ComplaintsforR. F. M. C., Inc.

• Initial Complaint

  04/05/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  11/25/22 Contracts were signed to remodel 2 bathrooms with extensive black mold in 1. Salesperson Misrepresented the company to be able to remove the mold. We repeatedly insisted any wood that touched mold had to be replaced. He stated that he wrote an extra 100 sq ft of wood in the contract to "replace the mold damage" that if we used all 200sq ft in one area to "fix the mold area" we would have to pay $40 per sq ft of wood after that. we later noticed He conveniently didn't write mold anywhere on the contract. He tried to mislead us several times saying " I don't think a permit is needed" when we insisted, they pay for it he only put that on 1 contract. contracts were written one after the other. they are saying a they don't have the set of contracts that were written on 1/4/23 after I didn't qualify. We lost our copies. **** signed them. We stopped the work on 3/10/23 on 3/16/23 we wemt to the City w w asked for a copy of 1/4/23 Bath Planet is saying there is not contracts **** signed. They never sealed area prior to sweeping, cutting, sawing and brushing black and white mold. contaminated Attic that was open, coated room not part of remodel with dust and mold spores. Didn't seal vents. didn't tell me to not run heater. unit directly above where they were working sending mold throughout the home causing allergic reactions. the mold spores were sent everywhere in attic, crawlspace and home. crawlspace moisture not told to us and they closed area with it wet creating more black mold from cross contamination on new wood. They attached new wood to grossly molded beam. laid joists on another grossly moldy beam, then removed the beam and added new one trapping mold in the middle. Closed area without telling us of a exposed electrical line. Didn't notify us of Mold everywhere in the room Sanded sides and top of other wood to hide mold from me but video of underside showed mold. refused to remove clearly moldy areas. that was reason we hired them. was misled throughout

  

  Business response

  04/12/2023

  R.F.M.C. Inc. is responding to the complaint filed by ********* ****** at *** ** ******* ***** ******* ** ******  

  R.F.M.C. Inc. would like to reflect that the client’s main issue from the start has been us wanting to charge her for issues that we have ran into that were not on the contract that was originally signed. (All of these problems could not have been detected until the demolition and work started.)

   

  R.F.M.C. Inc. entered into a legal binding contract with ********* & ***** ****** on 11/23/22 with intentions of remodeling both bathrooms within their home.

  On 11/23/22, ********* ****** signed R.F.M.C Inc. contract(s) and ***** ****** was approved for financing through Mosaic after ********* ****** was denied loan approval.

  ********* has asked for copies of R.F.M.C Inc. contract(s) that were signed by ***** ****** but as we have stated, ***** never signed R.F.M.C Inc contract(s). ***** only signed Mosaic loan documents. The Bath Planet contracts signed by ********* ****** with our Representative ***** ******, are the only contracts that exist.

  Demo to the Master bathroom was started on 03/01/23. The next day, 03/02/23, ***** the salesman, Floyd the installer & ********* the homeowner, met at *** ** ******* ***** ******* ** ***** to discuss the project details. At the end of this discussion, everyone agreed on the work to be done.

  On a daily basis, ********* ****** continued to ask installers to preform work that was not agreed upon in the contract. Once she had exhausted all efforts to get ***** to do more work that was not on the contract, she began to ask *****, a second installer, about things that were again, not on the contract. (See attachment of work that was completed from the contract & not on the contract).

  Work continued from 03/01/23 to 03/09/23, when ********* ****** halted the job and stated that she wanted to get an engineer to her home & meet with the owner and general contractor of R.F.M.C. Inc. Halting the project means that we have to recoordinate our whole schedule to move projects around because of the changes that were made & is costly.

  There was a minor issue with one installer attempting to gather his tools & equipment that was left on the jobsite the day prior to ********* ****** pulling us off the job. After approximately an hour ********* ****** answered the door & guided ***** to his equipment.

  The following sub-contractors were postponed until R.F.M.C. Inc. & ********* & ***** ****** could meet in person; Zuniga Drywall, ********** ******** & ******* ********.

  R.F.M.C. Inc. scheduled for **** with Blue Light Electric to assess the electrical issues ********* ****** claimed was our fault. The electrician ruled out that R.F.M.C. Inc. was not the cause of the electrical problem. This is also cost that we have to pay for on our end.

