SAVOIE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR UNRELIABLE!!! SLIDELL Louisiana

I am writing on behalf of my 80 years old mother, who is participating in the Louisiana Road Home Small Rental Program with her property. Her participation has been a nightmare because of the contractor Savoie Construction and subcontractor – Zephyr Homes.  The construction began, August 2012 and was to be completed, November 2012.  The following have occurred since then:

1. There was a work stoppage by the Historical District Landmark Commission (HDLC) because of a neighbor’s complaint regarding the temporary doors which the contractor installed.  The neighbor apparently believed the temporary doors were permanent and did not comply with the HDLC guidelines and filed a complaint.  The permanent doors were on order (which we believed would be a similar replacement to the original doors) and once that was communicated the work stoppage was released, and work began once again, (approximately September 2012).
2. New doors were installed (approximately, January 2013), different from the original doors, which we did not approve or want.  We were told that doors were mandated by HDLC and we had to accept them.  We contacted HDLC and were told in writing not only had they not mandated the doors, but that they believed them to be inappropriate, however, because this is a partially controlled district, they could only recommend, not mandate.  After months (February -April 2013) of haggling and appeals, we were told we had to live with the doors.  We truly believe the doors that have been installed are an environmental and safety hazard.
3. Moving on, over the last 13 months, there has been work stoppages for months at a time, by the contractor, with no explanation by anyone.  The work is now approximately 90% done, with minimum items that need to be completed.  In fact, in December we did a walkthrough with the CBI (formerly Shaw Group) Road Home liaison, and the contractor manager for Zephyr Homes, the subcontractor, and identified the final punch list items which the contractor agreed to complete within two weeks.  Potentially, the work should have been completed before Christmas, 2013.  Needless to say, that did not happen.  I have been pressing the Road Home liaison, and his supervisor, on a completion date, and have basically been told “that the work will be completed when it the contractor completes it.”  In order words the contractor can't be compelled to complete the work for which they have been contracted.
4. In the meantime, we have lost $14872 in revenue on this property, as well as potential tenants.  This week we are having to return deposits for both tenants to whom we had promised to rent, one of whom had been waiting since April 2013.  We feel that we are being taken advantage of by Savoie Construction and Zephyr Homes unethical and lackadaisical practices.  Think twice before choosing either of them.