Robert Klob Designs, Inc.

It’s unfortunate that you had such a bad experience. While I know that there are things we could have done better (there always are), I am confident that the design I provided gave you what you had requested (this statement can be backed up by numerous emails from you). The bigger issue is that some of your design requests were excessively expensive, impossible, against building code, against my moral code and in some instances against physics. You refused to accept the recommendations and specifications from very qualified people and licensed engineers.

I spent over 100 hours (only 70 hrs were in our contract and 50 is our average) on your project thru multiple revision requests by you – many times changing things one way, only to go back again. In addition, I sat at your kitchen table and did the latest revisions in front of you so you would have the opportunity to integrate all you wanted. I also provided a 3D model (an extra fee in our contract) to demonstrate how your lot was not as steep as you thought. This model showed that doors in a walk out basement wouldn’t work due to the grade and how the bedrooms would not have the adequate window size/location to meet the code required egress. In order to do this, it would require extensive retaining walls at considerable costs. I was just trying to ensure the safety of your family and save you money in the process.

When we first started the design, you stated you were in no hurry and this could be done as fill-in. All of the back and forth you requested took a considerable amount of time. I went above and beyond on a regular basis. I could have (and probably should have) charged you for all the extras I provided. You told me not to worry about the code requirements because you “know the inspectors at the county and they won’t care”. This is legally, ethically and morally wrong and I refuse to do business this way.
In an email from you, you state that you really like the software that I recommended so you can view the 3D model, shadows and solar exposure. In your complaint you state that as a negative because you had to learn a new software – you are a computer engineer, I thought this would be a simple task for you. This was yet another instance of you saying one thing and then reversing.

I offered to allow you out of our agreement with no additional fees or penalties due. I also offered to give you the CAD files and a copyright release so that you could easily take my design to someone else. None of which was required, but I didn’t want you to have to start over. However, you refused this offer & demanded all of your money back – after I had spent all the time and effort on your project. This is why only the initial payment is non-refundable. I committed over 100 hours to your project, I’m not sure why you don’t feel you need to give some type of commitment or accept any responsibility.

When I made this offer to you, your response was to harass me & call my home 15 times in 10 minutes at 6:30 in the morning – waking my wife and daughter. I was actually on a jobsite and would have happily taken your call had I been there or if you had called my cell phone.

I wish that you would have invested the same time and effort in the design of your home as you are doing in your slanderous campaign against me. Unfortunately, you have left me with no other alternative than to pursue legal action and enforce our agreement.

Lastly, the customer report that his project price is over $100k is grossly exaggerated. Whereas the build cost might be over $100k, we were only contracted to design - of which he has only paid $4k.

Anyone reading this complaint, please feel free to contact me directly for any specifics you would like clarified.