I hired John Erwin Remodeling for a master bathroom remodel that ended up costing significantly more than their original allowed amount. Eventually I was sent a final reconciliation statement for approximately $8500.00 for the amounts that went over the original allowed amounts that they set. When I tried to dispute, a lien was threatened if I did not pay. I asked for written documentation to support how they set the allowed amounts but it was explained that in a lot of cases "best guesses" were used. Tile ($1,156.57 over) and shower/faucet fixtures ($887.59 over) were significantly over the allowed amounts they set even though I did not change my selections after the initial allowances were set. Also, it would be an extra $292 change order to have drawer pulls and knobs installed on the vanity because it was not "written" into the contract. Most shocking was sheet rocking/drywall-allowance was $1750 but ended up being $4357.18! It started and finished on the dates I was given per their schedule and at no time was I notified of any unforeseen issues that caused it to take longer than expected while it was completed. Permit allowance was set at $750 but it ended up being $1,372.20. In many cases, I was never notified that costs exceeded initial allowed amounts until the final reconciliation statement. I met with John to discuss my concerns about the tile work since bumps could be felt in the floor and tiles on the new pony wall (which was built by John Erwin Remodeling) were not flush. He explained that it's an illusion, he was not willing to inspect with his hands, and noted that due to the age of my house (over 50 years old) that that could pose some problems. For the record, the area of the house where I expressed my concern (approx 34 years old) was a new single story bed/bathroom addition in the early 1990's (I have a copy of the permit to prove it). He was quick to explain that the work meets industry standards and left it at that. If considering using John Erwin Remodeling, request a copy of the contract ahead of time and have your own legal expert review and request language be changed (especially relating to "Allowances" and letting them rely on language that allowances could go up or down) or added that releases you from any liability for costs that go over their allowed amounts and "best guesses". (I'm pretty sure the additional legal cost for contract assistance is pretty minimal in the scope of a home improvement project). This could help prevent "surprise" billing issues and give a more accurate cost from the start. I would also request written documentation used to set all initial allowance amounts from all vendors/suppliers (as well as how long the prices are good for) prior to agreeing to any project. If documentation can't be provided, contact the vendors/suppliers directly to confirm allowed amounts. While John Erwin Remodeling was professional early on as anyone would be to get business (did not ask for a large amount of money up front, charts to show the timeline, etc.), in the end my experience was much more in line with the other lower rated reviews-the final cost was much greater than the initial allowance amount they set and when questioning the work, blame was placed on the age of the house (the area in question is about 34 years old and not over 50 years old as John noted). Using John Erwin Remodeling was the worst business transaction I have ever been involved with and I would not use them for future projects. read more