Created: 9/1/2009 6:55:26 PM 
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Connie Gann has had it with Jacksonville Home Improvement. She says the company has been paid $112,000 to do a room addition, including a new bathroom and it is not finished.
"What I have is a shell," says Gann.
Joanne Przybylowicz is also upset with Jacksonville Home Improvement.
"He was hired to build an in-law suite. We are tired because it is so close to being finished, but the septic tank is an issue," says Przybylowicz.
She says she has paid the company $120,000.
And there is James Sirmones. Sirmones says he paid the company $48,000 to remodel a kitchen and bath.
"He is a thug contractor. I have been without a kitchen since February," says Sirmones.
The President of Jacksonville Home Improvement is Mark McGuire.
McGuire said he has an explanation for the delays on these three projects.
He said," I stand firmly behind my improvements and always make my customers happy no matter how long it takes."
McGuire says the Gann project which was permitted 16 months ago is within eight weeks of completion.
Since we contacted him, he has called Gann and said he was ordering the bricks to finish it.
McGuire says the Przybylowicz project will be completed in two weeks and he will pay for the septic tank repair.
Joanne Przybylowicz says McGuire sent someone to work on the roof but is still not committed to the septic tank issue.
McGuire says the Sirmones kitchen remodel is only three weeks before completion.
Sirmones says McGuire has had a crew working on the project for the past few days.
"I think since you guys called him he's getting it done," says Sirmones.
And there's Joe Lynch. Lynch worked for Jacksonville Home Improvement for five years. He says McGuire paid him and then place a stop payment on the check.
He no longer works for McGuire.
"This guy is smooth," says Lynch.
He added, "He told me that as long as he does something on the job every 90-days he has not abandoned the project."
McGuire says, "I will continue to work hard and complete my projects as I always have and will be praying for Mr. Lynch."
The homeowners say they will file complaints with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
A Consumer Tip:
- Before hiring a contractor check for professional licenses and complaint history
- Check at least five references and make sure that the contract has a start and finish date.
- Pay the contract in draws, usually in thirds, never pay 100% upfront.