   

  R.F.M.C. Inc. – Bath Planet Production has reached out on the following dates to try & schedule a meeting with: ********* & ***** ******* ***** ****** (salesman), ****** ***** (Bath Planet Production Manager) & **** ***** (Owner & General Contract of R.F.M.C. Inc);

  03/17/23, 03/28/23, 03/29/23 & 04/04/23

   

  On 04/06/23 R.F.M.C. Inc. received notice that ********* ****** had filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, and this concludes our response.

   

  On 04/11/23 at 5:17PM ********* ****** reached out to Bath Planet Production via text to let us know she is willing to meet after 5:30PM on weekdays or anytime on Saturday for the next two weeks.

  4/12/23 @ 9:25AM- Our response to that message was for ********* to pick any date & let us know so we can coordinate a meeting with her & *****, our salesman ***** ******, our contractor **** Musto & our Bath Planet Production Manager ****** ***** to meet at our office to come to an agreement on this project.

   

   

  Customer response

  04/17/2023

   I am rejecting this response because:

  When we signed the contract with Bath Planet, Removal of all wood that had mold was our primary concern. As stated in complaint to BBB, ***** put the extra 100sq ft of wood into the contract however, omitted convieniently what it was for.  That was strategic by him We believe.

  When I noticed the whole bathroom subfloor was not removed and I asked Bath planet employee ***** if he was taking it all out, his response was no.  That is what required ***** to come out. As you can see from the pictures I submitted to BBB the whole bathroom and hall area had black subfloors from the Black mold underneath as well as a large section of the back room behind the shower. That whole thing was part of the project Because it stats (repair damaged ****** and subfloor) however I was having to ask him to remove it inside the bathroom. 

  I asked ***** to come out at that time due to ****** obvious anger at me. I felt there must not have been communication between office and workers.  My question to Bath Planet is how a clearly molded area of bathroom not be part of the contract.  How is that asking them to do things outside the work order? 

  Directly outside the shower is another area I had to ask ***** about.  (Hall area,  Closet area and part of back bedroom had been talked about when we signed the contracts. That area was to come up due to clear mold. I submitted pictures of this area and the area on the back side of the shower to BBB which was very black on top due to black mold.  These are the areas they are saying I had to ask workers to take out.  This was all talked about with ***** at signing. We had agreed to pay $40 extra per sq foot of wood if we went over the 200sq ft total for both bathrooms.  

  I had asked workers and ***** and the office to remove the bottom of one bathroom wall that sat directly on the Bad subfloors. They would not.

   Since the City of ****** asked us to pull up everything that Bath Planet had put down, I took Videos of that wall underneath and shared the videos with Bath Planet recently. 

  The underside of that wall is Very Black with mold... That is unethical. and unacceptable to leave something like that and put a bathroom in around it. This is inside the bathroom.  Behind that wall has white mold everywhere as well as black mold.

  How does Bath Planet justify putting in a bathroom with clear black mold all around it? How can they attach wood to bad wood ignoring the mold.? 

  Their response is that I was asking them to do work outside the work order. However, The things I was pointing out to employees was OBVIOUS mold to the naked eye. They were attaching new wood to molded wood.

  ***** came and brought **** ****** He removed a grossly molded structure beam after scraping it and putting mold armor on it. I believe they would have left it if I had not been asking questions. They removed the structure beam and then added a new section. trapping the mold in between.  No wood had been treated for mold prior to them adding the new wood. That new wood was added to a grossly moldy beam.

  The next day they covered the whole area wet.

  I submitted pictures to Bath Planet through text on that day of the new beam with black mold streaks on it from contamination. the picture showed the beam attached to the grossly molded structure beam. I sent pictures of contaminated wood they brought and used in the home. Nothing was said in response. They told me of the dates for the subcontractors to come out. they wanted to cover it and be done leaving me and anyone else to deal with the consaquences.

  How can they justify putting a new bathroom on top of that? No wood had been treated for mold prior to them adding the new wood.  How can Bath Planet Justify closing everything wet which created the same problem with the black mold that contaminated the new wood and is growing.

   

  I do not feel that it was outside the work order since removing the mold was why we signed the contract. It was talked about with *****. We told him it had to be permitted and done to code. Oversite and inspections were non negotiable to us. FOR THIS REASON.
  

