My Home's Nightmare Renovation

Code violations cited by Professional Engineers

April 2009 Correspondence

From: Mayan Metzler [mailto:mmetzler@myhomeus.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 8:51 AM
To: Mackay, Michael; Lior Noy; Mackay, Meggan; Sal Baudone
Cc: JS
Subject: RE: Geo-Environmental mold report

Please Please,

Let's get this project started at least. We can keep discussion the past and the future and I agree that it's better to have a complete plan, but if we can at least
agree on what the first step is in terms of construction, we can get it done immediately. Not ideal way to progress, but some progress is better than no progress.
Step 1 is addressing the windows right? If yes, let's agree on the proper method for that and get that done asap

thanks

From: Mackay, Michael
Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 2:24 PM
To: 'Mayan Metzler'; 'Lior Noy'; 'Sal Baudone'
Cc: 'JS'; 'Mackay, Meggan'
Subject: RE: Geo-Environmental mold report

I agree some progress is better than no progress. The first four tasks are:

(1) Have Sal examine the cement footing in the basement and confirm it was reinforced per the Pelham Building's verbal instructions on February 12. Sal will need to uncover part of the top two cinder blocks to see if they are new or simply patched. We discussed this when Sal and Lior visited the site March 12, one month later.

(2) Replace the chimney extension with pressure treated wood; install flue extensions, prepare chimney cap, and apply stone veneer per Trevor's plan. This work should be done now so we can take down the 28 foot scaffolding on the front of our house that has been unused since January 17th. Both the scaffolding and the unfinished chimney are hazards and eyesores. Lior had proposed that this work would be complete by March 6.

(3) Remove the large pile of construction debris that has accumulated in our driveway since November, 2008. This was also supposed to be done by March 6.

(4) Apply some temporary measures to protect the exposed exterior walls and seams from the heavy rains expected in April.

Accomplishing these steps now rather than later would be greatly appreciated.

Michael

From: Mackay, Michael
Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 3:48 PM
To: 'Mayan Metzler'; 'Lior Noy'; 'Sal Baudone'
Cc: 'JS'; 'Mackay, Meggan'
Subject: Addtional action items - early April, 2009

Further to the four tasks I mentioned earlier today that can be started immediately, I wanted to follow up on a few other lingering issues that need to be resolved for us to progress:

(a) Mayan, you mentioned step 1 is addressing the windows. I cc'd you on an email to Sal sent Sunday requesting more details on his window wrapping plan, including whether he could warranty the approach was consistent with NYS building code.

(b) Last Friday afternoon, March 27, the interior painter "dropped in" unannounced. Only my eight year old daughter and her nanny were home. As requested in the past, Meggan and I would appreciate former subcontractors NOT entering our property or going through the house without MyHome notifying us in advance. This is simply a common courtesy and safety precaution. Sal Baudone is welcome to visit whenever he needs to.

(c) Can you give us an ETA on the reimbursement check for $3,387? The last we heard from you on this matter was March 15 when you stated, "I need Yoel to approve it and he didn't yet. As soon as he will, we will cut the check."

(d) Has anyone heard from National Grange Insurance re: the results of their March 2, 2009 inspection?

(e) When the Pelham building inspector came to our house last month, he was annoyed that his stamped plans were not on site. We've discussed Michael Palmentiero returning these plans several times in the past. Can this please be arranged? I would rather not upset the building inspector further.

Michael

From: Mayan Metzler [mailto:mmetzler@myhomeus.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 02, 2009 2:59 AM
To: Mackay, Michael; Lior Noy; Sal Baudone
Cc: JS; Mackay, Meggan
Subject: RE: Addtional action items - early April, 2009

Sal,

I think the first question is most important. Is it something you can answer? J please call Sal to confirm he received this email and ask him to answer asap

Please see my response about the rest

thanks

-----Original Message-----
From: Mackay, Michael
Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 3:48 PM
To: Mayan Metzler; Lior Noy; Sal Baudone
Cc: JS; Mackay, Meggan
Subject: Addtional action items - early April, 2009

Further to the four tasks I mentioned earlier today that can be started immediately, I wanted to follow up on a few other lingering issues that need to be resolved for us to progress:

(d) Has anyone heard from National Grange Insurance re: the results of their March 2, 2009 inspection? I don't think so, Lior or J do you have their contact info to follow up?

Michael

From: Mayan Metzler [mailto:mmetzler@myhomeus.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 02, 2009 3:01 AM
To: Mackay, Michael; Lior Noy; Sal Baudone
Cc: JS; Mackay, Meggan
Subject: RE: Geo-Environmental mold report

Sal,

Can you start on the below immediately?

