I write this review feeling very frustrated and disappointed but will try to keep my emotions out of it. My initial experience with DCS was really positive. We purchased a new home in Pleasant Ridge and had DCS come out to do an assessment of the chimney and fireplace. They were prompt, courteous and cost competitive. We received a detailed report costing out the necessary repairs and the technician took time to explain what was needed.
The trouble began when I attempted to have the work done. The same technician (from the inspection) came out to start the work. Over an hour later he came to the door to tell me that far more substantial work was needed, he couldn't do it that day, and that I would need scaffolding to do any of the work. To be clear I was told the scaffolding was needed to do not only the original work but also the new work (completely replacing the limestone cap).
Feeling frustrated I called back to schedule the new work. It took several calls to get accurate pricing for the cost of the scaffolding and custom limestone cap. I was told the technician would arrive between 11am and 1pm. At 11:12 the technician called to ask whether or not the scaffolding had arrived yet. I told him "no". He said he would call to see where it was and hung up. At 12:59 pm I called the main line to inquire where the crew was. I was placed on hold and then told the crew would not arrive at all. The reason given was weather (i'll return to that). I asked to speak to the owner. The owner apologized but reiterated the same reason for rescheduling, safety and weather. They acknowledged they should have called me much earlier but offered no solution or compensation beyond rescheduling.
From my perspective this adds up to a really bad experience. Everyone makes mistakes and i like to think i'm a pretty flexible guy. However, I've now taken 3 days off from work to get this done and it's not done. I have a background in the real estate and construction and it's a big red flag for me when a company rebids a job once hired, especially when it's the same crew that did the initial estimate. A reputable firm should always stand behind their bids or try to work with an owner when they have made a mistake in the bid out of courtesy.
On the scheduling, I have no way to prove i'm being lied to or that they made a mistake in scheduling. All i can do is provide facts that lead me to that conclusion. Others can interpret them as they wish. OSHA standards for 2nd story scaffolding work seem to be set at no more than 40 MPH although there is comment on the safety at 25 MPH (see https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/federalregister/1996-08-30-1). At 1:09 pm the maximum sustained wind at my home was 17 MPH (see below). The wind had remained constant all day at that speed or below. Perhaps they have some internal policy far below the OSHA standard but they should have disclosed that. More strange being that the inspection was performed on a day where the maximum sustained gusts were 20 mph and averaged 15 mph. That inspection was performed on a ladder so one would think if you cant work on scaffolding at 17 mph, 20 on a ladder would be a no go. Again, maybe it was the wind but i think it's more likely they made a mistake in scheduling for the scaffolding and didn't want to admit it.
As i said, i'm disappointed. We go out of our way to support local businesses especially those based in Detroit (I believe they are Detroit based but can't be certain). Things started out great but i'm leaving this experience feeling frustrated and lied to. If they had simply said "you know what, we screwed up and we're going to make it right" that would have been enough for me. Instead I got excuses and placing the blame on the technician who wasn't on the phone. It's just not the way to run a business and a pity because our community is tight nit and referrals mean everything.
I know this review will come off as petty and is overkill on the detail. However, i think Yelp is used far too often to abuse small businesses unfairly. It only seems fair that if I'm going to leave a review that could negatively impact someone's livelihood, i should stand behind it with facts and evidence instead of ranting and raving. read more