The Deck Dude, LLC review: Decks and railings

I contracted for a deck re-build using Azek material. I wanted to replace all the wood decking boards and the wood railing. I signed a contract on 5/26/2022, and gave a deposit of almost $17,000. $5400 was for Labor (1/3 of the labor), the balance was for all the material (up-front). The work was to begin in about 3 weeks, but the contractor/owner (Jonathan Cherup) had said it might be as soon as one week.

Months passed. Excuse after excuse. Sometimes he would say he's going to show up on a particular day — but, of course, he's a no-show. He does not even tell us that he has changed plans. Just doesn't show up! Excuses were many: "hit a deer", "my helper is out sick", "broke my foot", "covid", "have to isolate for 14 days after recovering from covid", "ate some bad pork", "went camping with the family", "had to clean up the camper by myself", "feeling worn out and doctor says I need to rest" — you get the idea.

Finally, approaching winter, Mr. Cherup says he can't do the job. He's managed to take on several other jobs during all this time. But, as for our job — apparently he has no time. We ask for our money to be refunded. He says he can't do that until he sells a property! It has been 6 months since that time, the property has never even been listed for sale, and we have not heard a "peep" from Mr. Cherup. This is outright fraud. Or maybe a better term is EMBEZZLEMENT.

The Michigan State Police have been notified, and they have investigated my claim. Everything that I stated was found to be true. Mr. Cherup was interviewed and — as usual — gave nonsensical, roundabout reasons why he couldn't refund the $ at this time. His statements to the police mirror our interactions with him: difficult to follow his reasoning, jumping from topic to topic with no clear thought processing. His text messages and emails and voicemails are of similar quality: it is not clear what he is saying.

So, STAY FAR AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY. You'll be glad I warned you. I am hoping that the DA will prosecute once the one-year mark has passed from the signing of the contract. But, until this guy is prosecuted and jailed, I am out $17K.