Remodeling Contractor - Rock Island, IL
Average rating
2.33
2.3
Average rating
Based out of Rock Island, Fitz-Rite Home Improvement is a remodeling specialist that offers home addition, attic restoration, entertainment room design and more.
Average rating
Scott C.
In March, of this year, I hired Fitz-Rite Home Improvement to redo my kitchen. After two in home visits, to make absolutely clear as to what I wanted done to the kitchen, they set a start date of April 3rd, 2017. The work actually didn't start until April 4th, due to the owner in the hospital. I was not notified until I inquired, and then wasn't told the truth until the 4th, when the brother of the owner informed me of the situation. On the 4th, when their work day was done, they left the back door wide open and unlocked. This was not noticed until my fiancé returned home from work to find it this way. I called the owner Kevin Fitzwater to complain and his brother, Russell Fitzwater, informing them of the negligence of their responsibilities and fear induced to my fiancé. The brother laughed it off. They also threw away items that were to be included in the remodel. A faucet and garbage disposal. They completed the beginning portion of work on the 6th of April. No other work continued for over two and a half weeks. After multiple communications, mostly via text messages, I was given multiple excuses as to why the electrician was unable to begin his portion of work. Excuses varying from, "He's out of town" to "he's ill" (for over two weeks). I asked if they had other electricians that they subcontracted out to, and was told by both brothers that they would attempt to find another electrician to begin the work. This did not happen. The real mess began when the owner, Kevin Fitzwater, started to state, again via text messages, that he would not pay to replace the faucet and garbage disposal. A few messages later, then said he would. Also that he didn't take satisfactory notes as to the painting and trim work and was trying to charge extra for things that were clearly labeled in the contract. This began a barrage use of excessive vulgar language from the owner. Insulting my fiancé and I. Calling her a liar about the door. And making false claims that descriptions I had made to update the kitchen weren't included, when in actuality, they were. On May the 15th, was the last straw. They arrived at approximately 8:30am to receive the cabinetry. I came down asking if they needed the check to pay for the cabinetry and was told not yet. So, since I work 2nd shift, I went back to bed. Approximately twenty minutes later, Russell Fitzwater, came out of the kitchen, through the dining room, through another door into a hallway and proceeded up the stairs beating on the wall opposite of the bedroom where my fiancé and I were sleeping. (Would he have gone further if I hadn't acknowledged him?) I came out of the bedroom and met him in the stairwell and asked him, "What are you doing here when your work is located in the kitchen?" His reply was, "I need the check for the cabinets. I tried to call you." (Which he hadn't) When I asked him to return to the kitchen, he refused and again asked for the check. I then ordered him to remove himself from the stairwell in my home, he again refused and stood steadfast. So I used my body to escort him down the stairs. He yells that this is assault and begins to venture back into the kitchen to collect his things, along with another employee. I then called the DPD because I felt, not only my privacy had been violated, but thought that since his work was limited to the kitchen, he should not be in any other part of the home (trespassing Which after contacting a lawyer, it is not trespassing if a business is invited into your home. But there has to be limits, especially when it comes to the privacy and respect of my property, myself and my fiancé sleeping). I alerted Russell Fitzwater that I had called the police, but he hastily left. So the police came and went recording the incident. But with him leaving so quickly, this brought up a red flag to my fiancé who then ran a public records search. And found that Russell Fitzwater is on a ten year probation for a Class C Felony and Theft and was making reparations for the theft. This again, scared my fiancé who is now afraid to be left alone while I am at work. Later that day, Fitz-Rite Home Improvement Defaulted on the contract. Stating via text, again, after defaulting on the contract: "Contract is now but and void and I have received enough money to cover my labor/materials thus far. It's my prerogative to refuse service" (His spelling, not mine.) This is only a very small portion of the problems of unprofessionalism I have had to deal with since the inception of this job. I have taken screenshots of the texts exchanged by us. With numerous pages of vulgar language, harsh words and insults showing the lack of any type of realistic professionalism on the part of Fitz-Rite Home Improvement. I have all contracts. The false accusations. The voicemails to refute his repeated lies. The numerous texts of Kevin flipping back and forth on the incidentals of the work. The added billing of wanting to charge, not just once, but three times for the same materials and labor that were in the original contract. The painter, who is subcontracted, has also told me of the verbal abuse, and lack of payments, he has gotten from Kevin Fitzwater and of another past client of Kevin Fitzwater who he had cheated. Fitz-Rite Home Improvement lost their BBB certification due to neglect. What I would like is someone to review the information I have collected, make a determination, and preferably pursue this to where this vulgar, rude and incompetent company gets the media coverage it so justly deserves. I will gladly provide phone numbers for the subcontractors, the cabinet supplier, Russell Fitzwater, Kevin Fitzwater and whatever else that is needed to warn any potential future clients of this company to be aware of this company and its malcontent for its customers.
Address
1917 11th St
Rock Island, IL 61201