I hired Russ Widger and his associate -Jack, Widger Handyman Services, to make repairs on my…read moretwenty year old pergolas - 3 sections, where I had many (~12) decayed 2"x2" pieces (used to hold down plastic lattice sections for shading). He bid $2240 to do this job, which I described in an email to him, as: "removal of 12 old decayed 2x2 slats, installation of new slats, primed & painted, installation of new aluminum flashing tape over all exposed upward-facing wood surfaces, clean-up and removal of all debris."
I asked him about how long it would take them to complete the work, and Russ estimated 1.5 days. I offered to pay him $2000 cash and he accepted. I paid for all materials {wood, flashing, screws, and unwittingly mis-paid for some minor tools-inexpensive drill bits and blades}. They worked on my property 2 partial days, Jun 29 & Jul 1, 2022 totaling only 7 hours.
Unfortunately, apparently I was not clear enough in my expectations, and I did not receive any acknowledgement of my expectations. After I inspected the main/large pergolas, I paid them in cash as promised. However, when I inspected the third/smaller pergolas, I discovered no flashing was laid down protecting some exposed upward-facing wood surfaces. I sent him a text and photo with my request for their return and completion of this project (which I estimated would take them another 1-2 hours), but he declined to speak with me and refused to do any more work on my project without additional payment.
I am highly disappointed in his negative response and non-interest in continuing any business relationship with me. They were paid $2000, handsomely for only 7 hours of labor, since I was basing my compensation on their spending about 12 hours of work. They were also carefree about spending the customer's money at Home Depot, including small tools for themselves and buying much more wood than needed, which could not be returned since they were primed & painted. I had hoped to hire them in the future, but they have not demonstrated any attempt at conflict resolution. It is my fault for placing trust in two guys who are unworthy. As mentioned by other dissatisfied customers, they also did not appear at my home on the first appointment saying my job was not placed on their calendar. I do not recommend hiring them.
7/7/22. James F. in Pleasanton
