Poor Fencing Construction Quality
This exact same outfit (Level Up Home Solutions Inc.) & same owner Ivan installed fencing for us under the same company name last year in Edmonton prior to relocating to Ottawa, Ontario. Had we been told prior to construction of the intent to relocate (which was found out by accident) we would not have selected them.
This project was a three neighbor fence cost split using copper pressure treated lumber. The quality complaints are numerous and are listed as follows with all material pre-purchased by Level Up Home Solutions Inc.:
1. Material This was comprised of 6 x 6 posts and 5 and a quarter inch wide vertical fence boards. How was this delivered? By crane from a building center store in a 200 + pallet of vertical fence boards and posts. The fence boards were not preselected for lack of defects (warping, cupping, cracking or checking, etc.). Incredibly a worker at the building center store told me that they will do this for no charge for contractors. I mistakenly thought they (Level Up Home Solutions Inc.) would cull unfit boards (wrong assumption!). The end result is boards that include bowed and twisted defects (See #2.). The posts (stored outside at the building center store) looked they had been in WW1 with very rough literally peeling surfaces.
2. Installation The post (in concrete) installation appeared reasonable. The top stringers are 2 x 6 boards (with the vertical boards in between). Now it gets ugly.
For a start the stringer to opposing stringer screw is incredibly 2.5 inches for the majority of screws. The opposing stringer is therefore not connected to the other one across from it. This must be 3 inches minimum. At some locations though there are screws right through the second stringer to the other side (screw too long!). Also, the majority of all screws are burrowed far into the first board (causing splintering and shoddy appearance).
Some stringer pairs (at the fence top) are secured (?) by two (2) screws total! for a stringer board pair that are 10 feet + in length!
Ugly Vertical boards are installed with defects as noted and also because no attempt was made to achieve equal board spacing you get the picture. Also vertical boards are single nailed (top and bottom) with non-galvanized standard nails. The speed of vertical board installation by his co-worker was fast to the point of ridiculous with no care given including spacing. I briefly watched this and thought that these boards were only being attached this way temporarily (wrong!).
3. I informed Ivan of the inadequate screw length issue on line several times (no response) and finally after two calls was an answer. The response was basically nothing could or would be done.
So, to finish never trust claims or promises. Investigate with previous customers whether a job is acceptable and never take word faith from someone appearing reputable. See the attached photos for their version of quality work that was done (approaching one year old fence). I have many photos (below only a sample)
- Approximate cost of services:
- $6,300.00
- Company Response
Hi Mr. George Iwasykiw {aka Private User}. Our decision to relocate to Ottawa is a private matter of my family and Me. I believe that I don't have to send rapport to you or anyone else. You decided to to write this review One year after we completed your fence project. we have never received email and official warranty claim. All your claims stated in this review are voided in warranty and have no ground. As a professional fence builder we are using professional suppliers who deliver materials by the big trucks, and using forklift (not a crane) to place materials on the designated spot. Preselection of wood was done by Level Up employees and great job was done, as it was not our intention to install low quality materials at the same time would be impossible because you were breathing on our neck and checking on internet how to build the fence. you were advised about nature of pressure treated wood and its quality. Warping, shrinking and cracking cannot be avoided as wood is natural material. I've suggest it to you to invest little bit more money and install central board to reinforce vertical boards, but you refused. Vertical board spacing was consistent and all components were fastened properly. All our work was done in safe and professional manner, plants were protected and site was cleaned. After the work was completed You and I walked trough and inspected the whole project. We've meet all your requirements and responded to all your requests. Once you were satisfied you made a payment for the remaining balance. On top of that I made a favor to you that you can save some extra money even though that was not part of our deal. I would attach the pictures of your fence as a proof but Home stars platform does not allow me to input the picture, but I will have them available upon request to anyone who is interested. As a professional fence builder we guarantee our workmanship but we can't guarantee your personality. This review outstands among other reviews, and have no solid ground. Have a great day. Ivan
Photos available here https://photos.app.goo.gl/qvMmNNz3ERPtFPzt9