My experience with Atec was a unpleasant one.
I hired them to remove a window and install a patio door to my backyard and paved deck to match my existing paving, then I also had him create tree pits for my two city trees and pour concrete to cover a patch of grass that just attracted dog walkers and litter.
At first Mohammed was personable and very communicative, but in a short time things soured when I discovered he was dishonest (in fact, he wrote his own review here) tried to take advantage of me and that he was cutting corners. To start, he didn't order my desired door even though I sent him photos by email and he had a 1/3 deposit over 3 weeks in advance of the start date. He tried to tell me it wasn't suitable and thus not available in the North East but after talking to the store I discovered that was not true, but that it was a special order item that needed 3 weeks to arrive. He also lied on numerous occasions about pricing and when I learned the truth and questioned him he had excuse after excuse ready. Thank goodness I had the presence of mind to research and save myself from being taken advantage of. Whatever turned out to be suspect, I just took it off the list, end of argument.
The job should not have taken as long as it had except for the fact that he sometimes just didn't show up. His excuse was "it will rain today," when he did bother to notify me, but (although it did rain occasionally) I believe he was out doing other jobs. I don't have an issue with that, but at least *tell* me so I don't sit and waste my day waiting for you or so that I can make other plans.
He became nasty when I decided after too many missed "rain" days and "misunderstandings" to take away the additional interior work. (My toddler daughter's summer school was about to let out until September in a week and I really didn't want her exposed to all the construction mess with no end in sight. Plus, I had lost confidence in him and his work.) He tried to force me to go through with the jobs, told me I was bothering him with my texts, that I was wasting his time and that I didn't appreciate him (this, of course, shocked the hell out of me as a paying customer as I wasn't aware we were in a relationship or that this was charity work). He even tried to strong arm me into giving him more money before anything was even done (I had already given him 2/3 of the money by then and not one thing was completed!). I lost it at this point and colorfully told him he wouldn't get another cent until he actually finished the work. It got so contentious, I had to call HomeAdvisor to file a complaint and they interceded on my behalf to make sure the work was at least completed. Then his partner Mo showed up and tried to smooth things over.
In the end, the work was done and he apologized for any "misunderstanding", but it was not done right (the tree pit work is nice though; see the pictures he put up). I have a painted gazebo instead of a stained one, my paving work (new and existing) is covered with paint and stucco stains despite their "power wash" and there's a gap between the bottom of the door and the threshold. Also, after insisting he install the fence like we'd agreed to to prevent my child or my little dog from having an accident (he wasn't going to), he also installed a safety mesh as discussed, but it looks like it came from a scrap metal place or a junk yard. By then I just wanted him gone, so I paid him and the rest I will fix myself.
For the most part I got off lucky because things could have been a lot worse. But I really had to stay on top of everything just to get basic stuff done (like a deadbolt that wasn't installed properly for example).
On his way out, Mohammed had the gall to say he hoped we could do business again. I politely said nothing, but I think he knows I will never hire Atec again.
Ever.
Still, I wouldn't go so far as to say don't hire Atec. Maybe this experience has humbled Mohammed and you will have a different experience with him.
ETA - Scratch that last part. I would not recommend you hire ATEC.
Mohammed sent me a very disrespectful message accusing me of things that are simply not true and berating my relationship with another trusted LICENSED Iron contractor (whom he tried to poach work from) under the guise of an apology. He clearly has a lot to learn about customer relations and has no idea how patently dishonest he is. Don't waste your time.
Okay, I'm done with this subject. read more