I have experienced with more than my share of contractors, and this is the first time I have ever been displeased. Thus this review...
Initial interactions with the owner (Ron) impressed me and came with recommendations. So much that despite submitting a bid that was almost 20% higher than two others I opted to go with Keycon. When we sat down to sign the contract it was $2000 higher than original bid. Because the difference was due to missing items I decided to proceed. I was assured that bids are conservative and I shouldn't expect additions unless there were surprises. I was assigned Scott as our construction foreman.
Complaints include (but not limited to):
1) 31% is added to all costs for overhead and profit on top of 10% for project oversight. When I mentioned this to one of the subcontractors they were shocked saying 20% is more typical. This 31% was even charged on a restocking fee they had no involvement in.
2) Lost about 10% capacity when vanity cabinet ordered was significantly shorter than that I signed off on. Filler boards were installed on either end, creating an odd look with total overlay door fronts. Given a 10% refund on cost but failed include the 31% surcharge. Not surprised.
3) Reinstalled 50 year old door frames with at least four coats of paint. I was told that if I had a good painter he could patch it up to be as good as new. Because the floors had been installed, it was too late to replace with style matching rest of house. Only after going to head of company, did he at least replace with new ones, but still with old style. Did not fill or seal gaps in the floor.
4) The day after I emphasized the desire for my new bathroom to look like a totally new room, he installed the old rusty airduct cover on the wall. I was absolutely amazed at the total lack of common sense! This was one of many instances that demonstrated no pride in workmanship.
5) Sheetrocked wall despite large writing reminding him to adjust light adjunct box before closing up. Ugh! Had to move box after the fact requiring large hole to be filled. Looks okay but I expect cracks to appear over the years. Hopefully I'm wrong but still shows inattention to details.
6) Shower doors and mirror. One of the last stages was to install doors and mirrors. Scott was shocked to learn that it would take three weeks to install (isn't it the job of the supervisor to know these things and schedule accordingly?). The entire project was only suppose to take 6 weeks. Instead of looking for another glass company, I had to go even longer without a bathroom. When they finally did come to install the doors, the glass was 4" too short. Was that okay with me? Obviously not since our heads would be higher than the shower doors. No duh. Another two week delay...
7) Doors installed and project is finally done. Unlike other projects, there was no final cleanup. Wood shavings in drawers and floors, dust covered window screen, finger prints on shower doors and mirror, no silicon seal around gaps in floor and cabinets. Why would I expect anything different...
8) After paying the final invoice amount, the building permit was left on the table, UNSIGNED by the city. When I brought this to Scott's attention he was unaware that he forgot to have them sign it and thought he had turned it in the office to include with warranty package. Said he would stop by to pick up. A week later, still here. Finally came by to get it, it's been almost three weeks and I still a signed permit. Total incompetence and all for a 25% premium! I feel like such a schmuck.
The only thing Scott seemed to have a handle on was collecting payment installments. He would be at my door the minute a stage was done even if it required a special trip. If he paid as much attention to the actual job it would have been a more pleasant experience.
I'm sure there are others who are happy with this contractor but I am not one. Be forewarned... read more