Caveat Emptor After taking a few months to cool off, I am finally ready to submit a review of my experience with Chris Auger/dba New Looks Home Improvement, Inc./dba Christopher Auger Enterprises, Inc. He does business by many names, like a chameleon. Don't let him confuse you. The short of it: I hired Chris to do a minor bathroom renovation in my 537 sq. ft. apartment. He came with a glowing recommendation from someone at our property management company, showed up on time (with pen, paper and his cell phone camera), and quoted a fair price. His showroom on Tremont Street also provided a false sense of security. Unfortunately, things aren't always what they seem, and it all went downhill from there. We ended up with a project was not done in accordance to the terms of the contract, inconsistent with professional standards, resulted in damages to other parts of the property, and will need to be TORN DOWN and REDONE to comply with building codes and condo association requirements. We have a violation issued by Inspectional Services to prove it, and the subsequent paperwork from fighting it in Boston Housing Court. The highlights: He misrepresented being registered as a Home Improvement Contractor with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations (OCABR), as required by MGL Chapter 142A. I have a copy of the registration he showed me, but it had been suspended and later revoked. He is not a licensed Construction Supervisor, and did not designate one to the project, which is required to apply/obtain building permits, as stipulated by 780 CMR R5. He seeks out favors from licensed Construction Supervisors willing to pull the permits for him, but they do not remain involved with the project to ensure proper inspections. He is only licensed as a journeyman plumber, but we cannot guarantee the work was done up to standards. There were no other licensed tradesmen involved with the work, which included electrical work. He does not keep insurance policies current, and allows them to lapse for non-payment. He presented me with certificates of insurance, but allowed these policies to lapse for non-payment of the premiums. After it was clear that he had caused damage to my property, I contacted his insurance company, and they stated he had allowed his policy to lapse two days before he started working in my property. He never reinstated coverage. The company, New Looks Home Improvement, is registered to a different principal with the Secretary of State. Meanwhile, Chris Auger Enterprises has a record of involuntary dissolution effective June 30, 2017. Chris and his crew -which, by the way, changed almost daily - took THREE MONTHS to complete a job he'd guaranteed would be done within 3 weeks (which included a one-week buffer). Since this is the only bathroom in the home, we had to live elsewhere for the duration of the project. Once whatever skilled laborers he had took off, he was left to complete the work which has been evaluated by several licensed professionals and the City of Boston Inspector who agree on the subpar workmanship. You can probably do a better job installing tile after watching a few videos of This Old House and Bob Vila. In the end, we spent a fortune on tile bought directly from his showroom, which he did not know how to install. He did a terrible job installing all other products we supplied, because he did not know how to use a measuring tape. Most importantly, he did not secure the required rough inspections, and electrical and plumbing inspections, which mean we have to tear everything down and start over. I had high hopes for New Looks, and he knew we were dealing with some serious things with our family. My mom (who lives 1800 miles away) had just been diagnosed with cancer. My fiancée (a US Marine veteran) and I had just moved in together, and had a lot to juggle at the time. He turned what should have been a great milestone in our lives into a nightmare. Do yourself a favor: check very carefully the credentials of anyone you hire to do work in your home. Double and triple-check licenses with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations, the Division of Public Licensure, the Department of Public Safety, and call the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Bureau to check if other complaints have been recorded. Also check the Secretary of State's corporate records, the Better Business Bureau, and other sites (like this one!) for consumer feedback. I was surprised to find so many other dissatisfied customers with similar stories, but their warnings came too late for me. Do not hesitate to contact me if you want to know more about our experience. read more

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the best thing you can do is never hire this company. the lack of communication and consistent is beyond this world. they took over our one bedroom apartment and left it in disarray the work area is messy never cleaned up after the work day ended a simple bathroom has taken 20 days past the expected finalization date and the work is not done by the contractor he simply hires unlicensed dnd contractors from craigslist to do the work as he takes the money and destroys homes save yourself time and money and go somewhere else. read more

New Looks Home Improvement - water valve installation were the existing stud was burnt to a crisp - General Contractors Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

