I hired James Kerr to install windows that I purchased. This project started in September and never got finished. It took James Kerr several visits to complete what he said would be a 2 day job. There were no fewer than 4 times when James said that he would be at my house the next day and he never showed up nor did he call to say that he was not coming. The days he did show up, he was never on time. He would only work approx 4 hours per day and always in a rush to leave I paid him for the work he did but he never returned to complete the job. I highly recommend James Kerr (grusel)if you have a job that you want half done and are willing to wait several weeks to fit his schedule

I am writing this as a follow up to Mike J's review from Mississauga. It seems we had an identical experience. We retained James to install kitchen cabinets, of which he only completed to 90%. I had to complete the rest. Secondly, we provided a deposit on concrete counter tops. James has not been seen or heard from since the deposit. For an outline of the situation, please see the excerpt from my last email to him below: "Timothy J Jones to Grusel, james, grusel.contrac. show details Jul 27 Without prejudice. James, I am writing to determine next steps with respect to outstanding services to be provided by Grusel Contracting. You have made a choice not to contact us after repeated attempts to reach you. Cash payments have been made to you in the amount of $550 on April 8, 2009 and $200 in May, 2009 for installation of Ikea Kitchen cabinets. This covers the costs as outlined on April 5th, 2009. You were paid $700 in cash on June 4, 2009 for supply and installation of concrete counter tops as acknowledge by your statement in an email dated July 6th, 2009 "Rest assured your counter top will be delivered and there will be no remaining charges owed." You have given us installation dates on four different occasions, the most recent being July 22, 2009 and have yet to complete the installation. On July 23th, we sent you an email and left voice messages indicating our desire for a refund. As you know, we are a young family with two young boys and $700.00 is a big deal to us. Due to your lack of contact with us, it appears you have no intention of installing the counter tops. In effect this will be viewed as a theft of $700.00." In June, before James disappeared, when we could still get a hold of him, he provided excuses such as an injured knee and relationship problems with his partner Tara. Tara is also involved in this scheme. Take note of the name James Kerr as oppose to the company name as it appears he has changed the company name in the past. In the end, DO NOT TRUST THIS INDIVIDUAL AT ALL. We have filed a claim with the BBB. It appears there are other claims against him with the BBB. We will also be pursuing legal action. Mike J from Mississauga, if you feel it appropriate I would like to touch base with you with respect to your legal claims. My email is tyger2taylor@hotmail.com.

It is amazing that he has such high reviews. He originally told me he would be here for 2 - 3 days. 2 months later, still no countertop and he left the last time with my sink and cupboard door as well. I have to buy new ones. I tried to contact him numerous times but with no luck. Clearly his work has changed. Look at the most recent postings, both are terrible! He promises but then doesn't deliver. Always an excuse. I do believe that he is a smart guy that is WAY in over his head and has absolutely no idea on how to deliver. I am currently in the process of filing my small claims lawsuit against him, so beware... DON'T TRUST HIM!!! Feel free to email me at patrickjeby@hotmail.com. I am more than happy to send pics and give you more details so you don't fall into the same trap.

I'm totally shocked,amazed,suprised by the constant high ratings for this contractor given that my experience with James was any but amazing.I truely believe James is a intelligent person when it comes to home renovation but DOES NOT deliver on his promices. James provided me with a estimate of a new IKEA kicthen install & concrete counter top. I must say that there was a signed contract (in-writhing) by James and witnessed/signed by a 3rd party. The lower & upper cabinets were installed,but the concrete counter top was never delivered on 3 seperate dates;when asked about the countertop there were/was always excusses. James was paid up-front for his services out-of good faith-that was my mistake. I'm still waiting for my contertop and or refund withever comes first. I must say this contractor is pending legal action. In conclusion AVOID THIS CONTRACTOR AT ALL COST.

James did an outstanding job on every aspect of our IKEA kitchen. Informing us of every bit of information and keeping us updated with photo's was a huge benefit. His price or quality can not be beat. I really must stress this. We were quoted almost twice as much from an IKEA installer and when the IKEA installer showed up 3 days late he altered the price several times and could not provide a portfolio or references. James provided us with photo's, a portfolio, references and did it on on-line in less than a day. He also checked the IKEA inventory and found 8 missing parts (Including hinges and door closers) that both IKEA and the first installer completely overlooked. We couldn't be more happy with our dream kitchen. So happy, we're ordering a custom made concrete countertop from him. HIGHLY recommended!!!!!!!

We are very appreciative to James and Grusel contracting. James provided a prompt quote for re-pointing our chimney at a rate that beat other contractors. James arranged a date and completed the project without delay. Throughout James provided great costmer service as he was easy to reach and answered all questions. I recommend Grusel Contracting!

James set up scaffolding and fixed a very dangerous situation on my chimney which is located 3 stories tall infront of my house. I own a cape cod home with a walk way directly in front of the chimney which was crumbling and dangerous. He came in day 1, set up equip, inspected, removed material and the second day, completed the work to our satisfaction. I encourage people to get in touch with him and as you can read by the reviews, he takes before pics and after to give you a clear idea what happens. Very happy he took on this task and really liked the price. Can't lose, the pictures show the quality of work. GREAT!!

I'm genuinely surprised at the consistently high ratings for this contractor given that my experience was so disappointing. There's no question that James is well-spoken, intelligent and is quite likely a genuinely nice guy. None of those things, however, has much to do with getting work done well and in a timely fashion. I contracted James to do some masonry work and to install 3 doors, a deck and a fence. He provided estimates which were attractive and I told him to go ahead and begin the masonry. I think his work was reasonably good, but on the final day I saw him, he asked to be paid saying that he would be back the next day to install the first of the doors and to put the finishing touches on the brick. And that, my friends, is the last I saw of him. He has studiously failed to respond to my queries about completing the work for which he has been paid or looking after the work for which he has been contracted. Live, learn, and avoid this contractor.

Company Response:

Mr. WG left me in a situation where I had no choice but to complete the job I was working on and part ways. I was given no electricity, (had to supply my own generator) and no running water (had to bring my own water in 4 x 5 gallon containers each day). As anyone may tell you... it is as equally difficult to operate a grinder without electricity as it is to mix brick mortar without water. On a side note the brick work was completed. I did not charge for the generator rental or the inconvenience of transporting my own water... and the job was completed to the customers satisfaction on the day I left. WG is clearly upset that I did not pick up his additional contracts for a door and fence installation as no contract was signed for these additional jobs. You can please some of the people some of the time.... but not all the people all of the time. I'd say WG got a pretty good deal for re-pointing/rebuilding 850 square feet of brick for $1700.00. That works out to $2.00 a square foot. The going rate is between $7.00 and $12.00

James did an excellent job repairing our chimney and back wall of our house. He was very professional and we'll be contacting him again for other renovations for our home in the future.

We found James to be very professional from when we stared communicating with him, right until the end. We had three quotes on having our window removed and our patio doors installed, and James was the only one who took the time to list out what he would do, and the materials involved. He finished the job in one day and we are very pleased with the results – we love our new door! We've already recommended him to a family member and will continue to do so. If the need arises, we will definitely be contacting him again.