I'll highly recommend avoiding any and all business with James and "Doing It All - Fence and Deck".
James and crew completed the majority of my fence dating back to the end of July 2014. At that time, James promised me that they were short the few remaining pieces that would finish my fence. I then agreed to pay him in good faith that the work would be completed promptly the following week once they received their next shipment (as James clearly indicated on my contract in his own writing and signed).
Now (Sept 25th 2014), the work has still yet to be completed and I've officially received the following from James:
In this 2 month period, James has made a promise on 5 separate occasions that the work will be completed on a given date. All 5 times he has failed to complete the project.
He has told me in a 2 month span that the wood is perpetually on backorder despite also telling me that he's received the shipment (that contains my wood) 3 times as well.
From my dealings with him, he cannot be trusted. I'd avoid dealing with him and his company if you have the chance. If you have to deal with him (as we did because of a new home build and neighbours contacting him to do the subdivision) then I'd strongly advise to ensure the work is completed 100% prior to giving him any payment as indicated in a few reviews now, he'll simply take the money and never look back.
I highly encourage anyone with problems to file complaints with the Better Business Bureau of Central Ontario and the Ministry of Consumer Services. its the only way that customer service will ever improve.
EDIT: June 6th 2015
Just a quick update on our situation.
The fence was fully completed mere days after I opened the cases with BBB and the Ministry. It never should have had to come to that, but it did and its in the past now.
Over the winter months, the fence post near the gate shifted (due to frost). James has since come and fixed that issue ensuring it is more secure.
James did contact me, ensuring that they are focusing on bettering customer service now and in the future. I have no bad feelings towards him as I simply wanted the work completed (as it has now been) and wish him success in the future on their customer service side. Their actual workmanship, in regards to the fence itself, was great quality so if they improve on their weaker areas, they'll definitely be a solid company to choose for your project.
Although things have been fully fixed/repaired, because of the initial circumstances, I feel that I must leave my original review/score intact.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $1,500.00