Lakes Area Home Improvement

I own a condo unit and contacted Lakes Areas because I had little heat being generated and very high energy bills. Lake Area offered to come out the same day I contacted them. After very thorough testing of my heat issue, they concluded that I needed to replace my heat pump unit (this is equivalent to a furnace in a house). I was charged $200 on the spot for the visit, of which I wasn't made aware of when making the appointment. They quoted me $13,390 for replacement of a heat pump and dry wall repair, a larger hole needed to be cut in the ceiling for installation. I was quoted HALF this amount by a second company and eventually found someone to do the work for ONE THIRD the cost. The markup by Lakes Area on just the heating unit itself was 89%! Also, none of the other companies charged me to come out and provide an estimate.

I was informed by the owner of Lake Areas Home Improvement Services, Inc - Scott Ferrell - that the work was performed by a subcontractor, and that he is not responsible for follow up on any of the work.  

Previous comments:

They started the job late after bringing the wrong materials twice), and installed the siding poorly as well as damaged two gutters during the installation of two larger downspouts.

Rainwater now leaks out of my gutter next to my house, where the repair guy had used a cutting tool to enlarge the opening for the larger downspout.  He damaged a 16 foot piece of gutter that never leaked previously.  The sidewall of the gutter was cut open, allowing water to run down the side of my house.  See pictures.

Upon inspection of another downspout they installed, they omitted installation of a gutter outlet - see pictures. Rainwater leaks from the crack and icicle will form there in the winter.

Very disappointed that I paid them $2245 for this service.  For this price you would expect quality work, a business that would warranty their work, and a contractor to not create damage while making repairs.

If you look to hire this company, check carefully on exactly who will perform the work.  If a subcontractor will do the work, check their professional credentials - licensing, insurance, bonding, warranty of work, as well as any outstanding complaints against them with the BBB, Angie's list, and Yelp among many.  Get it all in writing before you sign, and make sure you have the crew that YOU hire.

I would never recommend Scott Ferrell of Lakes Area Home Improvement to anyone. He is dishonest, combative and treats his customers with zero respect - especially female clients. If a project doesn't go smoothly or needs to be fixed, you can be certain it was your fault. And you'll pay to have it fixed. His excuses are the same with every customer. Be prepared for an astronomical bill that is he unwilling to explain and demands for immediate payment - or you'll be stuck with his endless harassment, name-calling and threats. Truly despicable business conduct. There are so many honest, excellent tradesmen in Minneapolis. Avoid this one.

I had an issue with the AC running to high with electric was told I need to replace the whole unit at $15,000 then said okay $13,000 I can do it. I was told they need to cut through steel in my condo, tear out the ceiling etc. I had Scott and Kevin fix other things in my home and the prices were very high in my opinion.

I'm also going to complain to management as I was referred to these guys from my building. I'm upset and do not want anyone to go through what we had to with this company especially my neighbors. I literally had Kevin standing in my kitchen waiting for me and felt pressured into calling my mother at work so she could do a payment to him, I found this to be very unprofessional and was also told by him he may have to charge me for waiting on payment. I believe people get paid for work not standing like a vulture for a payment.

I paid them the following day but should have never felt so disrespected by a Company owners, associate or otherwise. Everything with this company comes with a Big charge and believe me they will let you know about it. I did receive $500.00 off the final bill after negotiations.

Would never do business with this company. Very unprofessional. Very dangerous while driving.