Homeowner’s Dream Kitchen Nightmare: 7 Investigates Uncovers Company’s Pattern of Deception
A Heartbroken Homeowner’s Story
Jennifer Sime invested her savings and paid a $12,000 deposit to ProMart USA, a kitchen renovation company, for her dream kitchen remodel. Instead, she was left with a maze of construction chaos and a long list of unfinished work.
The Problems Started Early On
Jennifer said she started noticing issues shortly after the renovation began, but when she asked the company to fix the problems, they quoted her additional fees to complete the work. "They said, ‘If you want me to fix it, you gotta pay more,’" Jennifer recalled.
The Job Abandoned
Frustrated and worried, Jennifer says the company stopped answering her calls, and the job was abandoned. "I worked the whole year putting my savings to get it done," she lamented.
She’s Not Alone
7 Investigates found over a dozen similar complaints across Florida, with some homeowners describing the company as a "scam." The Better Business Bureau rated ProMart USA an "F."
Company’s Defenses and Demotions
We spoke with Garth Smith, the owner of ProMart USA, now operating under a new name, "Creations." Smith denied any wrongdoing and claimed that no customers had paid the full amount for their work to be completed. When asked about the negative reviews, he attributed them to customers who were unwilling to pay for the work done.
Conclusion
Jennifer’s nightmare serves as a cautionary tale for homeowners. "I learned a big lesson the hard way: pay with a credit card or just pay them when they finish," she advised. It’s also crucial to research company reviews before hiring them.
FAQs
Q: What should I do if I’m unhappy with the work done by my contractor?
A: Open a dispute with the state’s Attorney General’s Office or file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.
Q: How can I protect myself from similar scams?
A: Pay with a credit card or check, and never pay upfront for work to be done. Also, research company reviews and check their ratings with the Better Business Bureau.
Q: What can I do if my contractor abandons the job?
A: Contact the state’s Attorney General’s Office or the local authorities, and consider hiring a new contractor to complete the work.
