I'm a single mom $36k into a backyard construction project gone wrong ($34k to Green Living by Design + $2k to an attorney).
Since sharing my experience on local Facebook groups, three others have come forward about their disaster projects with Green Living by Design.
My experience:
- Lack of Transparency & Ethics: Throughout the project planning, Green Living by Design failed to disclose their intent to not obtain drawings or permits for my covered patio project. When I asked for drawings and permits, they admitted they were using past project drawings and knew they could get away without permits because of the backyard location and secluded neighborhood. To make matters worse, after I put the project on hold, they covered themselves by getting drawings and claiming they invested $2k more in the project when I yielded zero value from those after-the-fact drawings.
- High Deposit: I agreed to move forward with a $33k deposit (half of the project cost). Recently, a lawyer advised me that a 50% upfront deposit is unreasonable. Do research to ensure your contractor isn't violating any consumer protections.
- Poor Quality & Construction Standards:
The entire construction was subpar. For instance, who constructs a patio without grading the land first? Why weren't joist hangers used? Why are the toenailed locations so sloppy? I engaged family members and friends in the industry who questioned whether the work was up to code. Green Living by Design also disagreed that the wood posts should be above-grade and insisted putting posts in the ground was standard for them.
- Questionable Taste: A green roof, which was recommended by Green Living by Design, doesn't blend into nature. Also, there are lots of different roof types (e.g., ones with hidden fasteners). Green Living by Design claims after the fact that a roof with exposed fasteners was the only option for such a low-pitch roof. It looks terrible from my main living room. Green Living by Design agreed to swap out the green roof for a different color at no cost to me, but the damage went deeper. I no longer trusted their ethics or their construction expertise.
I'm left with:
- A poorly built, partially complete porch eyesore that needs to be dismantled (costing me thousands more) and is in violation of city permitting rules
- Months of lost outside porch enjoyment
- A $34k hole in my banking account when the only value Green Living by Design delivered was removal of a concrete patio
- An additional $2k hole in my banking account paying attorneys to try and fail to negotiate an appropriate settlement with Green Living by Design
To be clear, Green Living by Design has offered to return money for work not completed; however, they continue to stand behind the quality of the completed work and claim the structure has some financial value to me. It's also noteworthy that Green Living Design's first settlement offer to me included a non-disparagement clause. Make of that what you will. read more