I needed work that required a permit, drawing (floor plans), electrical and drywall work. I did my homework. I had three licensed contractors to choose from, I checked for consumer reviews through GOOGLE, ROC and BBB, and all three had no comments (good or bad). After reviewing all three of their websites again, I chose American Homeworks because I liked what was written on the website, “faith based company, with no project completed until the customer is 100% satisfied”, and also the fish with the cross (symbol of Christianity) this website displays, so proudly (see his website-www.American-homeworks.com).

I thought this was a sign from Jesus! Boy, was I wrong. Mr. Gene Petrini, owner of American Homeworks is a wolf/con-artist in sheep’s clothing. Christians be aware of those who claim to have a “Faith Based Company” and display the fish with the cross (RED FLAG). A real Christian display their Christianity by their works.

This is what Mr. Petrini’s con is all about. I obtained this information from one of his unlicensed crew; unfortunately, this is the same unlicensed crew that did the project on my house. Mr. Petrini acquires contracts from consumers (like me) through his deceptive website; by the way, Mr. Petrini has upgraded his website since I hired him, and also upgraded his phone service to appear to be a large company. Do not be deceived consumers. Once Mr. Petrini has a signed contract, he auction the contract to one of many unlicensed contractors he uses – the lowest bid wins (Mr. Petrini calls this subcontracting to avoid paying healthcare, unemployment taxes and Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s immigration enforcement (RED FALG) – is this legal…???

Well, in my case, Josue Painting, unlicensed (480-232-6360/233-8803) contractor was the lowest bidder, and so was their inferior work. Victor, the owner of Josue Painting, gave me one of his business cards, which shows Inter/Exterior Residential Repairs – drywall, shower, tile, etc. unlic, (trust me, don’t use them either), and by the way, they don’t speak English (RED FLAG).

Another RED FLAG was when Mr. Petrini could not provide a drawing to acquire the permit needed to commence work. My contract with Mr. Petrini indicated that he would produce the drawing for the project. Well, he did not!!! After 3 weeks of trials, I had to hire a college student to do the work; otherwise the project would have not begun.

The overall work looked very much like what a fly-by-night outfit would do. Cracks on the walls and ceiling. My new ($230.00) window scratched, they tried to buff the scratch out with an abrasive wax and made it worse. Over cuts on drywall, especially around outlets, switches, and a/c ducts. They patched these over cuts with excessive caulk. Over spray, these guys did not bother to cover anything that required covering before texturing and painting the walls and ceiling. My new windows were freckle with mud and paint --- that’s why I hired a licensed contractor as I don’t have time to babysit the workers – where were you Mr. Petrini…?

His electrician (Joe, who mysteriously left town, so says Mr. Petrini) – well, Joe is not an electrician as he placed the wrong electric outlet box (small), and what he did to correct this was to use copper tubing as an extension to place the electrical outlet to the electrical box. This is a fire hazard!!! All my switches and outlets are not flushed to wall. The drywall tape, in two areas are sagging from the ceiling, overall final texture on ceiling and wall is hideous. Mr. Petrini has no clue in construction. Many of his responses to my outrage were, “I don’t know…?, I wasn’t there!!! I am not an electrician? I am getting blame for everything!!” “ Only you and Jesus are perfect” “the window was scratched at the store, or your dog scratched it”. Of course, my dog also tried to buff the scratch out too, and from the inside (my dog is an outside dog).

When Mr. Petrini informed me that the project was completed and wanted final payment (including unexpected price change), I told him that I was completely unsatisfied with the project, and pointed all the discrepancies. He tried to convince me that all the discrepancies were ROC approved. Well, before paying him, I filed a complaint with BBB and ROC. Mr. Petrini was so upset with my complaint that he, then threaten to place a mechanic’s lien on my property and foreclose on my home, if I didn’t drop my complaint and pay him in full. Mr. Petrini had also used Joyce Services Corporation, Tempe, AZ 85282 (480-820-3343) to call me over the phone and serve me a mechanic’s lien. I don’t know if this is legal, but it got my attention.

I spoke with the inspector about this, and was informed that Mr. Petrini can place a mechanic’s lien even though it is bogus. The inspector also told me that I could always withdraw mycomplaint (check ROC website complaint withdrawn, 2/24/10), and get rid of the mechanic’s lien by paying Mr. Petrini in full. So that’s what I did. I e-mailed Mr. Petrini and informed him that I had withdrawn mycomplaint and sent him his final payment, and to leave us alone!!! Well, Mr. Petrini cashed the check, which shows final payment and no self-help (thank God). Now the threat of the mechanic’s lien is gone.

I just re-submitted my complaint on 3/5/2010 with BBB, and as of now, I have not received a response from American Homeworks. Mr. Petrini has 14 days to respond (3/19/2010) if not, I’ll take it to the next level.

Mr. Petrini prove me wrong, do the right thing, and I’ll be the first one to say I was wrong – WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?

The project has been abandoned and it’s pending corrections. Consumers, stay tune to find out the conclusion of this ordeal.