Jem Window Cleaning

We hired James and his company to clean our windows, frames and some of the siding on our house. Initially they were pleasant and accommodating to our schedule. Although not inexpensive, the scope of the work they promised to do was beyond that of other quotes we got. We were listing our house for sale and wanted it done right so we didn't mind paying for it.

The crew of two showed up as promised and on time. They were polite and got to work. I was surprised that they did not come fully prepared. They were not happy with the nozzle we use on our garden hose, yet didn't come prepared with one they could use and we went out to buy a new one for them to use as they started to work.

They left that day without alerting us. We were expecting them back the next day because we didn't think they had finished. They did not return. They did clean the siding in the back, the windows and some of the frames. Other windows and frames did not appear washed (had not rained in a few days). We called the owner to see when they would return and he came by to review the work.

He told us that all the work was done as agreed upon and he wanted us to pay him extra $45 for the extra time his workers spent. We explained to him that he was a professional and that it is his job to be able to quote a job properly. If any extra work was required to meet his obligations it is his mistake and responsibility or it is something that needs to be agreed upon up front or for us to at least be made aware of as a possibility. At no point in our discussion of the work or quote was there the mention that there may be extra fees. We never received an invoice or a contract from him. I told him you can't show up and change the terms of the agreement after the fact. It was a very unpleasant interaction. He clearly saw no need to accept any responsibility and was incredulous that we didn't think we should pay him the extra money. He was also defensive of showing up without the proper equipment/nozzles they needed to do the job. After minutes of arguing with him there seemed to be no solution. We just gave him the extra money and told him to leave and that he was no longer welcome on our property. Despite having gotten all the money (including the extra cash) and very clear and direct instructions to leave our house and our property, he did not leave and continued to argue. He did eventually leave.

Although I have very strong opinions on the professionalism and integrity shown here, I will let the readers make their own judgements.