Unfortunately, I had a mixed experience with KNT. On the plus side, the knob and tube was removed and replaced correctly, I assume. The job was done within the estimated time frame (six days). The crew arrived promptly and worked steadily.
However, there was a lack of careful attention to some details. I caught and had corrected the crooked installation of a couple of switch plates, the inconsistent on-off direction of the light switches and the misplacement of a wall fixture (which still ended up slightly off-centre).
Most problematic, though, was damage to the brickwork around the porch light, caused by a large hole cut into the brick to re-accomodate the fixture and the worker's attempt to patch and
mortar afterwards. I then spent considerable time dealing with this unplanned masonry job. I kept KNT informed of the situation, my efforts to get it corrected (three consultations, two quotes) and my expectation that the cost would be deducted from the final amount owing. The repair took seven hours to complete. I did not feel that the inconvenience caused me was understood or appreciated, although an apology was eventually offered.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $8,500.00
- Company Response
I am sorry about the brick I know my guys should not have attempted to chip the brick to install a pancake box.
The old fixture was installed directly on the brick without an electrical box. We chipped out the brick so that the light could be flushed mounted on to of the brick and we accidentally broke along the adjacent brick. I am sorry my guys did not discuss with you the alternative of surface mounting the electrical box used to ground the cable and support the light. We will discuss with clients an alternative when the existing brick is compromised.
Our patching should have been more professional and I accept your criticism that a mason should have been hired to do a proper repair. You informed me that you had obtained 2 quotes. I accepted to pay the $500 for the repair as quoted. I spoke with another Mason who offered to do the repair the same week (for $300) but you replied and I quote "Please be reminded that this situation was not of my doing, I have done all the legwork to get it corrected, and that a responsible business owner, as you consider yourself, would be diligent in resolving it acceptably and without reservation."
During this period which lasted for just over a month, I only received payment for material delivered. The Contract required payment up to 90% upon completion of job-with holdback of 10% (Payment in arrears is over $5,000). When we met & I agreed to pay for the damage I requested $4000 payment and you said you would take care of it when the brick work was complete. When I was notified the brick work had been repaired, I immediately revised my Invoice, credited the $500+HST and sent it to you on October 19, 2016 & was paid Nov 11,- six days after your review. I am still waiting for a copy of the masons invoice
I am sorry that you did not understand that the cover plates and switches were installed temporarily so that we could safely energize the lights while the patching dried overnight. I am pretty sure we explained 3-way switches -(lights controlled from two locations)-will always by design have inconsistent (on-off direction).