Wednesday, Feb. 10, 1999 | 11:37 a.m.
The Nevada Contractors Board on Tuesday overturned its January decision to suspend Rhodes Homes' contractors license for six months, instead voting to put the company on probation for one year.
The board upheld its January decision to fine Rhodes $5,000 plus at least $2,000 in costs and fees.
The actions were taken to punish Rhodes for its slow response to complaints over 30 separate problems filed by Rhodes homeowners Gregg and Joyce Taylor Anderson. The decision to change the punishment from a license suspension to license probation came after the Andersons faxed the board a letter in the middle of Tuesday's meeting withdrawing their complaints.
"The case was resolved (Monday) evening," said Scott Canepa, an attorney for the Andersons.
The most significant complaints were over a bowed breakfast nook wall, damaged drywall over the fireplace and mismatched paint throughout the house, said Canepa.
"None of them were particularly serious items, ... but really just had to do with Rhodes' absolute failure to address customer service issues," said Canepa.
Canepa said a confidentiality agreement prohibited him from disclosing terms of Rhodes' agreement with the Andersons. Rhodes' attorney did not return a call for comment.
The Andersons were only one of 19 homeowners who filed complaints against Rhodes. Margi Grein, executive officer of the board, said many of the remaining complaints have been resolved.
"They went out and fixed the problems," said Grein.
In a letter to the board, Rhodes blamed its slowness in dealing with the problems on an employee who has since been fired, said Grein. The probation terms require Rhodes to file monthly reports to the board detailing its progress in dealing with homeowner complaints.
In a statement, Rhodes President Warren Kiggins said the company is "pleased" with the board's decision.
"We apologize to all our customers and employees for any embarrassment and discomfort this may have caused," said Kiggins.
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