STAR CONSTRUCTION CO

"This is an old customer for whom we did an addition over 17 years ago. She was delighted to find we were still in business . I did explain when executing a new contract for some improvements, that building codes have changed and building inspections are required for each stage of work. Also, as stated in our Contract Agreement...City building permits would be at "cost" sincwe we have no way of pre-determining all the fees. The delay was not as she stated but due to "special order" Impact windows and an Impact approved in-swing Exterior door which was also a custom-special order and took several weeks to process. There were no "extra" charges except for $ 100.00 which she requested extra work for enlarging the patio steps. I visited with her recently and she paid the final balance on the Conract without any hesitation. The work did involve, Electrical, Masonry walls, Furring, Insulation & drywall, painting, doors, windows, Including demolishing a front porch. I understand her anxiety in finishing the work quickly as this is a rental unit. However, any reasonable person knows that there are stages to a construction project and required City inspections that must be performed to meet the Building codes. There was also Engineering drawings and permit processing that was included in our Agreement at no extra charge. These plans took several weeks to be drawn and reviewed by the Miami Gardens Building Department before the permit could be issued. I honestly believe that Mrs. Milner would redact her unsatisfactory comments if questioned. She was totally satisfied with the work but disturbed over the length of time, which is justifiable due to the above explanations."

"The job ran over budget due to some unforseen circumstanaces. The additional costs were due to issues with the Engineer for the Building Division in the Town of Surfside, Fl. This neccesitated us to redraw the entire set of building plans that was originally submitted by our Architectural-Engineer for permit. We were finally issued a permit in accordance with the revised plans. During construction, the Building inspector required us to deviate from the approved plans and upgrade some strructural beams (headers) for the opening for the Impact sliding glass doors, resulting in some additional costs both to us and the home owner. All inspections were approved and the work was finally completed, resulting in a much improved design and enhanced living facility with added comfort & convenience for the homeowner."

"We enjoyed working with the member and she was very satisfied with our work and performance. The improvements upgraded the value of her home and has since sold her property."

"This was a complex job as we added an addition across the front of the house which was non conforming to the current building codes. The job location was in the City of Miami Springs, a small community with its own building department We reviewed the building plans with the owners who requested some small changes..The owners signed and approved the plans and a revised set of plans was submitted to the City for approval and permit, All structural details, dimensions & specifications were approved by the City Engineer and plan processors, ie, plumbing, electric, mechanical, etc. As required,during construction, we called for an inspection dor structural columns & beams. The inspector, who is also the chief of the building department, contradicted the engineers approved plans and required additional structural work to be done. The owners were advised of the required changes and was given the opportunity to discuss these matters with the chief of the building dept. The owners agreed to the work and approved an Extra Work Order for the additional costs. Naturally, this also required additional work and additional construction time. We had to order special Impact windows to match some existing windows we were reinstalling. This also created some delay. At the time of final inspection, the owners seemed very pleased and satisfied with the overall project. Everyone who saw the addition was very impressed with the quality and workmanship and felt it was a first class job. Even to match exterior panelling that was over 20 years old. No complaints were ever indicated to us."

"As the member stated, she called us out to repair some water damages to her kitchen and bathroom floors. After reviewing the problem we entered into an agreement to repair a small section of floor in her kitchen area. After excavating a section of the floor, we showed her latent deterioration of the existing floor joists. This necessitated removing the entire kitchen floor including all the kitchen cabinets. We replaced all the floor joists, repaired the plumbing leaks, installed new sub flooring and new laminated flooring. Then we re-installed all the cabinets and reconnected her sink,etc. She had agreed to all these changes, including the same procedure to the adjoining bathroom. The bathroom required all new sub flooring, durock underlayment and new tile flooring, and installation of new toilet and vanity. Naturally this all created additional labor, delivery of materials, and additional time for construction. We could not specify a completion date as this was an on going process. I can understand her frustration for the time frame and delays, however, in the final analysis,she was very satisfied with all the work."

"The Member is a very charming and lovely young lady. She recently purchased a 2 story Town Home in Coconut Grove, Miami, Fl. I reviewed the work scope and we entered into a Contract Agreement for the proposed work. Since the renovation work would require Architectural drawings, Building permits and field inspections by the building departments, I told her that the only thing I could not charge her for was the actual permit fees required by the City of Miami. These fees are determined by the Plan Processors for the City and I could not pre-deterrmine the costs, but would prepay the fees and would show her the City Invoices and to be reimbursed for actual costs. This detail was put in writing in her contract. A slight inaccuracy is that there were sliding glass doors on the upper level to be removed and closed up and a new Impact-special -order Egress window was to be installed. All work was done in a professional & workmanlike manner.,At completion, I met with her and gave her the " Certificate Of Occupancy" by the City. She paid the fnal balance due on completion and never complained about the work...although due to inspections, waiting for her tiles to arrive, special window order....and other items beyond contractors control, did cause a slight delay in completing the work. For these reasons, we do not impose a Bonus or Penalty clause to our Agreement. There were Extra Work Orders requested by the Member, which we performed and which she paid for, consequently increasing the original Estimate.and job cost. The fact that she was upset over the Permit fees are justifiable, however, we have no say or control over these matters My 40 years in the construction business does not preclude the fact that we build in over 32 Municilpalities and each City has their own Building Department, Ordinances, Permit fees, etc. and in no way could I quote any permit fees in advance. As an aside, the City Inspector making the final inspection commented.in our presence;." they did a great job". Unfortunately, the City of Miami has an antiquated system which requires not only a Building permit fee, but extra fees for windows, doors, plumbing, electric, mechanical. etc. With exception of the " permit fees" I see no viable reason for the Members to be dissatisfied with the work performed."