First Strike Handman First Strike Pest Control Negligent Handymen Create More Problems Brooklyn New York

I hired First Strike Handyman services (they're also listed as pest control) for a small plastering and painting job.  My request to Mr. Moises Ruiz was to pull out (2) wall airconditioners, plaster and paint (with Benjamin Moore exterior, or rust-proof paint) the interior of the wall, replace units and do surrounding exterior area.  Also, to do the same with adjacent radiator areas.  I also asked them to put a screen over the vent in AC area to better prevent centipedes and bugs from coming in.  I was told there was no problem with getting this all done, and they suggested putting pieces of sheet-rock within AC area.  I was told they could begin work early.  The price I was quoted seemed high but I wanted the job done right.

They called the day prior to prior to confirm appt.  At 8am on day of appt, they called to say they were on their way.  They arrived at my apt at 8:50 a.m.  Moises and another man began working but at 10:10 a.m. I was told they had to go to their truck.  They returned at 10:35 a.m.  At this point minimal work was done.  At 12:25 p.m. they left for lunch and didn't return until 1:30 p.m.  I wasn't pleased with all the wasted time and expressed this to them.  I was told they ran out of supplies and had to go to the store.  I felt a simple job was being deliberately dragged out.  They did not bring appropriate drop cloths to properly cover floors and furniture.  They used a roll of paper to cover very minimal portion of floors.  I now have spots of white paint on my forest green rug.  Plaster dust got all over everything.  When they removed the AC units, water spilled all over their paper.  They did not put screens over vents as requested because they "forgot."  They did not put sheetrock inside wall because they determined it was not the best course of action after seeing how rusted the interior was.  By 5:30 p.m. they had not finished this job and wanted to return the next day.  I told them to leave paint and roller with me and I would finish the job.  Upon next day, I've noticed radiator covers are not properly painted with Rustoleum paint.  They barely covered the area and there still is rust showing through on one of the radiator covers.  They were using my garbage bags and my paper towels.  They used my vacuum, which is not meant for cleaning up plaster.  When asked, I was told their “shop vac” was broken.    It is now a few days later and I noticed a foul odor in my living room.  My cats are fixated by the AC.  Upon closer inspection, I now notice a steady flow of water leaking from one side of my air-conditioner onto my carpeting.  Now I must hire someone else to undo the mess and additional problems these men created.  All the caulking and foam must be removed in order to remove the AC units.  This will be another costly mess.