Many of you have probably seen the Owens-Corning commercials for the basement finishing systems they now have? Well, if you call the 800 number listed, it directs you (atleast from our area) to this Remodel USA. In my case however, I really only wanted to find out if the products were available in stores so we could install it ourselves, since we don't have the money at this time to hire someone to finish our basement. So on the day I called, it was really quite comical. I was searching on the internet and found a few sites for the product, but nothing advertising it being available at Lowes or Home Depot. So I started to dial the 1-800 number that I remembered from the TV, but didn't think I dialed the whole thing before I said to myself "ah forget it!" and hung up. Well, a few minutes later I get a call back. Apparently I did call the whole number and this guy gets my info on where I live, how old our house is, whether we have a walk out basement, etc., and states how they want to finish our basement "at cost". In turn, they want to use it as a spec house to show people what they can do with their finishing systems. I figured, at cost we may be able to afford and a free estimate? What the heck! So we get the place cleaned up and they call to confirm the appointment the following Saturday at 2pm. 3:00pm and still no one has shown, and no phone call, so I call the main office. The guy there puts me on hold and then says that the person is in Martinsburg and must be tied up, but should be here shortly. 4:30 and still no show. I call and leave a message at 5pm; I'm fired up at this point because we've wasted a beautiful Saturday afternoon waiting around!

I get a call back on Sunday afternoon from their office, but a different guy this time saying his manager wanted him to come in and apologize and he would like to come meet with us personally, would Monday, MLK Day be okay since most people are off. I said DH has to work that day. He asks what time does he go in to work (??) I say 5:30 in the morning! I told him to come on Wednesday of that week at 6:30pm. Tuesday they call to confirm the appointment time. Wednesday rolls around and no one shows at 6:30, no calls by 7, 8. 8:30 I get a call from the "General Manager" who was supposed to be here. He stated that he had a call from his wife with a family emergency while he was on his way here and had to go home, and apologized for not being here (He has a cell phone but can't call us??) But he wanted to make it up to us and do the basement "at cost" for us! I reminded him that this was the 2nd time this has happened and it was originally to be done "at cost". And to be honest, we just don't have the money anyway (or the tolerance level.)

To top it off, the company called back last week and spoke to DH saying that we wanted them to call back to schedule an appointment to come out for our free estimate! DH said "Take us off your list." The guy said "May I ask why?" Gary says "Just take us off your list, thank you." Man of few words! I would have been "and blah blah blah.......!

Now, is this any way to run a business???

Like you, I was interested in that system too, it looked like an easy enough do-it-yourself project. I researched and found it could only be done by "approved" contractors. That's when I said to myself...forget it.

I have a feeling that your "at cost" estimate would not have been "at cost". That's probably some scam they have going on. They quote you an inflated regular price at first and then tell you the at cost price is such and such; which probably turns out to be regular price anyhow.

Any contractor that fails to show up for an appointment, gets crossed off in my book too. There's no reason why they couldn't have phoned you and at least lied about why they couldn't show up.

Unfortunately, that's the state of things with contractors. And once they get the job, look for them to take their good old time completing it. Tell them you want a firm completion date and any days longer, a percentage will be deducted from their payment.

There's darn few reliable contractors out there that live up to their word.

FWIW I'd be on the phone with Owens Corning management - and remind them if necessary that you belong to a HUGE internet forum where you plan to report the results of this fiasco.

That's a great idea, Snoopy. I think I will!

I actually did wonder what Owens Corning would think of some company marketing their product in such a fashion.

Thats a shame. I've thought about checking into this system also. It looks fairly easy.

I'm hoping it will be for sale in retail stores eventually, but it can't be soon enough for me. We need to finish our basement ASAP!

I posted this same subject on another forum I belong to, local to the neighborhood I live in. This guy said that he had these people finish his basement and the contractors actually did a good job and finished in a week. The cost...

$30,000.00!!!

I have no idea how large his basement is, but he said it was for 3/4 of it to be finished. That cost didn't incude carpeting or flooring. I need to find out how many square feet. But even so...

He said that they offered to pay him for referrals. He's given them two, they haven't paid him yet.

Oy.

Naomi,

What general area do you live in?

I know a guy who does this sorta work for reasonable prices, but he is booked for at least the next 6 weeks.

Hubby & I went to a home show and saw this stuff in person...it is basically just insulation with a multicolored plastic type of fiber cover...it looked in person more like the cubicle walls in offices than something I want in my home...then we asked about the cost...they said oh, between 20-30k for our sq. ft. of basement...hubby & looked at the young woman and laughed...I now have a section of my basement finished with wallboard & a bathroom for 12.5k done + storage in the back...oh and I got electricity too!

Snoop- I live in the H-town/Smithsburg area and would love to get a quote on finishing my basement. i am not pressed for time so its no rush but if he'd be interested I'd love toget him out to take a look

Sent ya a PM Snoopy. Thanks!

I think it was the "at cost" sales pitch that got my attention to begin with, which I'm sure gets a lot of people's attention.

I'm not really sure what are finances will be like in the next few months, but it sure would be nice to have someone else do the work for us!

Just wait until you folks make a deal with Sears for windows!!! a 6 week job became 3 Months because they ordered the wrong size replacement windows. The sub kept showing up late to do the work when scheduled and the windows were not installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Be warned that no matter who you contract with they are only as good as the subs they hire to actually do the work. I would not have Sears install a clothes line for me, let alone do anything else. Never let anyone sell you any home improvement without getting and actually checking references including seeing the finished product if possible.

Also had several windows and doors installed by a recommended local guy in 1/2 the time on the first floor for 1/2 the price quoted by both Pella and Andersen. The manufacturer was Andersen and were purchased at Home Depot. You can have them delivered directly to your home and save a bunch.

Further if you want to know what the going rate for HI should be in you area go to the Library and look it up in the RS Means books if the have them.

Another satisfied customer

I had Sears come out to install a double oven and not only does their service suck their products (kenmore) arent much better. I have a $2200 oven that has had its computer motherboard replaced 3 times in 6 years! Death to sears!!!

BTW Hubby was in the construction business for 30 years and he tells me that square footage of the floor area has only minimal impact on the price of wall coverings. It is the square footage of the walls and/or ceilings being covered. If in fact the O-C panels are covered with a plastic material he would not have them due to fire danger. Burning plastic creates toxic smoke that would quickly rise through the upper floors. There is also the matter of sealing the outside walls against radon and/or moisture infiltration. Use something like thoro seal and NOT Thompson's Water Seal or equevalent because of the VOC rating, it has made people sick when used in basements or even attached garages. Drywall and insulation is your best bet, of course elect and plumbing must meet code.