything as of course people react differently to things, maybe it is stress laughter. Then the workers procced to prop their crowbars against the window, not away from it, literally trying to pry away the siding against glass.
At that point I went outside and told them to just stop immediately.
Mark told them to hold a bit while we had a conversation. I told Mark that I am having doubts about his crew's expertise considering they don't seem to know how to use a crowbar and I am worried about the lack of care that has been displayed over the course of 45min. He then told the crew to fully pack and wait in their truck. He tried to reassure me that it would be ok but that it is also ok if I wasn't confident in their work. They would stop and not require payment. He was very offended that I questioned his work which seemed odd at the time but he said he would take precaution and we agreed to continue the work. Shook hands and he went to the driveway to, what I assumed at the time, tell his crew to come back and be more careful. No, he just got into his car and left with his crew, leaving the house exposed down to the studs.
I called him twice and he didn't pick up the phone. I texted him and started immediately calling the other contractors.
He then proceeded to send me an email the next morning at 1:33am that verbatim said:
"Thank you for the opportunity to work on the siding project at your home. I truly appreciate the time you spent discussing your needs and allowing me to provide an estimate and plan for the project.
After careful consideration, I have decided not to move forward with this project at this time. This decision was not made lightly. It is based on circumstances that I feel may lead to potential misunderstandings or difficulties if the project were to continue. In order to avoid any complications and to ensure both parties are fully satisfied with any work undertaken, I believe this is the best course of action."
I tried calling him two more times to which he just didn't pick up.
He essentially pretended that work wasn't started and that he wasn't in breach of contract. I sent him a legal notice that he will be held liable for damage (if any) occurs to the house due to him just leaving it exposed, to find a replacement contractor or finish the work as we agreed. I informed him that all the discussions and work were recorded on multiple cameras with audio so pretending otherwise on email is really not going to work.
I would not be writing this if he answered the calls or if he told me he wouldn't continue the work when we were discussing it in person. Instead he got in his car after agreeing to continue the work and just left. Why? I don't know. Did he feel insulted? I don't care. He left us in a much worse position than when he started.