In short, Chris Auger / New Looks Home Improvement stole $22,600 from me, wasted 7 months of my time, and left a massive liability in my building. I am currently suing him and paying a new company to try to fix the damage he created. Here's the story: In August 2017, I hired Chris Auger / New Looks Home Improvement to do a simple 650sq ft renovation of an office in Beacon Hill. He demanded 1/3rd payment for the project up front. After about a month, he started the demolition work, we discovered structural supports behind some walls we were removing. He then offered to replace the structural supports with steel beams. At this point, having not even finished the demolition, he demanded the second 1/3rd payment for the project and an additional $6,500 to get started on the steel beam installation. So now he's only done about 80% of the demolition work (valued at $4,000) and I've paid him a total of $40,000. And waddyaknow! He disappears. It took 6 months of constantly calling and texting him for him to finally get the steel beams, not even installed, but lying on the floor in the office space. In order for me to get him to install the beams I had to consult my lawyer and threaten him with legal action. After the beams finally got installed, stuff didn't feel right. Even though I'd still paid him ahead by $22,600, he's demanding more money from me. So I fire him and hire a new company to complete the project. The new company shows up, and here's what I find out-- 1. The construction permit he took out was in someone else's name 2. The steel beam he installed is a massive liability and probably needs to be reinstalled So now I've wasted 7 months of my time and $40,000. And just to clarify the financial breakdown here with the actual numbers: $39,309.20 -- Amount I paid him $3,840.70 -- Work he completed with the demolition phase (calculated as 80% completion of the demo phase that we agreed to be valued at $4,800.87) $12,837.00 -- Total cost of the steel beam installation. This is going to have to be reinstalled so I'm going to have to pay it again to someone else. What a waste. read more

Abandoned our project before completing. After 7 months we switched to a different contractor.

Chris will quote a good price but that's bc he finds the cheapest and least competent contractors in the area-often finding new workers daily. We hired New Looks to build a full bathroom and were told it would take a month. It took more than 5 months, cost more than we agreed, resulted in multiple holes in our neighbors ceiling , entire weeks passed where no one showed and done so unprofessionally, I can't think of a more poorly handled project from start to finish. We are suing Chris to try and get some of the money back. If you enjoy unanswered calls, zero thought process, spiraling costs, poor execution and sheer frustration, New Looks Home Improvement is for you. read more

New Looks Home Improvement - New Looks put a shower drain for a rubber pan in (that's a copper pan) and didn't seal it- note the open spaces at base. - General Contractors Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

We've hired Chris and his team to do two interior painting jobs (first our master bedroom, then the rest of the interior), and they did a great job. Once we worked out some scheduling and access issues, Chris's team worked quietly, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to our lives (very much appreciated!). The painting job is better than the original, they repaired minor wall damage throughout our unit, and the lines are straight! Very happy with the work and have no reservations recommending them. We also have Chris's team take care of snow removal for our condo association. I was away on business the first time it snowed this year and my husband asked me to email Chris and let him know what a great job they did. We've struggled with snow removal companies who have done less than stellar work in the past or who haven't showed up (ever), and are grateful that experience is a thing of the past now that New Looks is on the job. read more

We hired Chris to put a room dividing wall at our place in South End. The work was done within several days as promised which is very precious. Also Chris gave us an idea of a 45 degree angle wall which saved us A LOT of space and it also looks very modern and stylish. the office staff and the whole crew is very friendly and efficient. Would recommend! read more

New Looks Home Improvement - a hair salon - General Contractors Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I hired Chris/New Looks to build a closet in my newly purchased home and he did a great job. The work was done in time as promised and the cost was just right. I will keep him in mind for any future projects I may have. I would recommend him to all my family and friends. Maria H. read more

I hired New Looks home improvements and the owner assured me they would give my 85 year old mother reassurance of them being there. He said he would introduce my mother to the guys and make her feel comfortable. The guys came different times each day and there were even different guys on several visits. The job was suppose to take one week, it took three weeks. I only heard from Chris one other time before the work was done. Now the work, they laid tile on the kitchen floor, ceiling work and put up smoke detectors. Ok, ceiling done, everything was removed from the bedroom and nothing was put back or together, floor tile was placed too high near basement door, now my mother's aide can't open basement door. If I could tolerate Chris and his company, I would have them come back, but now I need to hire a carpenter to shave the door, so my mother's aide can do the laundry in the basement. Smoke detectors? One put in the kitchen; inspector said, not the kitchen, should be in the hallway. Chris talks a good game, very convincing. I guess my job was too small or he saw a loop hole to do something and get it over with and collect the money. Service definitely not worth the money. read more

