Splintered Shop

I bid Maryanne and Patrick Emery’s original job of trim work and hanging doors for $3670 with the assumption I was doing it myself. As Maryanne states my knees started to cause me issues which medical attention later resolved. In order to honor my original bid and timeline, I brought on Jake. Jake and I have built numerous pieces of fine furniture, did all the carpentry (including trim and doors) for high-end contractors, and did all the custom trim work in the new SL Roasting Company - our work speaks for itself. If Maryanne and Patrick felt our work was so awful, then why did they have us do an additional $5k of work? And say things like, "All of the finish carpentry looks amazing!" or, " We're lucky to have you on the job!" or, " The doors look great" (all documented texts).

I took a loss on the original bid and finished it completely except for trim in one small closet that would have taken 15 minutes. I fixed all issues that were pointed out, and all doors I was paid for fit and were functioning when I left. Contrary to Maryanne’s statement, she only paid a nominal upfront fee, otherwise all work was paid upon completion and Maryanne’s inspection. Maryanne and Patrick still owe me money even after incorrectly withholding money due to organizational faults of Maryanne's. After starting on their project, I found out that multiple subs have been brought in for the same work, and one of her subs confided that, “Maryanne treats her subs horribly”.

Maryanne wanted to contract with me on future projects in her home but I declined due to the lack of trust I had with her, because she unilaterally reduced payment to me, and because she blamed others for her disorganization. I cut my losses with the Emery’s as soon as possible, but I finished all work they paid for and confirmed with Maryanne it was completed to her “satisfaction” in December. It wasn’t until one month later that I learned they had issues, which I addressed and settled.

My work speaks for itself as do my previous and current clients. Bad apples like this come along, but since they're the first and only in a 15 year career I know I'm doing something right. I feel so fortunate to be able to do something I love and I take pride in everything I build and appreciate all of the clients who continuously return for additional work.