Hoffman Handyman Construction LV

3 recommendations and reviews from 3 people

• WhoDoYou Review from October 31, 2020
  1 review

  Amy A. wrote: I have never written a review of any kind in my 62 years but my experience with Robert Hoffman was wretched. I was referred to him thru a friend and so called and set up an appointment. Robert arrived on time and was friendly and knowledgeable. He sent me a fair bid to build a bookshelf and install two light fixtures. He did a great job. As we were talking I mentioned that I needed a shed in my backyard. He said he could build one for less than I could buy a prefab shed and when I asked him what he would charge for a 7 X 7 he said he could do it for $650 which seemed very reasonable. I asked for a written bid and also wanted to know what he would charge to trim or remove some shrubs and to inspect my sprinkler system. Again the bid was fair. He arrived on time ready to go. I was a bit perturbed when he arrived, tho, as the first words out of his mouth were that the lumber price had gone up $2 per foot overnight. As I had already agreed to the written bid I found it very unprofessional of him even to bring it up to me and I say this as someone who myself had my own business for 22 years and anytime I underbid a job I kept it to myself and ate the loss. Nonetheless I did offer to pay any overage on the lumber altho I had no obligation to do so. He also asked for half the money up front so I paid him cash and asked that he email me a receipt (as he had done after our first project) which he never did and still has not. Robert got started and after he trimmed back some foliage to begin digging the foundation I noticed that a tree in my retaining wall (right in back of where the shed would be placed) was dead and it seemed sensible to have it removed before Robert began framing. This tree was not included in the bid so I asked my grandson if he could come outside and cut it down. He had some problems with the pole saw and he and I bickered a bit about which saw to use when Robert offered to cut it down. I mentioned that another tree in the retaining wall also appeared to be dead and he said he would cut down and remove both trees from my property for $70 and I agreed. By the end of the day (a half day), the shed was framed. Robert came back earlier the next day and got right to work. By day's end the shed was done and I was happy until I notice that some flagstone in front of shed had been broken into many pieces. I was surprised and very sad as the flagstone (2 large boulders and some large slabs over the top) had been damaged. They were built for me by my ex-husband as a memorial to my deceased brother and had been in my yard for over 25 years. I said, "It looks like some of my flagstone is broken" to which he replied in the rudest tone possible, without examining the area or missing a beat, "Well, I didn't do it. What do you want me to do, replace it?" I was pretty shocked and so went in the house to call the friend who had recommended him to me. I did cry because, aside from the money it would cost to replace, the sentimentality could never be compensated for. First of all he should have brought the damage to my attention but even when I brought it to his he was beyond rude, non-apologetic, and basically lied about having broken it. I decided that I did not want to continue to have him do any further work because that is not the character of someone I want working on my property-I felt he was being very dishonest and uncaring. I sent him a text letting him know that because of the extra expense I would incur to replace the stone I could not have him continue and would he please let me know what I was left owing. That was not the real reason but I did not want an ugly scene. I again asked for a receipt for the money I had already given him and also an invoice for the materials which I had paid him to purchase. I have never received that either. Robert came by the next day with a small piece of flagstone (not the same color) and said I could just place this on top of the hole when actually the broken slab should have been dug out and replaced. He also said that it was possible that he had broken it and did apologize for having been so "snarky." I did make it clear that I did not want any further work and he tried to get me to pay the full amount (less $150) and when I asked him to explain what all the extra money was for he did not have an answer. He said he would figure out a bill and get back to me. After he left I texted him and offered to pay him an additional $200 which would cover what he claimed was the overage on the lumber and also for cutting down the dead tree which remained in the middle of my backyard (not his fault as I wanted to end my work relationship with him). I felt that was beyond fair especially as I did not ask him to pay for the replacement of the broken stone. I did not hear back and so called the next day and reached his voicemail. I asked why he had not gotten back to me and also asked for his contractor's license #. I explained that I did not want to call or make trouble but that I just wanted him to pick up his money and give me my receipt so we could end this situation once and for all. He returned my call later in the day and proceeded to rip into me and did not let me speak. First he told me I had demeaned him (I tried to ask what he meant as this made no sense but he kept talking over me). He then went on to complain that my three small senior dogs had pooped in the yard while he was working but when I tried to remind him that I had immediately cleaned up the poop, in front of him, he again continued to talk over me. He also said that I accused him of breaking the stone which I again I did not altho I did feel that in my heart to be true and he then added vehemently that he didn't break the stone (which was odd as the day before the offered to "fix" it and said it was possible he had broken it). He then made personal attacks on my grandson and myself and ended by saying that I should be on medication. At that point I was finally able to ask about my receipt and he said he had no obligation to provide me with one (which, of course, is not true). He also added that I would not be getting the invoice for my materials as he felt he was not obligated to provide that either (also untrue). He refused further payment and then told me that he had never stated that he had a contractor's license. That is true but he lists himself as contractor on at least two of his web pages and one even includes a contractor's # but upon further investigation it turns out it expired in 2017. He ended our "conversation" by telling me there was plenty he could do to me which I take as a direct threat. Do yourself a favor and do your due diligence before you consider hiring this man. I would not recommend him to my worst enemy. Buyer beware.

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• WhoDoYou Review from January 11, 2018
  1 review

  John C. wrote: After another contractor highly recommended Robert Hoffman to us a few months ago, we had him install gutters over our pool patio. It became quite complex, more than originally thought. Waited to write review until rain finally occurred; now see gutters work perfectly. Robert made few long distance trips due to unforeseen complexities, but stayed within original estimate. I would use him again for future projects and highly recommend his work. Thanks, Patty and John Chontos

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• WhoDoYou Review from January 22, 2014
  1 review

  Coupie L. wrote: A friend had given me a business card for this company, I was leary at first, this company has only been in business for a year. I decided to give it a try. This company is great. They did exactly what they promised, didn't try to con me into something I didn't want. They came out the next day, gave me an estimate, very reasonable. There was a problem with one of the workers, the owner Robert Hoffman called me, he came out personally and got the job done. The work is top notch, I highly recommend this company.

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