I'm not sure I can actually detail out the work done, but it was not a professional job. He may have had the best of intentions (not sure about that either) but likely he just was not focused on excellence. The South End condos he works on are too precious with beautiful moldings and features to have a non-professional job. The guys just don't have the skills necessary. read more

I was referred to this company by a friend and these reviews are totally inaccurate regarding everything related to Chris and his company. His company is hands down one of the best in the area. I contracted Chris to do a full home renovation and it was impeccable. Everything was done in a timely matter that we agreed on. Not only are his prices right but his work is also clean and quick. New Looks Home Improvement has transformed my home to one I love. Chris has always been in good communication regarding all aspects of the contract. We have also hired Chris for Snow removal and have never been let down by him and his team. They are consistent on their snow removal and have met my more then I could of ever expected. If your looking for an honest, hard working company that takes pride in accomplishing their goals and customer satisfaction, Chris is the guy for you. read more

STAY AWAY the worst vender I have dealt with in the city. Employees are rude and uninterested in doing good work. Owner / manager is even worse . They have no concept of customer service. Just try and get your phone call returned Their prices are out of sight and their delivery of services always lacking NEVER AGAIN DO NOT GO NEAR THESE PEOPLE read more

I did not have the misfortune of hiring Chris and New Looks Home Improvement, however, my upstairs neighbor did and we paid the price. I would like to preface this review by saying I worked as a project manger for 6 years, and this was some of the worst work and service I have seen. First of all our neighbor's renovation which should have take about a month is well into its 6th month and not completed. There were several occasions where there were piles of trash left in the common area at times almost totally blocking access to our door. The real issues started for us when Chris decided not to pull building permits for the work and hire a less than talented plumber for the bathroom renovation up stairs. While the work was being done there was enough water leaked on or ceiling to require a patch job to be done. Chris assured me he would cut out the drywall and replace it, to make sure there was no mold or long term damage. He ended up just spackeling and painting it, but I figured it was not worth making a stink about. About three weeks later the stain came back and started growing, it took three separate visits and several phone calls in order to get him to acknowledge that it needed to be fixed. When he opened up the ceiling it became apparent that the tub drain had been installed incorrectly and needed to be replaced, so rather than making my neighbor rip out his whole bathroom i offered them access through out ceiling to fix their mistake. Over the next week they proceeded to DESTROY our bathroom, scuffs on the walls, purple pluming cement on the walls, paint on our carpet. Chris even had the audacity to yell at me over the phone at one point during the patch job.....amazing. He was also rude to his employees in front of us. He eventually did get the carpet cleaned, patch the ceiling and repaint the walls...but the quality is extremely poor, (painted light fixtures, not good coverage on the paint, lumpy ceiling patch). I am sure he is capable of good work, but it was not apparent in this case. read more

Incredible company. I own two properties in Boston. I am a busy single professional. Chris and his crew get what it means to provide great service. They text me pictures for approval and are prompt with problem resolution. I have received so many compliments on the brick threshold he designed for my house and I received two calls to buy my condo after the paint job. Can't say enough good things about New Looks!! read more

I called Chris at 10am regarding an electrical problem and he was able to get his team to my place later that night. Chris and team were very responsive, courteous, and able to get the job fixed within an hour. I would recommend this company for any service needs in the South End read more

I sent Chris an email to inquire about a couple of small jobs on my condo in the South End. We went back and forth a bit by email on when he could come out, then made a morning appointment. I stayed home from work, and he never showed up. I finally called, and he said "oh yeah, there you are in my book." Well, I'm not sure what the book is for then? Since I only live a couple of blocks away, he did come out right away and scoped the two jobs. He said he'd have a quote to me by the end of the next day. 4 weeks later he sent an email with a quote for one of the jobs, apologized for the lateness of his response, and asked if I still wanted him to do the work. To be honest, I wasn't sure if he was serious. But just for yucks, I asked him to quote both jobs (which he then did), and asked when he could come out to do the work. That was a month ago. I've since had someone else do the work. I wish he had said up front that he wouldn't, or couldn't, do the jobs. Or get an office manager to coordinate his schedule. He seemed to put some effort into the process, but there was no follow-up. Terrible customer service. read more

