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Montell Construction

Montell Construction review: Bad contractor 9

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Author of the review
9:53 am EDT
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This is probably one of the worst contractors I have ever had the displeasure of dealing with. I contacted this company to build a small deck. When the "sales person" came out he seemed pleasant enough, until he realized that I saw through his pricing scheme. I watched this man calculate the cost of my deck in front of me. When he came up with the final figure he frowned. The final figure was approximately $4000.00. Then, he started erasing numbers and recalculating phantom figures. I knew that he was pulling numbers out of his ### because I do calculations for projects all day at work.

There are equations that you use that don't change and they are so straight forward. When he finished calculating and re-calculating his phantom numbers, he finally looked pleased with himself. His calculator showed a figure closer to $10, 000.00. I saw that figure and told the salesman that there was no way I was paying that much money for a 12' x 6' pressure treated wood deck. The salesman got an attitude and told me that wasn't the final cost of the deck. They were going to take 20% off of that price because they were having a special. I had already had other contractors come out to give estimates on the project, so when he told me $10, 000 I knew that he told me a price that was absolutely ridiculous so that he could make me think that 20% off of that price was a great deal.

When I told him that I was getting estimates from others, he became highly agitated. He demanded to know why I bothered calling Montell Construction. Well, hello? That's what you do when you are considering a large project, you get estimates from several contractors. He then told me that other companies don't use Southern Yellow Pine, as if it's some rare exotic wood like Ipe. I finally told the salesperson that I would have to compare all of the estimates and make a decision.

Then it happened, he took out his business card and threw it across the table at me. He didn't hand it to me like most professionals would do, he THREW it at me. I could not believe what I had just experienced. I kept my composure and called his company IMMEDIATELY after he left to complain about him. Their response, "Well we can understand our salesman's frustration when they go out to give an estimate and don't complete the sale right then." I was flabbergasted. Now here's the kicker. One of the owners didn't like the fact that I questioned their tactics and told me straight out that they hope I find someone to complete my project but it wouldn't be them. I already knew that because there is no way I would have hired them at that point.

A bit over a month later Montell Construction's salesperson called me "on behalf of the owners". I was very surprised, but still polite. They didn't call to apologize about their previous behavior, but to find out if I really hired someone to complete my project because they figured I didn't go through with the project because I couldn't afford it. The guy was laughing under his breath during the phone call. Well, yes, I did hire someone else to complete the project...for $4, 600.00. I hired Lowe's, and I suggest that the rest of you do the same.

9 comments
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George McNew
US
Jul 16, 2016 5:43 pm EDT

This is not an actual customer of ours. Unfortunately on very rare occasion, we as a company can run into a difficult situation and with less understanding, less forgiving people. Her claims of somehow mind-reading the estimator during his calculations make me very sad for everyone including our representivive trying his very hardest to help her with her idea and simply trying to do his job. The project was bigger than her claim, including elevation/ demo - railing - and staircase. The 20% OFF coupon was a legitimate Summer coupon offer, and our promos can always be found on our website. I spoke with the designer about the claim of "throwing the card" and he completely denies, and I couldn't see that in 1 million years. I kindly took her phone call, simply apologized for any shortcoming on our part. It can't be easy being an untrusting person in this world or the paranoi, and it can't be easy finding yourself in a strange situation as a sales person. The only harm done here is the many bad reviews this person has posted, attacking us over and over.

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GM72
US
Jan 03, 2020 11:19 am EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Run away and pick someone else. I should have. They don’t tell you when they change something like make the stairs smaller on a very wide deck. First time complaining about they way they were installing the deck they immediately contacted their attorney and got them involved. One year later you can still see the poor workmanship that supposedly is under warranty. Warranty doesn’t cover poor workmanship. They will not use the actual Trex product that they sell you for the build. They scam you by getting you a loan through Enerbank and this way they have you locked in. They can do a half fast job and then threaten you about getting their money. These 2 brothers couldn't build a square box if they wanted to or needed to. Do your homework as these guys are overpriced and VERY under qualified. Their quality is horrible. They will also lie to you during their presentation as they don't have their own crews and hire subs with an F ratings on BBB, but they’ll tell you they have their own crews a lie!. This company has zero integrity and if you had a project done by them, check your contract and follow up on everything as they probably didn't. Stay away!

