Light My Fire

A friend referred us to LMF. Met Frank and eventually Melissa, the owner's wife. Things were great until we signed a contract, then everything unraveled. LMF was not honest about the product or pricing. 7% tax was added onto the pricing for labor & materials even though new fireplaces are tax exempt. Look up S&U-3 NJ Dept. of Taxation. If you're comparing prices to a competitor, add 7% onto your quoted price from LMF as the other companies do not charge tax. If you purchased a fireplace recently, fill out an St-8 form and ask for your money back.

I saw a photo in LMF's fireplace book and asked for the contact info of the contractor who installed a chase wall I liked. Carpenter showed up at my house but he clearly didn't know anything about the work in the photo. LMF later admitted it wasn't the same guy but they liked him better so said he did the work. I asked to see the 36" Astria Georgian fireplace installed before purchasing. LMF advised the unit in LMF's showroom was the 36" fireplace I was ordering...except it wasn't. When I measured it was larger, LMF admitted it was actually the 42" unit modified to 38" with upgraded components but they felt it was close enough so didn't see the need to be honest. LMF then said not to worry as all other dimensions were the same, also not true as confirmed by the brochure.

I was charged for a mid-level refractory liner to match the showroom model. Given the above issues, I asked they write into the contract that it would match identical as I couldn't tell which liner was on the showroom model. The premium was very expensive. They refused.

Payment terms are 20% down & 75% to start, which is 95% upfront- ridiculous. NJ Consumer Affairs suggests 1/3 or less down, 1/3 upon install & 1/3 after final inspection. I gave Melissa the option to remove taxes & hold 20% payment until the final inspection passed. She refused so I cancelled my contract. Melissa immediately called the town out of spite to cancel my permit review which couldn't go forward anyway given LMF was missing information for the gas connection. Not a problem, someone else will get my $10,000. Off to see McNamara's in Pearl River.

My experience with this company has been extraordinary! They are extremely knowledgeable and very customer service oriented. Frank and John helped me so much with this project. It looks beautiful...beyond my expectations. From beginning to end, Frank provided kind, courteous, and super prompt customer support! There are no words that would express my gratitude for their help. What a unexpected gem in Paramus. I can't thank them enough.