I wish there is an option for a 0 rating or negative rating here. I made the mistake of trusting the positive review on the yelp page ande selected this company to repair my floor. Chris showed up and looked all professional and very agreeable during the entire beginning process. However once the work has started it is very clear that Chris has no experience in floor repair. From the very beginning he knew our floor is un-level and it is a basement apt. The contractor did such a poor job on the floor levelling that it felt like you are walking on a boardwalk when I step on the floor. The issue is mostly on the narrow hallway but fine in the main living area. Chris insisted that this is how a floating floor is supposed to be. He sent a guy out 5 times (all diff people), each trying to fix the floor. Despite how everyone of them told me the floor is not leveled, Chris insisted there is nothing wrong with it. At the 5th strike, I insisted them to relevel the floor and after a very tough struggling getting Chris to listen, he finally agreed when I treatened to sue him for the poorly done workmanship. I dealt with them for almost 2 years to get my floor fixed. There is nothing professional about this company. They will tell you that they will show up at 9am and no show for the entire day, wasting all my time. Even now, my floor is not 100% fixed but I have no trust on this company anymore. They are too incompetent. The last time they come to 'fix' the floor, they tore out my hallway and left it undone for weeks. If you really want to relive my nightmare, by all mean pick this company. Otherwise my best advice for you is to stay far far away and do not work with this incompetent company. read more

Needed some water damage in the ceiling repaired. Chris and his crew came in and completed the job within a day.Looks great! Would recommend thrm for any home repair. read more

I needed to have someone power wash the fence in my patio in the South End, replace stairs and put two coats of stain on all of it. I called Chris, on the recommendation of someone I know with another type of business in the South End, and was pleased with his work. He showed up on time for our initial appointment which shouldn't be noteworthy, but is! He spent time going over documenting in detail everything that needed to be done, taking photos of areas as necessary, bringing over a color chart, etc. We wrote up a contract and he got to work. Chris and his team were all very courteous, cleaned up after themselves, and took pride in doing a good job. They are insured and licensed which matters to me. I read more

Needed some minor roof repairs completed and subsequent water damage to ceiling and interior brick work. Work was completed earlier than quoted and were very flexible in working within my schedule. Team was very clean and respectful of other rooms needing minor work. Would recommend and hire again. read more

Chris & his team were a pleasure to work with! They arrived on time, very polite & professional! They hung out curtains with such care & cleaned up as if they weren't even there! I would use them again & again! Highly recommend them to anyone who needs any home repair/services! read more

I was searching for an electrician to install a light fixture in my dining room. Due to the fact that it was such a small job, nobody would return me call. That's when I found NEW LOOKS HOME IMPROVEMENT! Chris and his crew were amazing! Chris came to my home right away and appraised the job. Soon after his crew came in and did the installation! Chris was always available and checked in on the job (very seldom do you see an owner do that) I was most impressed with the quality and CLEANLINESS of the work! I live in an old brownstone so it required making some holes to run the new electrical wiring......I can't even tell where the holes were made. (and I'm a perfectionist) I highly recommend New Looks for any home improvement needs you may have! I will certainly use him from now on! Like a mechanic......it's always hard to find a good, honest, reliable one! I sure did with New Looks! read more

Awful, just awful. We were looking to have work done on our condo including a large deck and some bathroom work. Chris told us he would be by at 4:00 PM to take a look. He showed up at 6:30 PM without a call. (this should have been our first bad sign) He reviewed everything and stated we would be getting a quote within a few days. After a week I asked if he had an update on our quote. He stated it would be first thing on Monday. Monday comes and goes and nothing so I call and he states a few things came up and he would have it no later than Friday. Once again nothing. This process continued for 4 weeks. Until finally it was complete radio silence. Every time I would call it would ring 1-2 times and go straight to voice mail and emails were never responded too. I was very patient through the process and understood things sometimes come up. However, the only information I received was false dates of when we would receive our quote. Had they simply stated that they could not get to our quote for a few months that would have been completely understandable. This type of customer service was unacceptable. I am sure they do great work if you can ever get them to provide a quote read more