Construction South Carolina - OJC, LLC

I made a terrible decision on hiring Richard W McDaniel Jr with OJC construction in Charleston, Sc to renovate my mother’s home in Arkansas. I trusted him 100% as a friend and customer and I made a huge mistake! I originally had a local contractor set up to do the job. We were talking frequently and I mentioned the renovation that I was planning to do. He quickly told me to send him the quote and he could look it over and probably save me money. I said but you live in Charleston and the project is in Arkansas. He said that’s not an issue. He was working in Nashville at the time and said he has crews everywhere. After he saw the quote for my mothers 1075 sq ft house for 120k he said let me do this renovation for you and your mom. I can save you money. He said it was a 75-85k renovation. I was so happy to hear because I was taking the money from my retirement account and was thrilled to hear I could save money. And I trusted Rick so it was a win/win situation. That’s where I messed up because I let friendship and a customer take advantage of me.

I emailed Rick in June the list of items I wanted ordered for the Job to include appliances. I told him my mother would be in an VRBO starting Aug 1. He said no problem we can start earlier if you want. I said Aug 1 is fine because she was still cleaning out her house. Hw told me the renovation would be 6-8 weeks. He asked for 3 payments starting in June for a total of 105k of my money saying he was ordering from Lowe’s for supplies needed. When he started the job 3 weeks late he assured me everything was ordered and waiting for installation. His crew stayed 2-3 weeks max and went back to Charleston. I questioned why and there were several excuses “he had teeth surgery, other jobs that needed his attention”, truck broke down, court date in Augusta for a speeding ticket. I was understanding because health issues cannot be helped and wanted him to be well and 100% to finish the job. I gave him a few weeks and questioned again when he would be back in Arkansas to complete the job! When his crew left they left the back door off the house. It was always, “I’m leaving this week, plumber will be there Wed”. When that didn’t happen the excuse was GA Flooring ordered the wrong floor and it was delayed. I thought that was strange because that floor was supposed to be ordered in June and I paid for it. So I contacted GA Flooring to see what the hold up was and it was never ordered due to non payment. Lowe’s also said Rick got a quote and never paid or ordered. The counter top company said he was supposed to pay and never did and someone there had put their own money down for deposit because they trusted him! I was left in disbelief that for months I believed everything he told me. This was supposed to be a 6-8 week job and it’s November. He is a smooth talker, appears to be a caring person but let me tell you, he is not an honest person. Don’t let Rick take your money! Find a reputable contractor that you can trust. I was scammed and I don’t want to see anyone else taken advantage of.

I did ask him by phone call, text and email to please send back the difference in what I owe him for the portion of work he did and what I paid. I had to hire a new contractor and get a loan to finish my mother’s house. He has not responded to any request. Beware!