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George McNew73
US
Jan 15, 2020 5:53 pm EST

I do not understand why you are choosing to smear our company with many, many lies across social media. As opposed to calling me and setting up a meeting to review your grievances. In my 25 years, and > than a decade w/ Montell I (we) have always responded and have done our very best to satisfy each and every customer. Maybe it’s more fulfilling to some to attack with negativity than to have a nice outcome? As far as the project, it’s hard for me to remember the details because we built the deck a year ago. However, I remember it being difficult in the beginning (wishing to cancel a month into the agreement) to the end - and not stopping the attacks a year later. We of course fulfilled our agreement/ contract or he would have legal recourse (of course) On only 1-2 times in my career, when a client is very volatile, I have cc’d in legal counsel (If an email exchange is aggressive in nature) as I did here. We were able to finish and complete our work satisfactorily. The project is under full warranty, and I am willing to address/ fix anything (always) I would greatly prefer to meet, shake hands, resolve our differences. The materials used were exactly what was shown, discussed, and contracted. The claim of not using Trex, is not true (or they would have great legal recourse). We have nothing to do with the call - application the client made to Enerbank for their financing. The funds are completely controlled by the customer (through their email) The customer here paid us the initial deposit through that method and of their own free will. As well as the final payment, once completed and satisfied. I’m going to skip over responding to some of these rants. But very proud of what we have accomplished, more than $50M in projects over 10 years - 1 project at a time. Have never been in a courtroom, perfect A+ record with the BBB. Team Montell has 4 Production Managers, that manage 8-12 crews (W’2 employees) Factory Trained & Certified. Lastly, we are the sons of the greatest father 3 boys could ever have. Have as much character and integrity as anyone. If we have an issue with a company or product, I’m pretty sure we are not defaming them on social media - we’d figure it out in person and peacefully. Maybe you can call me with any real decking concerns, I’d be there in a New York minute to help you.
George McNew [protected] cell 24/7

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Nick Monroe
US
Jan 29, 2020 7:39 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

HI There... This sounds exactly like something I would say. All of it is a similar scenario to me. I found this message board by a letter that an attorney of Mr George McNew sent me. The comments above are not my comments. I think Mr McNew is confused as to who is saying what, and pointing fingers and saying this is not a customer of ours and yet many people are saying something similar. I had a bad experience. Nothing can be done about it... I am walking away.

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George McNew73
US
Feb 04, 2020 6:07 pm EST

Nick, You have decided for no good reason to set your sites on our company and have cleverly navigated your libel and defamation against our company, These remarks are the exact same as your lies on Google. We in the process of subpoenaing these platforms (all of them) and you are going to be the first person I have sued in my life. I’ll see you later this year in court, over telling complete lies/ defamation/ etc.

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Nick Monroe
US
Feb 04, 2020 6:56 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I hate to disappoint you. When you do subpoena the records, and find out that I did not make the comments as you state, I expect a FULLapology. I have never had a contractor do this before. Honestly Google review was the only one I posted. I don't know about all the above except someone stole the first few sentences from my google review. I never contacted you further because we were done.

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George McNew73
US
Feb 04, 2020 8:27 pm EST

Your Google review is also not a true representation of the facts, from 2 years ago (Geez man!) And the statements here are more than just a couple sentences, it’s your entire Google false statement. I (we) will find out who GM72 and George Montana is, and take appropriate action. I’ll let you know for sure, because if it’s not you.. you need to know who is copy and pasting your words (getting you into a legal mess). I can’t believe I am having to deal with this. We work hard and strive satisfy each client every single day. All you’d have to do as an adult, is call with any request - I’ve delivered 100% of the time. Anyways, I am absolutely forced into this defense and we’ll be in touch (110%)

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CM71
US
Jun 10, 2020 7:21 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Came to town last weekend to visit with good friends of ours and seeing how their project turned out with this company and hearing what they went through I can 110% back up all comments made above by other customers. From poor customer relations to horrible quality to total disorganization to unskilled employees and all the legal threats as GEORGE is doing in the posts above it's all scare tactics as they never followed through with any of the threats. They ran our friends through the ringer and made their experience the worst ever. They had to have their project completely repaired and reworked. The contractor who made and documented all the repairs for legal reasons was not happy. Their quote was this company Montell is “the worst of the worst” and that they give contractors a bad name. The attorney our friends hired has represented this company on both sides and it basically comes down Montell meeting their contractual obligations and in this case Montell horribly failed in all aspects. I could go on forever as there were so many troubling issues with their project and Montell through the entire process. One comment our friend’s wife made was that when Montell’s service manager (Ron or Don) was over to "try" and make repairs his quote was these guys need to hire people that know what they are doing. The brother Chad is the con and the one that will tell you a nice story and make all kinds of promises, watch out for him as he will get very angry if you don’t grab his hook line and sinker. He will lie and say they have our own crews; he will tell you that they have a system and that they do it’s called charge high prices and provide minimal quality and horrible results. Looks to me like they can’t control this site as they do others by having 5-star reviews this is a 1-star company at best. GEORGE you can threaten to take legal action against me and I will not threaten I will join my friend in taking legal action against you and your company! Good luck!

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mcrb
West Olive, US
Apr 15, 2022 4:26 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I agree with all bad reviews above. This is not a company that I would recommend to anyone. From poor customer service and unprofessional workmanship, to making major changes to the design without telling customer then giving some poor excuse as to why. They overcharge for the work and provide minimal quality and horrible results. We now have to hire someone else to fix the job Montell did. My Montell yard sign now reads Montell Sucks. I have stopped at least one person from doing business with this company and I hope to influence many more.

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    +1 (616) 805-4966
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    401 Hall St SW, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503, United States
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