The architect called for a split unit AC/Heating system. In all my discussions with Mr. Russo, I mentioned that I would like to explore installing two units. One to service the main addition and a second one for the mudroom. Reason being is there is only one A/C vent on the first floor and having a unit in the mud room would help reduce the stress of the aging unit that services the original home.
Vinny brought the HVAC team out and he said he was taking care of everything. They ran the suction and refrigerant lines. At the time I didn’t know that they had different sizes for mini-split units (more on that later).
As I grew more frustrated with how long the project was taking, and how little feedback I was receiving regarding the HVAC install, I wrote Vinny, encouraging him to put forth a good effect to wrap the job up. A few days later Vinny told me the HVAC guy would be out to answer any of my questions. When I approached the HVAC technician with my idea of adding a second handler he said it was too late. The unit Vinny purchased was the most basic 12K BTU mini-split unit available. The refrigerant line was 1/4 x 3/8 which also meant upgrading without completely opening all the walls was out of the question. Why would he tie our hands like this? The roughing of the HVAC lines was very arduous. Why would he did he select the smallest pipe size. Upgrading in the future is completely out of the question.
Mr. Russo, made this decision on his own because he was being cheap, and instead of communicating with us he made a very terrible decision. This is another example of how enept of a contractor he was. He could have simply explained to me the options and if I wanted to upgrade, I would be liable for the difference. In actuality, the dimwit purchased a unit that was inadequate for the space. He tried to tell me the addition was so well insulated it would be fine. I explained that it took over an hour to cool down, and his response was but it cold down right. An hour to cool a 650 sq ft. space is lunacy. I don’t know what planet he came from, but that logic is completely insane. We would have been better off with two window units at this point. He’s a clown through and through.
The unit Mr. Russo purchased is clearly undersized. Rated for a 500 sq ft. room, and the manufacturer’s ratings are under strict conditions. The addition has have 4 separate spaces.
Mr. Russo thought this block foundation was something to admire. Honestly, it looks like trash, and the standard hook style mounts that the manufacturer sell would have been 10x better. If Vinny could have executed the stone installation where it actually looked finished on 3 sides then I would absolutely say well executed. This on the other hand looks like I had some guys off the street stack some blocks. Sadly, most of Mr. Russo’s work was of this quality, poorly executed, and very poorly thought out.
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