  ***** misled us as to the contracts signed in November. He marked the first contract that they would cover the cost of the permit. Wrote call and ask about permits.. minutes later he failed to mark it on the 2nd contract.  That is this contract.

  There was another set of contracts signed at the time my husband signed the funding ect.

  I have submitted many pictures to the BBB and they show why I was questioning the workers as to if they were removing areas (talked about removing with *****)

  Bath planet only wanted to do the bathroom and cover the toxic mold underneath. They had my attic open while sweeping, sawing, sanding, and scraping the Toxic black mold and white mold- sending countless spores into my attic, HVAC, air ducts and central heating unit which spread it throughout the home.

  This "incident" they are talking about is ridiculous.  I was asleep in the morning when they came. our doorbell does not work. I will show it to anyone that wishes to hear what it does. when i woke up I saw the text and answered the door to let them come get there items. no one was keeping them from getting their things. I received one text. then another that i saw then i woke up at 8:24 in the morning.

  I and my husband will be meeting with Bath Planet owner tonight at 6pm. at that time I will show him some of the countless pictures i have. 

  ********* ******

  
  

  
  

  

  Business response

  04/21/2023

  
  Response from Bath Planet of Central Valley
  Reg: ****** BBB Complaint
  
  
  We here at Bath Planet, including our Contractor, Salesman, Production Manager & Assistant & one of our Installers met with ********* & ***** ****** on Monday, April 17, 2023 @ 6pm here in our office to discuss the issues that have risen with this project.
  Upon review of the client’s last response to the BBB, we have verbally agreed to some of the terms. We have reached out to the ******* & requested that we meet again at their house on Saturday, April 22, 2023, but the client declined our request. Today we have proposed another date for any date or time next week & the client has not responded as of yet. We will keep reaching out until we get an answer & go from there.
  
  Thank you.
  
  

  Customer response

  04/24/2023

  
  
  On March 28, 23 we received a confirmation email of our complaint to the financing company Mosaic at which time we requested no more funds be disbursed to R.F.M.C. inc./ Bath Planet.
  We met with Bath Planet, and they agreed to cancel the loan with Mosaic and release us from any financial responsibility.

  Due to them not containing the area, We are concerned about the mold that was sent into our attic, air ducts, HVAC, insulation. The Subfloor of the house was contaminated in other areas as well due to the vents being right next to where they were tearing into the mold. They added wood into the attic and the insulation that was only 3 years old is now contaminated as well. 

  Bath Planet wants to come out and have someone THEY choose to test the attic for mold by using a sensor to test the air.  We have been told the air sensor will not pick up the presence of mold spores.  This was an extreme case of cross contamination into the attic since the area with the worst of the mold was directly below the opening, We feel the choice of using the air sensor because it would be the quickest way to get us to sign off responsibility and pull the complaint with the Contractors Licensing Board.

  We are not comfortable with this because we would be left with the mold spores sitting in a attic that can get very hot and humid.  This ultimately will cause the spores to grow and we will be left with Black mold in our attic and air ducts.  

  I notified them that due to the breach in trust we do not feel comfortable with them choosing the person to test the attic or work on the HVAC, insulation, air ducts. we told them that we are getting the necessary information to make a informed decision.  We are getting quotes for the remediation of the subfloor as well as gathering the needed information regarding the attic ect.. This way we are not faced with only the opinion of the person they are bringing when we are ready to meet again.

   

  

  Business response

  05/01/2023

  In response to the 3rd inquiry that our client, the ******* have made, we are still attempting to get a hold of the client so we can go out to their house to discuss proceeding forward with the issues that the client is having with the project at hand. We have reached out multiple times & are just waiting for the client to answer so we can get this set up. Thank you. 

  Customer response

  05/03/2023

  We have told Bath planet that due to the breach in trust we do not trust them with regard to them bringing their own people to give opinions on the damage. Since whoever they choose will be a company, they have a working relationship with.  We are having to pay for the companies out of our pocket to eliminate any bios in their favor. Therefore, it is taking us longer to get the information we need to be able to make an informed decision.  If we allowed them to come in and bring companies of their choosing, we would be faced with their opinions only.  This is unacceptable to us because of the work that was done to date and the way we were misled by them. We understand it is taking longer than they would like but we are trying to get these opinions with our household income. 

