Homeowner’s Kitchen Renovation Turns into a Nightmare
The kitchen is often described as the heart of a home, where family gatherings and meals take place. However, for one Florida resident, a kitchen remodel has resulted in significant frustration rather than the anticipated joy. Heather Walker investigates a troubling situation faced by Jennifer Sime, who found herself entangled in contractor challenges that transformed her renovation dream into a distressing reality.
A Disastrous Remodeling Experience
Jennifer Sime envisioned a beautiful, functional kitchen; however, what materialized was far from her expectations. Initially optimistic after paying a $12,000 deposit to ProMart USA, located in Lantana, Florida, she was excited when work began ahead of schedule. Unfortunately, as time passed, the quality of work became apparent, leading to mounting issues.
“This is what they promised it would look like, and this is what it looks like now,” said Sime, expressing her disappointment. Critical components such as the kitchen island, sink, and countertops were absent, leaving her with an incomplete and unsatisfactory space.
Communication Breakdown
As problems arose, Sime reached out to the contractor for resolution but was met with unexpected demands for additional payment. “When I asked him to fix it, he said, ‘If you want me to fix it, you gotta pay more,’” she recounted, which left her feeling anxious about the situation.
Things deteriorated further when the contractor ceased communication altogether, abandoning the project. With a year’s worth of savings invested in this renovation, Sime was understandably distressed as the project was left unfinished.
Not a Unique Case
Jennifer is not the only client expressing dissatisfaction. Reviews echoed similar experiences, with several customers across Florida reporting issues of non-responsiveness and unresolved projects. One reviewer on Google stated, “I should have read the reviews of ProMart USA before doing my kitchen! Big mistake. Now they are not answering phone calls, text, or emails.” Another warned, “Whatever you do, don’t use this company; they are a scam.”
Company’s Status and Response
ProMart USA currently holds an “F” rating with the Better Business Bureau, raising red flags for potential customers. Attempts by 7 Investigates to contact the company were fruitless, as the listed phone number was inactive. However, the owner, Garth Smith, confirmed that ProMart USA has ceased operations and rebranded as ‘Creations.’ In his defense, Smith denied wrongdoing, stating, “There is no person that has paid us for a kitchen and we have not completed it, not one single person.”
When questioned about the flood of negative reviews, he attributed them to customers wanting additional work completed without providing full payment. Nevertheless, Smith acknowledged that Sime had indeed paid, agreeing to refund her for any outstanding materials that were not delivered.
Lessons Learned in Choosing Contractors
After facing this turbulent experience, Sime found another contractor to finish her kitchen, emphasizing a valuable lesson learned the hard way. “Pay with a credit card or just pay them when they finish,” she advised prospective customers. Additionally, she highlighted the importance of thoroughly researching company reviews before making a selection. An informed decision can prevent similar disappointments for future homeowners looking to remodel their kitchens.
For more assistance or to share your experiences, reach out to 7 Investigates at the contact details below:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
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