Worst mistake ever....

Item: Bekker Steel Construction
Rating: 1

We were referred to Pieter Bekker from Bekker Construction for our building project by the engineer and for that reason trusted that it is the right choice. From the word go we were very clear and specific about our requirements, the safety aspects thereof and our budget, which Pieter promised to uphold. Instead of opting for the more expensive galvanized beams, Pieter suggested that they use galvanized paint, he also confirmed in writing that this product will be 100% effective, rust free and last for years. We became more and more concerned as time went past as we could see the quality of their painting and the fact that many of the beams were not even painted at all when installed. After meeting with Pieter,and also with his foreman on our project they promised that they will paint it properly before the pool and building is complete (as once this is done and the water is in it will be impossible and a complete mess) This was not done as promised. After only 3 months of a brand new R200 000 roof we already have rust on the beams. There were many other concerns about the roof sheets, quality of work etc. which we brought up several times with everyone involved. At one stage Pieter (in writing) asked us for a massive advance in payment, I was not comfortable with this, his response in a nice way came down to 'if you do not pay it we can't finish your project' The reason he stated for the advance was that one of his clients on another project had 'cash flow' problems and could not pay him. It was later confirmed to us by his foreman that 'that client' did not have cash flow problems, but refused to pay Pieter as his project was also a complete mess. Pieter even had the arrogance (again in writing) to tell the engineer on our project who recommended him that we were not paying him, when in actual fact we had paid almost the whole amount in advance. It was also confirmed to us by the foreman that the reason the engineer referred Pieter is because he gives him financial 'kick backs' for referrals. We were also concerned about the fact that from the middle to the end of the project the foreman was never here, Pieter hardly ever came due to illness and it was only 2 workers that came (if and when they came) for a few hours. The also finished weeks after the due to be completed date. Once the roof was completed we could actually see in what a bad state it is after the first few heavy rains, currently...I stopped counting at 10 leaks inside, after every rain fall we literally walk around the building and pick up *****s and bolts from the roof (which I keep in a bag as evidence) and rust is popping up every where. Pieter was ignoring my mails and text messages, so we called a meeting with the foreman to stress our concerns, we were told the following; he himself, and also the workers told Pieter on more than one occasion that the roof was not correctly installed, there were to few roof sheets and the roof sheets were not overlapping correctly or resting on the beams as they should - Pieter's words to his foreman was "mind your own business" and he was taken off our project only a few weeks - hence why we did not see him around anymore. The foreman also said that he will deny the above if confronted by Pieter for fear of losing his job. After the final engineer's inspection (they were 2 engineers working together) he told us that he could not issue our engineers certificate for the roof because of...in his words "poor workmanship". We then mailed the head engineer, which in-turn mailed Pieter to ask him to go and correct his work. Pieter rep****: From: Pieter Bekker Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2016 1:16 PM To: Carien Theron; Subject:Completion of Steel Structure and Structural Hi, Will do the cold galv touch ups. Client was very happy with the work until others worked on the roof - but will send a team and attend to snags. Kind regards Pieter Bekker ********** 937 Bekker Steel Construction (Pty)Ltd www.bekkerconstruction.com Pieter refers to 'galv touch up's' ...which was only one of several huge issues, he also talks of "the others" that worked on the roof - which is the solar panels which has absolutely nothing to do with the poor quality of the roof. We have even had 2 independent roof contractors to access the roof and they both confirmed the roof - which was the sole responsibility of Bekker Construction is a complete mess. The above mail by Pieter was sent as you can see November 30th 2016 - he never sent out his 'team' and he never rep**** to any other mails following and was not heard or seen from again since. So now, due to the fact that Pieter clearly takes no pride in his work, and is eager to take people's money leaving them with with a huge mess without conscience, the engineer cannot issue our certificate and Pieter's refuses to take responsibility for his mess, and we do not have the funds to pay someone else to fix his mess. Anyone even considering using Bekker Construction - be warned. You are welcome to inbox me to make an appointment to come and view the roof yourself as well as all the mails and other evidence. I am disgusted in people like him taking clients for a ride, when we are putting in all our hard earned money into a project that we want to use to make a honest living for ourselves.

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