  When we had met with R,F,M,C inc. owner we had asked to be released from the loan with ****** and owe 0 Dollars. We'd also asked to be released from any liens so we could get a loan with another company to do the bathroom remodels. There is a 30 day wait period for escrow to close so I am hopeful that they did release us. Since we have to wait for those funds, we are paying out of pocket right now.

  We've gotten written information from our roofing company regarding the condition of our roof prior to it being re done as well as the working notes they made during the job. These were attained to ensure there can be no argument that any current problems in the attic are due to the prior roof condition since there were no leaks.

  We've gotten opinions on the cleaning of the air ducts. We have been told that there is no guarantee to get the mold out of the air ducts if they are taken out and cleaned by hand since it would be extremely easy to miss mold spores.  We were further informed that a fogger only works for 6 months so it too is not a good solution.

  We have had ********** service our AC/Heating central unit for many years, so we trust them.  We have gotten quotes from them regarding cleaning the outside and inside coils. They also informed us in person and in writing that there is no guarantee that they can get all the tiny mold spores cleaned out of the coils and that mold would essentially be blown back into the air ducts re-creating the problem. 

   We are extremely frustrated with this whole situation because we hired Bath Planet to eliminate the mold in the bathroom area of our home and remodel both bathrooms in order to sell in a few years. We had begun fixing up the home to ensure we could get the best-selling price. The air ducts and insulation was done 3 years ago, a electrical box and a new roof was put on in 2022.   

  Now we are having to deal with the fact that nothing was sealed, and mold was spread everywhere in the home, attic, HVAC system and subfloor.

  This week we turned the heater on and there was a strong smell of wood shavings in the living area for a few days. This was the same smell that happened when bath planet was cutting wood in the home. We do not have neighbors on one side and the neighbors on the other sides were not doing any work. Therefore, the home continues to be contaminated by the Mold spores and wood that was cut directly under the unit being sucked into the HVAC system. This continues to cause sinus problems for my husband and I so we are trying to get the quotes as quickly as we can. 

  When we met with Bath Planet we had informed them my brother-in-law would be doing the remediation of the room they worked on and other areas of the home that was contaminated, however he may not be able to travel to Fresno to do the work for us since he owns a remediation business in ******** and is getting quite busy. This week we are having a mold remediation company come out and give us a quote to remediate that room, attic, and living room areas since the vents to our subfloor are directly outside the door they had open while they tore into the black mold. We understand Bath Planets desire to get this done fast however we want to make sure we have knowledge from someone other than just the companies they have history with.

  . 

  
  

  

  Business response

  05/09/2023

  We understand that the client is looking for her own companies but it is taking longer than we expected & in the meantime the issue is just going to continue to grow until we get it handled. We have reached out multiple times & even left voicemail, text & emailed asking if we could have our companies come out to provide our quotes so they have something to compare to. We are trying to get this whole process done asap because we do not want to take on any more cost than we already agreed to. We will continue to try reaching the client until we hear back from them. Thank you. 
  

  Customer response

  05/17/2023

  
  I have already indicated reasons we can't trust bath Planet. Them now being worried for it growing and the expense is ironic because during the project they were very willing to force US to take on countless extra expenses with the spread and growth of the mold.  During the whole process I told them my concerns and pointed out areas of clear mold. This companies' response was to flat out refuse to remove any more contaminated wood in the area of the bathroom, stating they had spoken to the owner, and they were not removing any more mold and only working on the bathroom remodel.

  (The bathroom was attached to wood contaminated with mold, pipes still had white mold on them, area wasn't contained which contaminated the rest of the home, HVAC, new wood was contaminated with a large amount of black mold streaks, clumps ect, nothing was treated, ground was soaked, and bathroom was closed like that causing that area to grow again.)

  The company did not care when I was pointing out the mold during the 9-days they were here. Their sole focus was to get the bathroom done fast. If I had not taken the videos I had during the process and made them stop, we would have been left with the same problem. 

  Their sole worry is the licensing board now. Ours is that we get our home treated correctly. Once we stopped them and saw how wet it was we had to purchase 3 fans to try and dry it out.