Thanks

-----Original Message-----
From: Mackay, Michael
Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 2:24 PM
To: Mayan Metzler; Lior Noy; Sal Baudone
Cc: JS; Mackay, Meggan
Subject: RE: Geo-Environmental mold report

I agree some progress is better than no progress. The first four tasks are:

(3) Remove the large pile of construction debris that has accumulated in our driveway since November, 2008. This was also supposed to be done by March 6.

(4) Apply some temporary measures to protect the exposed exterior walls and seams from the heavy rains expected in April.

Accomplishing these steps now rather than later would be greatly appreciated.

Michael

From: Sal Baudone [mailto:salb@myhomeus.com]
Sent: Saturday, April 04, 2009 1:46 PM
To: Mackay, Michael
Cc: Mayan Metzler
Subject: RE: Additional action items - early April, 2009

Michael,

First off sorry it took so long to get back to you.

Regarding the method I would like to perform on the existing windows: What I am suggesting is an overkill by other standards, by using flashing material in conjunction with the sealer this will allow the same protection as on a roof valley area. It will be a greater means of cover over the conversional Tyvek or tar paper. This method will also allow us the ability not to totally remove the windows and protect from unnecessary damage to the window and the stucco which are in place. I also feel very strongly that when I approach the town building official with this solution he should be more than satisfied and may even think it was an excess measure for repair.

Also, I will be meeting with the site contractors this week to review course of actions to be taken on the home.

Thanks

Sal

From: Mackay, Michael
Sent: Monday, April 06, 2009 8:16 PM
To: 'Sal Baudone'
Cc: 'Mayan Metzler'; 'Mackay, Meggan'
Subject: Window and French door wrapping proposal

Good evening, Sal, and thank you for your Saturday email. A few important points:

Due diligence requires we ask for specific details on materials and installation regarding any work performed by MyHome. Although this may seem to you bothersome, it is simply the result of our painful experience that MyHome's "degree of workmanship falls below the minimum levels of care and responsibility that needs to be applied to a project," to quote our Engineer's report of December 22, 2008 (page 6). I am not asserting MyHome's workmanship is sub-par on all it's projects - just ours. You have already seen some examples. I can provide many more if you like.

We will try to keep our requests for details as focused as possible. For instance, many questions from my March 29 regarding your window-sheathing proposal can be answered with a simple "Yes" or "No." We really would prefer you provide detailed technical specifications whose merits can be objectively evaluated (and used for monitoring compliance), as opposed to vague assurances that something is "overkill" or "excessive" or will leave the building inspector "more than satisfied." In fact, such vague assurances sound exactly like our previous subcontractors who not only botched the second floor addition, but managed to ruin our existing first floor as well. I'm sure you can understand our skepticism.

In addition to clear, technical specifications, the only assurance we need from MyHome is written certification that the proposed work complies with NY building code. This should make your job very easy, although perhaps more expensive than you might prefer.

I've repeated below my questions regarding the window sheathing, which I am hoping you can now address.

Many thanks,

Michael

P.S. Is this week's meeting with the site contractors going to occur at the site? If so, I would appreciate your telling me the day and approximate time.

-----Original Message-----
From: Sal Baudone [mailto:salb@myhomeus.com]
Sent: Saturday, April 04, 2009 1:46 PM
To: Mackay, Michael
Cc: Mayan Metzler
Subject: RE: Additional action items - early April, 2009

Michael,

First off sorry it took so long to get back to you.

Also, I will be meeting with the site contractors this week to review course of actions to be taken on the home.

Thanks

Sal

-----Original Message-----
From: Mackay, Michael
Sent: Sunday, March 29, 2009 1:17 PM
To: 'Sal Baudone'
Cc: 'Mayan Metzler'; 'Lior Noy'; 'Mackay, Meggan'; 'J@myhomeus.com'
Subject: RE: 42 Maple ave. - window wrapping proposal

Sal, neither my engineer nor the Pelham Building Inspector understand your proposed solution to the wrapping problem:

"Remove the casing trim from the inside of the home and flash the unit from the inside using galvanized flashing and tar caulking to complete a seal to the 2x4 studs. This method will utilize the standard of step flashing that we incorporate when flashing a roofline. This method is also a Anderson window recommendation. After the flashing is complete foam insulation can be applied to the opening as to further seal the flashing against the DF timber. Then the trim can be reapplied."

We need a few more details:

1. Would the galvanized flashing cover the interior wall, window cavity and exterior wall in one piece? If so, how many inches would overlap onto the inside and outside walls?

