I expected skillful carpentry as per Homestars reviews. Instead I got a bunch of hacks doing the basic work that involved no skill and no pride. I had a railing done on one side of the stairs to match what was there. Instead I go a botch job where the balusters were to match the original ones. Not fancy. Not difficult. The spacing was so off it hurt my eyes and they were not even plumb. How could a carpenter possibly walk away from that without his eyeballs hurting. And the post the attached was wobbly and I got told that they could not attach it properly. They came back, fixed that, and when they left I realized that the spacing was still off, 2" instead of 1 1/2". There were numerous other things done incorrectly, but the painters were coming and I could not actually bear to see these guys again. All old trim wood was supposed to be replaced according to my contract, and that was not done until I pointed it out in the fall. I got a piece but on with a screw, not countersunk, as any decent carpenter would do, and not filled with wood filler. And the price of my work went up by $200 when I verified the items that I had sent in a letter, that apparently, was not read properly. I get angry every time I look at the shabby work that was done, but it is now something I have to live with. Update: after being contacted by the owner, I realized that a Zero satisfaction was harsh. I have upped it to a 2, and perhaps it should be a 3. I am not sure. The work is the same and I will never be able to change that as it is now in the past. I will never recommend them to anyone, however. There are people out there that have the carpentry skills to do a terrific job and who take pride in their work. The problem is to be able to find them. Jan. 24...Oh dear. One more update. the owner tried to tell me that the spacing on the handrail pickets was not supposed to match the existing porch picket spacing, but rather the spacing that was on the exisiting handrail and pickets. The only problem is, that there were NO pickets. This company installed a new handrail on one side, and new pickets on both. I had to send him a picture to prove it. If they were to come back to "fix" (?) anything, they would have to do a lot of ripping out, and since I had painters coming right after, the work had to stay what it was, unless I wanted to damage all the painters" work. Anyway...this is my final edit to this. Just don't want to engage with this any longer.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $3,200.00
- Company Response
Why did you not contact me directly back in June after we completed the work and we could have addressed any perceived problems??
When we completed the job back at the beginning of June the following is your email from Thursday June 8th, 2017;"Hi Doug…Sorry I did not get to you sooner. I had been crazy busy for the rest of the day, along with building headache. I wanted to let you know that the work looked very good and was properly spaced and put together. I will actually send you a pic so you can compare. It turned out to be a good job after all, and everyone was very polite and understanding. Satisfaction.”
You were very happy with the work in June – then on New Years Day you have posted this - are you having a bad day?
In the same email from June you even discussed having us do more work:
“I am going to have to get a permit for the deck, as my neighbours on one side are bound to report me. The wife got angry about something and is on a vendetta, so I need to have my ducks in a row. I will get back to you when I have decided what to do. I am sure that the permit drawings will change the job somewhat, as I did get told that there is not adequate footing load now according to the new building guidelines.We'll talk later on… “
Later in October when squirrels chewed through some of your trim, we came back within a few weeks and replaced the trim at no extra charge out of courtesy.
That is the photo that you have attached – the new trim for which you paid nothing!
I do not understand your sudden change of attitude now 6 months later with no further communication to us or opportunity to rectify any problems.
This review is not a reflection of the workmanship carried out at your house or care to detail that we normally give to our clients.