RM Specialities

Contracted Rick Murch owner of RM Specialities in Henderson to replace existing deck in back yard and add a roof over part of deck. Original estimate was agreed upon for removal of deck, roof, and replacement of gate to back yard. I paid a significant down payment. The work started in August. Rick never returned a written estimate as requested. The cost kept going up. He set 4 6x6 posts to hold the roof and they split (some as much as 4 feet at 1/2 inch cracks).

I called several times to get a completion date on the deck. We were waiting on electric company then we were waiting on his "friend" to give us an estimate for putting power line underground. You see, Rick put the posts directly under the power line coming into the house. There was an issue with the roof height and the power lines. As of March 2012 , the deck was not completed. Still no roof. I paid Mr. Murch early because one of his employees was having "money problems". BAD. BAD decision on my part. Quoting song writer Paul Simon, "He hit the road Jack".

I made several mistakes. I hate making mistakes but, as a new widow I'm learning as I go.

First was selecting Rick Murch as my contractor

Second allowing work to start without getting the estimate in writing

Not verifying work with past references

Paying too much for a job not completed.

I called Mr. Murch several times throughout the winter. He finally shows up in March to remove the 4 inferior 6x6 roof support posts and tells me that the roof was never part of the estimate. OMG.

I have been scammed and cheated. I paid almost $10,000 for a deck that I'm sure I could have completed for 1/2 that costs. But the kicker, is that the deck was never completed and the gate not fixed.

It has been an very expensive lesson for me.

AVOID this business. If the business needs "money up front", walk away. They will just use your money to finish another job. Mr. Murch will charge you a king's ransom for a job that is never completed. His wood was inferior. I called the lumber yard and there is apparently no warranty on wood.

I've asked again for an estimate and invoice from Mr. Murch. You and I both know that they are going to be coming. His original cost increased over 30% and that is without the roof and gate.