2. Would the galvanized flashing be applied on top of or underneath the sheet rock?

3. Would the flashing be applied on top of or beneath the existing layers of stucco?

4. While tar caulking may be appropriate for exterior roof flashing, is it appropriate for sealing to wall studs?

What brand/product did you have in mind?

5. How would this method be applied to the bottom edges of the French doors?

6. Could you supply a link or fax us a copy of the Anderson spec endorsing this approach?

7. Can you get an architect (e.g., Trevor Spearman) to do a rough sketch for the building inspector's and engineer's review and approval?

As mentioned in previous emails, we would like confirmation that this approach complies with NY State Code requirements for new construction, particularly Chapter R7.

We are still awaiting your proposal for addressing the lack of proper sheathing at the building corners, including the seams where the dormer meets the main portion of the second floor.

Finally, I am disturbed by the abrupt departure from your original findings on March 12 when you visited the site, reviewed photographs, and told Lior and me, "The windows need to come out." My concern, of course, is that your initial recommendation was for the "right" approach while your current proposal is for the "inexpensive" approach. Any assurances to the contrary would be appreciated.

Michael

From: Mackay, Michael
Sent: Friday, April 10, 2009 9:13 AM
To: 'Sal Baudone'; 'JS'
Cc: 'Mackay, Meggan'; 'Mayan Metzler'; 'Lior Noy'
Subject: National Grange Insurance Report

Sal, any follow up to Mayan's question (below) re: starting up on immediate tasks? In particular, the large pile of construction debris in our driveway since last November is starting to smell and our neighbors are taking offense.

J, any progress finding the results of National Grange's March 2 inspection?

Michael

-----Original Message-----
From: Mayan Metzler [mailto:mmetzler@myhomeus.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 02, 2009 3:01 AM
To: Mackay, Michael; Lior Noy; Sal Baudone
Cc: JS; Mackay, Meggan
Subject: RE: Geo-Environmental mold report

Sal,

Can you start on the below immediately?

Thanks

From: Mackay, Michael
Sent: Monday, April 13, 2009 9:27 PM
To: 'Mayan Metzler'
Cc: 'Mackay, Meggan'
Subject: RE: National Grange Insurance Report

Mayan, any chance of Sal getting started on any of the immediate issues some time this week?

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Michael

From: Mayan Metzler [mailto:mmetzler@myhomeus.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 12:09 AM
To: Mackay, Michael
Cc: Mackay, Meggan; Lior Noy; Sal Baudone
Subject: RE: National Grange Insurance Report

Hi Michael,

Our plan is to start on Thursday if possible. Sal will be there to get the subs started. We will provide further updates as they become available

thanks,
Mayan

From: Mackay, Michael
Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 11:24 AM
To: 'Mayan Metzler'; 'Sal Baudone'
Cc: 'Mackay, Meggan'; 'Lior Noy'
Subject: RE: National Grange Insurance Report

Thank you, Mayan, Thursday would be great. Sal, let me know when you're sending a dumpster to remove the large pile of debris so I can get my mini-van out of the way.

Michael

From: Mackay, Michael
Sent: Friday, April 17, 2009 9:46 AM
To: 'Mackay, Meggan'
Subject: MyHome Reviews on the WWW

Good morning, my love. Happened upon some of the following. NOT very encouraging.

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4 years ago we made the mistake of choosing My Home Renovations for the gut renovation of our 1 bedroom apt. After the great sell, they certainly failed to deliver. We were disappointed at the time of completion and have since become angrier as years gone by. They didn't seal off the walls behind the kitchen and bath, leaving gaping holes into the bowels of our 200 unit building--yes, you guessed it, 4 years of rodent problems. The tile in the bathroom is already coming loose and falling off the walls. They failed to "square off" several walls on the interior, so everything looks just a little off, and you would have thought our wood floor was the first floor they ever laid, because the gaps that were noticeable then, are only getting bigger. I was told then by a supervisor that "after a while, the natural dirt and debris that accumulates" will make those gaps less noticeable. We had a pocket door installed, and when it fell out of the wall, the new contractor informed us that MY HOME installed a pocket door, but failed to include the frame to house it in!!! Believe me, we should have fired this contractor and brought a lawsuit. By the time they completed the project they were 4 months past their estimated date for completion and we just wanted them to go AWAY!
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We worked with My Home's Westchester location and it was nothing short of a disaster. They designed our kitchen and we ordered custom cabinets through them. The good part: the cabinets are of superb quality. The bad part: every single step in the process. They made a number of design mistakes (e.g., designing cabinets to be 96" high when our floor to ceiling measurement is only 95". After 5... more
Posted by Unhappy with My Home on November 03, 2008

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Disastrous - Zero Stars
Used for kitchen design and cabinets. In a nutshell: delivery timeframes unrealistic, untimely responses, zero accountability and inability to do anything smoothly.... more
Posted by Citysearch user on June 17, 2008

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Never ending nightmare.

