Deckorator Design and Build

Terrible job in quality. When Angie’s List called me to leave reviews for multiple companies I had used, Deckorators was one of them. After leaving them an «F» grade, the owner emailed me for an explanation. Keep in mind, I had tried to make multiple attempts to contact this company to fix some issues we were having with their work. After emailing him pictures of his poor work and problems we were having, he never responded. He was more concerned with his review then making it right and satisfying the customer.

Well, they finally came and finished the work and everything looks great. The guys who came did the work well and worked hard. We are very pleased with the finished project. However, that does not negate how frustrating it was to work with management. From going for weeks with no response to an email or phone call, to leaving materials in our parking spot for a week when they said 1 – 2 days, to not measuring and building the correct dimensions of the patio when they finally came out the first time, these are some of the frustrations experienced with this company. The weather was not very cooperative as it did rain a lot and I understand that delays projects like this, but it was the lack of communication and not managing client expectations that was the worst part, especially when they have a lot of your money. So the summary of this long saga: they do very nice work, just don’t expect any communication or to know when you’re project will be completed.

Before you hire this company, be sure to check this television news broadcast first! «WUSA9 refuses $ 6K deal to not expose company Deckorators»
By the way, they are now operating under a new name, but it’s the same people. «Innovative Outdoor Living» and «Innovative Deck.»
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I contracted Deckorator for a screen porch, patio and fire pit. Before you hire this company, be certain to check their Better Business Bureau listing where they are rated F with 18 complaints and are not supported by the BBB. Our project was due to start Sep 2014 and finish early Oct 2014; ample time according to Mr. Jon Pizzo. It wasn’t until late April that the job was finally finished and even then we are still dealing with finishing touches. At one point the following email excerpt was sent to Mr. Pizzo:
«Unfortunately, your unwillingness or inability to meet to resolve the pending items, in addition to the lack of responsiveness, is forcing my hand. I think we have been exceptionally patient to this point, but this project is now in its seventh month, and while there have been some legitimate reasons for delays (terrible weather in February), there have also been myriad lost opportunities to progress, and ultimately complete, the project between September and now. That includes many instances where we were told work would start, only for no one to show up followed by one excuse or another as to why.»
Poor communication, no attention to detail, did not follow construction requirements as indicated in the contract, multiple no shows, poor planning.
Working with this organization has been the worst customer experience I’ve ever had.

Had them create a patio after we removed a deck on the back of our home. The working crew was great-​polite and appropriate-​and did a nice job (hope they got fair wages for good work in the heat). The issue is that our contract was signed February 23, at which time we made a $ 4000 deposit. The contract promised a start date of ⁴⁄₁₅ with completion by ⁴⁄₃₀ (weather notwithstanding) and it was told to us that it was a 2 day job. After the deposit was made, we had ZERO communication from the company’s owner/​salesman John. We repeatedly texted, called, left messages and sent emails-​nothing. We just wanted to get a firm start date since the weather was wonderful. Finally, on April 17, John called to say that his cell had been stolen and that was why he hadn’t responded to us. He promised to get back with a start date. Another week went by with nothing. We continued to text and call the newly provided cell number. On April 24 we were able to get an answer on the phone and another apology but this time «my daughter dropped my phone and shattered the screen so I can’t see texts». (not sure if this was the same phone that was «stolen» or a new one. .hmmmm). We were told that we were «next on the list and we just need to finish up a job we are on now and we’re working the weekend to catch up-​only have a couple of days’ work left on the current job». We tried to check back on the following Monday (4/27)and again got «oh don’t know about the weather this week but you are next». The weather was sunny and hot. The entire week went by and NOTHING. The next Monday we heard «well we’re trying to finish up a job and you are next-​we should be there by Wednesday or Thursday or Friday.. .» After much argument, the crew did show on Wednesday, May 6-​worked the morning and left at lunchtime. That afternoon, we got repeated calls and texts from John asking for the next $ 4000 payment «so I can pay my crew». No crew was at our home. We had a thunderstorm that evening. On Thursday, the crew came out in the morning and stated that the materials were wet and needed to dry and they’d be back at 1 p.m. Again, we started getting calls and texts from John-​I need to swing by and pick up your check”. No crew came back that day. We got a text from John stating that it was wet in our backyard so they’d come back on Friday. They did come back on Friday and worked all day so we gave John a $ 3000 payment. They finished the job on Saturday morning. Again, John started clamoring for his final payment. We ignored his repeated communication just to perhaps let him know that others can play his game. We did make final payment on ⁵⁄₁₂.

An estimated 2.5 day job took 30 days with materials ordered incorrectly two times. Colors were wrong and sizes were wrong, they even asked me if I wanted to change my mind and just let them use the incorrect materials. The final product was okay, but I do not recommend.
The behaviors of some (mostly two) of the reps selling the product and discussing the deck/patio’s were lacking in information, didn’t answer questions, didn’t know the answers and were unprofessional. In the end, it seemed like they just wanted to get paid. I am glad the job is done, but the amount of stress during the 30 days was not worth it and for such a high cost, I expect better.
I am working on the front of my house and I will not contact deckorators, I will reach out and find a more cost effective and professional organization.
Hope this helps.

My mom contracted these guys a couple years ago. They did an amazing job and give great customer service. Now she hosts BBQs all the time and everyone that comes over loves her deck!