  We have had to move all the furniture and items from a room that was badly contaminated.  Had the added expense of purchasing a Hepa vacuum and cleaning supplies. We created negative air pressure in there.  Weve cleaned that room several times with bleach. Now we are going through the process of bleaching all our items that were in that room. Our items are outside now and it takes time to clean each item since they are all very dusty ect.

  This whole thing is a nightmare..

   Were going to tell them when we are ready to meet.

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  04/04/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I placed a 4500 down payment on a patio. As of march 2, R.F.M.C, was told they needed to make changes to the plans we agreed on and wasn’t able to obtain permits. It’s been over a month, of me contacting them and trying to get my down payment back. They continue telling me they will call me back and wait to speak with the lead contractor.

  

  Business response

  04/05/2023

  Good Morning, 

  
  

  I spoke with the client ******* ******* this morning & we are refunding him his deposit of $4,500.00 today & his wife ****** will come to the office to pick it up. Our intent was never to not allow him to cancel or hold his money, we were hoping to have our contractor go down to the city to see why they said this particular structure could not be built when his neighbor directly next door has the same style of cover that he was wanting. We wanted to get clarification on this for not only this clients business, but for our future clientele that lives in that neighborhood as well. Our contractor was out of the office on vacation & when he came back he got Covid which kept him home for another week. The client does not want to wait any longer & decided cutting ties is best for him at this time. We will be giving him the monies paid to us by the end of today. 

  
  

  Thank you. 

• Initial Complaint

  04/06/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Approaching two years ago I purchased a patio install from this company. They stated it would take some time for the company to receive the supplies but I would not have agreed to this time frame if I knew it would take longer than two years. If this precedent is not addressed this company will continue to take peoples money without any services returned. I have worked for the community for more than 20 years and feel disrespected that all of the hours I gave to this community that a local business would treat someone this way. As we have received updates from this company there is no sense of urgency. My concern is that we are retired and not in our youth, which means they keep putting it off thinking we will either forget or pass on before they are able to install it so they can just take our money. As stated earlier I worked 20 years for the community and am on a very strict budget for retirement. It took a lot of decision making to get this patio and a lot of sacrifice by my family. Now that I have given money and not received service I have put my family in dire situation without the product I paid for. I request the company just install what I simply asked for in a quick manner within this year or give me all of my funds back asap.

  

  Business response

  04/08/2022

  Dear BBB, 

  
  

  Some time back (I do not have specific dates), this client came into our office & we explained that the manufacturer has been experiencing material & shipping delays due to the whole situation with Covid, which has affected us in turn, and that we would reach out just as soon as we had more of an update as to when we are expecting their materials and get them on the schedule. We have spoke with our manufacturer and they have provided us with an ETA for material to be here in our shop next week. As soon as we have all materials accounted for, we will be reaching out to this client as soon as possible to provide them with a schedule for their project to be delivered & built. They should be hearing from us very soon. Thank you. 

  Customer response

  04/15/2022

   I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Hello,
  
  I am responding for my father in regards to the attached complaint that was filed
  
  I do not believe the business' response is satisfactory as regardless of COVID 
   it should not have taken over a year for this process to be completed
   they should not be requesting payment on a job that has not been done
   it should not have taken my father physically going to the business before receiving a response or explanation
   the job should not have been scheduled for the end of last month to FINALLY begin if the material had not been received
   I feel they have been taking advantage of a senior citizen 
  Please advise & moving forward please contact myself as my parents do not really use the internet and it would be easier for me to help in getting this resolved
  
  Thank-you,
  ****** **********
  

  

  Business response

  04/15/2022

  Dear Mr. ***** & ****** (Daughter), 

  
  

  We here at RFMC Construction & The Patio Kings completely understand your frustration with the timeline of this project. The fact that our manufacturer has had this very lengthy delay in product to produce their materials has also hit us as well. We have had to move schedules around constantly & make numerous calls to clients to change dates, etc. This is also very inconvenient & costly to us to say the least. The last thing we want is to leave a client upset & not happy with the process or our company. We sincerely apologize that you feel we have taken advantage of your parents. That is never our intent. As I mentioned in my first response, we will be in contact soon to get this scheduled & started. I see in your response, you asked me to reach out to you & normally I would have done that but since the complaint was put on here, I have to respond here as well. My apologies, I hope you understand. This is just the process. Thank you for your time. 
  

  
  

  
  

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