Peter in Old Toronto

Geatano of ABJM Tile and Marble! Here are the facts: In March 2017, I e-mailed Smart Reno and told them that I wanted my master bathroom renovated. 6 contactors called me and I selected 3 to come to my home and provide estimates. I selected Geatano for the reno. I provided all furnishings and materials, and agreed to the total cost for labour of $8,500.00. Geatano offered a free bathroom ceiling fixture. He also offered to pick-up all materials (tiles, etc.) free of charge, which I declined. Geatano was eager to sign the contract, so several days later he came to my home to have the work order signed and at the same time requested a $4,500.00 down payment. I signed all documents, gave him $4,500.00 in cash. I was handed an official company receipt. A few days later, he called again and requested another $1,000.00 in cash, claiming that his bank account was jeopardized and that he needed it immediately. Although I found his story most unusual, I trusted him and a day later gave him the $1000.00 in cash. It was agreed (in writing and verbally) that the reno was to start on May 01, 2017. The $8,500.00 included repairing the toilet in the small bathroom. No one showed up on May 1st. I sent an e-mail and Geatano , a plumber and young boy showed up on May 2nd. About 5 minutes later Geatano left and the boy and the plumber worked for 2 hours and then also left. The next day 2 plumbers arrived and only worked for 2 hours and then left. On the 3rd day (Thursday May 4), two plumbers arrived and about 20 minutes later when they were to connect the tub, I was told that I had the wrong bathtub. Geatano and the plumbers were in my home twice before, why were the furnishings not checked then? I called the bathtub company, and I was informed that the correct tub would be in my home on Monday May 8. I immediately e-mailed Geatano and his reply was that the delay will cost me an extra $2,500.00. He then stated that he would give me a discount of $1,000.00 and requested to know when on Saturday (May 6th) he could come to my home and collect the extra $1,500.00 cash. I then called to cancel the bathtub and purchased a new one to be delivered to my home on Friday (May 5th) early in the morning. I e-mailed Geatano to inform him that the new tub would be in my home on Friday at 7AM. No reply and no one showed up on Friday morning, to continue the reno. For the next 2 weeks, numerous e-mails were exchanged. I then sent another e-mail suggesting that we meet in person to discuss the problem. I was ready to offer him an extra $500.00 if the reno was finished within one week and done properly. Three different times Geatano agreed to meet with me, but he did not show up for any of them. Anxious to get this project finished, I decided to find another contractor. The reno resumed in the middle of June, 2017 and was completed one week later, at a cost of $5,500.00. I requested a refund from Geatano, who refused to give back any of the $5,500.00 down payment I gave him. In July I started Small Claims Court proceedings against Geatano and Smart Reno (the Internet Company who recommended him). I had to make numerous trips to court and spend money on costly legal preparations. In December 2017, I attended the settlement conference with the judge and won the court case. I have to return to Small Claims Court one more time to discuss the amount of money I am to be awarded, and I will be asking the court to help me collect the money from Geatano or his Company. I want to make sure that no-one else gets involved with this dishonest man and becomes a victim. Dealing with Geatano of ABJM Tile and Marble was a frustrating, time-consuming, and costly experience, which will only end when I finally collect the refund owing to me as approved by Small Claims Court (initial refund claimed plus all my court and other costs). Smart Reno no longer represents ABJM Tiles and Marble! I have 3 more major renovations planned in my home (1 this year and 2 next year), and I will now very carefully select the contractor(s) and stay clear of people like Geatano of ABJM Tiles and Marble.