My family contracted with Lou Tonellotto to contruct a pond in our backyard. Tonellotto quoted $4200.00 plus taxes and we agreed. We paid $2173.00 down.
Tonellotto showed up within a few days and dug a 12x12 foot hole in the back yard. He then deposited 13 armour stones around the interior of the hole, and left. He left his backhoe, wheelbarrow and a cheap piece of plastic liner.
He then called about two weeks later and said that his workman named Scott had died and he wanted out of the job. I stated that I wanted the job completed as it would be hard to find someone to finish a partially completed job. He agreed.
Weeks pass and no Mr. Tonellotto. I called and he said that Scott was going to have a meeting with his team and try to finish the job. (I thought Scott had died?) Didn't hear from Mr. Tonellotto for weeks so I called again.
Tonellotto stated that Scott had lost interest and didn't want to do the job (I thought Scott had died??) I insisted that the job be done. Tonellotto stated that he would finish the job "before the snow flies". I didn't think it was funny and told him so. He apologized.
He asked if he could come to the house and get his backkhoe. My wife said don't let it go, get the work done first. Me, foolishly believing that Tonellotto was a man of his word (bang head against wall at this time) let him retrieve his backhoe. The backhoe had sat in my backyard for 6 weeks and successfully killed the grass under it.
I called Tonellotto and he said I will be there on the September long weekend and finish the job. Tonellotto never showed. I called Tonellottos son and asked if they were coming. He responded "you'll have to talk to my Dad" I asked if there were any other customers who were as frustrated as we were or were we the only ones. He hung up on me.
I am left with a hole, dug on an angle and thirteen stones in the hole with no liner. Two contractors have told me that the work and stones are worth $700.00 max. I have written to Tonellotto wanting $1000.00 plus $60.00 tax back. No response from Mr. Tonellotto. The snow has flown and no pond and no Lou Tonellotto. Needless to say, do not use this mans services. He is located at 390 Dewitt Rd. in Stoney Creek.
Keith
Burlington, Ontario
Canada
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