Michael Merkt Brick Pointing

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• By Yvonne G.

  March 23, 2017

  Complete a run of chain link fencing and repair the existing gate

  I met Michael Merkt of Merkt Brick Pointing in Murrysville, PA at my rental property in Pittsburgh, PA on November 19, 2016 to assess a pointing job and get an estimate for that work. Mr. Merkt had done pointing work for a friend. She was pleased with his work. After walking the property, looking at the extent of work to be done, we agreed on a price and I wrote a deposit check for the pointing work.

  After the main reason for our meeting was complete (pointing job), I asked Mr. Merkt if he knew someone who did fence work. I needed a run of chain link fencing installed and a repair of the existing gate so that it closed properly. Mr. Merkt said that he could do that work as well. We agreed that he would take care of the pointing work first, and in the meantime he would price out the fence job. The pointing work was completed and I paid Mr. Merkt the balance due on the pointing job on December 2, 2016.

  I had an estimate from Mr. Merkt for the fence work. I asked about doing this work in the winter, but Mr. Merkt pointed out that the weather has had stretches of unseasonably warm weather and he also said that if he ran into extended cold weather that he may use antifeeeze in the concrete footings.

  On December 9, 2016 I sent Mr. Merkt a $750 deposit to begin and complete the fence work as soon as possible. Mr. Merkt acknowledged receipt of the deposit in a text message.

  On December 28, 2016 I asked for an update on the fence work. Mr. Merkt responded by text that he had “measured for materials, cut back brush and would next set the posts”.

  I checked with my tenant and in fact no work had been started.

  On Tuesday January 17, 2017 I texted Mr. Merkt asking why the fence work still had not been started. He responded by text that he would be setting the posts on Thursday, January 19, 2017.

  On February 3, 2017 I texted Mr. Merkt and told him that I had been more than patient and I would not accept anymore excuses or promises. I wanted the dence work completed! By text I informed him that “By COB February 28th either he would complete the fence job (not start or almost complete this job) – or he should return my $750 deposit.”

  By February 29, 2017 the fence job still had not been started and I did not have a refund of my deposit.

  On March 1, 2017 I sent Mr. Merkt a “Demand Letter” demanding a return of my $750 deposit within 10 days of the date of that letter. I received no response.

  As of the date of this review, I have initiated a lawsuit in Pittsburgh Small Claims Court.

  Yvonne F. Grant

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