I own a home on Longboat Key that I normally lease to a 3 month winter seasonal renter secured through Longboat Key Club. In March shortly before my 2013 renter was to depart, he contacted my rental agent and stated that there was a problem with the master bathroom shower door binding - he was afraid it might crack. The rental company contacted Downs Glass and requested they come out to assess the repair. They sent a technician out who said all 3 very expensive heavy duty brass hinges needed to be replaced - Downs submitted an estimate for $635.20 stating that all 3 heavy duty brass hinges needed to be replaced and they asked when the repair could be scheduled. When I learned of this and knew I would be returning to LBK in several weeks, I said I wanted to be present when the work was done so I would set up the appointment. When I arrived at LBK with friends, one looked at the hinges and suggested that I contact the hinge manufacturer since my home was only 10 years old and he also stated that it appeared only one hinge might be the problem. I did just that and the manufacturer told me that in all probably, the hinges only needed to be removed, cleaned, and lubricated and they suggested I contact their distributor Fox Mirror and Glass. I did just that and scheduled an appt. with Fox Mirror who came out while I was present. Fox Mirror brought a hinge out in case one needed to be replaced - the men cleaned and lubricated the existing hinges and told me there was no need to replace any hinges. They charged $150 and took the new hinge they had brought back with them. The shower door worked fine and I have had no trouble with it. Then in 2014 when I received my rental check from LBK Club for the seasonal renter's January rent, there was a deduction of $635.20 but no invoice. When I inquired, the manager checked with accounting and learned that in error a bill had been paid to Downs Glass. We contacted Downs Glass numerous times - I have called at least 4 times but the owner, Michael Downs, cowers behind his secretary and I'm told "he's on another line and will have to call you back" which of course, he never does. His story via his secretary is that the work was done and the matter is closed. Only problem with his story is that my home is in a gated community with only 21 homes and a 24 hour a day security guard at the gate. All visitors have to be logged in - no keys are given out without the owner's permission and that is recorded in the daily log. The log for June 27, 2013, shows that Mike from Downs Glass appeared at the gate at 10:10 am in a truck with the license no. MC 40CG. He was not allowed in as the guard called my residence and received no answer - I had already returned to South Carolina and no one was in my home. Downs Glass was not listed an a person/company to be granted access to my home. Even had this person been able to get onto the property, he did not have a key to my home and therefore, could not have gained access to the building nor to my home. We have attempted to get the money reimbursed from Downs Glass which they have refused to do. We have filed a complain with the Better Business Bureau and if necessary we will take this to small claims court - it is obviously a consumer fraud situation. I would not recommend doing business with this company. I would strongly refer people to Fox Mirror and Glass. read more