Not recommended by any stretch of the imagination. MYHOME has (like their phony reviews below) a terrific come on, totally professional and masters of...
From citysearch.com on 12/28/2007

Worst Company Ever

Do not trust this company. They do not do what they advertise. Their designers are generally unprofessional. Other than their ability to convince you ...
From citysearch.com on 12/26/2007

Worst EVER

My home renovated our kitchen - If they were the last company on earth doing renovations I would not use them again. We were assigned to a designer wh...
From citysearch.com on 12/10/2007

STAY AWAY! DO NOT GET DUPED INTO USING MYHOME.

Their sales pitch sounds great: free design consultation; fixed price labor contract; they arrange everything for you; they schedule everthing to get ...
From citysearch.com on 7/22/2007

DO NOT HIRE MY HOME TO RENOVATE YOUR APARTMENT - YOU WILL REGRET IT!!!

The only thing I can say is that the other reviews on this web site are correct: DO NOT HIRE MY HOME TO RENOVATE YOUR APARTMENT. DITTO to what the oth...
From citysearch.com on 4/26/2007

PLEASE DO NOT MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE WE DID!!

I had a small bathroom renovation that I hired these guys for. They said it would take three weeks. I have done renovation in NYC before, and after 5 ...
From citysearch.com on 9/21/2006

False advertising, serious customer neglect

I interviewed 3 bathroom design consultants before choosing MyHome. I chose MyHome because I was told that the entire bathroom renovations would take ...
From citysearch.com on 9/7/2006

From: Mackay, Michael
Sent: Friday, April 17, 2009 3:52 PM
To: 'Morrell I. Berkowitz'
Subject: RE: retainer MacKay with MY Home matter

I'd like to get it to you now, if possible. I can walk down from Debevoise and be there in about 10 minutes.

I had a rather precipitous falling out with MyHome's current Project Manager and our former General Contractor, who showed up at the house this afternoon to prepare to go to work. On their terms.

I need to make it very clear to them that there services are no longer required, and that they should not come to the house. Should that email come from me or from you?

-----Original Message-----
From: Morrell I. Berkowitz [mailto:mib@gdblaw.com]
Sent: Friday, April 17, 2009 3:47 PM
To: Mackay, Michael
Subject: RE: retainer MacKay with MY Home matter

Yes. Do you want to do that today or Monday. Anytime Monday is ok for me, just let me know so I can alert security.

Have a great weekend.

Office is on third ave betw. 51st and 52nd street 1 block east of 51st Lexington ave subway station.

Morrell I. Berkowitz, Esq.
Gallet Dreyer & Berkey, LLP
845 Third Avenue 8th Floor
New York, N.Y. 10022
(212) 935-3131 x303
direct fax (212) 935-4511

From: Mackay, Michael
Sent: Saturday, April 18, 2009 11:15 AM
To: 'Mackay, Meggan'
Subject: Recap of April 17, 2009 events at 42 Maple

Hi, Meggan,

Thursday I received a telephone message from Lior saying Sal and company would come to the house at noon, Friday, April 17, to begin work on the "immediate tasks" agreed to back on April 1 (chimney extension redo, basement pillar check, etc. - see thread below). Yesterday, Sal showed up about noon, followed by Michael Palmentiero. Michael Palmentiero? Lior had told me Angelo was coming to the house to start the chimney work.

Anyway, after 10 minutes I decided to go out and see what they were talking about. Found them in the back yard discussing the windows and French doors. I asked them what the plan was and Michael said he was bringing in a crew next week to start fixing the windows. I mentioned to Sal that wasn't what we agreed to, since I was still waiting for him to provide details on how the work was to be done and whether his proposal was up to code. (Even the contractor from Prutting & Co. didn't understand Sal's plan.) Sal's reply was that more detail "wasn't necessary." At this point we both became frustrated. Michael walked away, and I pressed Sal for details on exactly what sheathing treatment he was planning. He eventually explained he wanted to slip flat pieces of aluminum flashing between the windows and doors from the inside, and that the flashing would not wrap around either the inside or (more importantly) the outside edge of the walls. I told him this was not acceptable because it left an exposed seam between the aluminum and the tar paper under the exterior trim. At this point we both lost patience. I told Sal "Look, I'm sorry but this just isn't working out." After verifying they would not need access to the house, I left for NY. Lorna was in the house to keep an eye on things. She mentioned Sal and Michael stayed for a long time discussing details.

I hope you agree that it is finally time to move on.

Michael