Retiree Decked By Shoddy Repairs
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Updated: 6:32 PM Jul 7, 2009
Retiree Decked By Shoddy Repairs
Despite banruptcy, business owner vows to fix mess
Summer evenings are perfect for sitting outside on the deck, but an Omaha retiree is too embarrassed to enjoy her's after paying to have it refinished. The job wasn't done and she's not alone.
Posted: 8:21 PM Jul 6, 2009
Reporter: Mike McKnight
Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com
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Summer evenings are perfect for sitting outside on the deck, but an Omaha retiree is too embarrassed to enjoy her's after paying to have it refinished. The job wasn't done and she's not alone.

Marilyn Gienga is retired so she wants to sit on her deck, not work on it. "I can't climb ladders to do this and I imagine most of the other people in this neighborhood who are retired can't do that either."

So she hired Deckrite, an off-shoot of Flowrite, to give her deck new life. Marilyn describes the contractor named Matt as young and energetic, so she decided to help him climb the business ladder by giving him $120 down.

But Marilyn says the job wasn't done or done right with areas left uncovered by stain or covered with tape. "If you look at it you can see what is exposed, don't even have first coat or never completed a first coat."

Marilyn has tried to reach Flowrite for several weeks and the Better Business Bureau gets the same answering machine answer. "Nothing we can do, we can't leave a message," says the BBB's Jim Hegarty.

Due to four unresolved complaints, the BBB gives Flowrite an “F” rating. "For whatever reason, the company is not interested in working with the Better Business Bureau to resolve these disputes with his customers,” says Hegarty.

Despite more cost to her, Marilyn says she won't leave her deck looking this way. "I'll have to hire someone else which will cost me more, plus money he's already cashed."

Six On Your Side was able reach Flowrite owner Matt Heartfield Monday afternoon. He said his phone service has been restored now that he's paid his bill, but his business is bankrupt in part due to a lengthy illness.

Heartfield promises to call all his customers and will offer them either a negotiated refund or he will find a new contractor to finish the work.