This is an opinion of the way they have treated me, a prospective customer. Admittedly, this review is about seeking to do business with them, not about the quality of their work; I didn't use them for my project.
Perhaps the most challenging experience I've ever had with any construction trade during the planning/bidding process and I've been building projects for 40 years. Their arrogance is astounding.
First of all, they didn't respond to the first inquiry that I made through HomeAdvisor; I gave them the benefit of the doubt and after about 10 days called their office directly. The office manager explained that I would need to send photos in order to set up a phone consultation with their owner. It was a Friday, and she asked if a particular 15 minute window on Tuesday would work for me. I blocked out the time -- essentially my lunch hour; he called after the 15 minute window after I sent a reminder to the office.
He sounded like a nice enough guy, but his swagger was palpable over the phone: "If you're looking for a bargain, that's not us." I had sent comprehensive plans and photos, and it seemed that he had barely looked at them. His reviews caused me to overlook this attitude. His parting words were "my office will call you to set up a time for me to come look at the job."
I just wanted a bid, so I looked forward to his office calling. The next day (at about the same time) I reached out and got the same office manager -- "Oh, I was just getting ready to call you" -- who explained that Matt was available on next Monday afternoon. Monday didn't work for me. I don't know about you, but I'm used to saying to customers "What's best for you." She also then sprang on me, that there is a $97 consultation fee for an in person walk through, to get a bid. Seriously? I spent the time drawing plans and writing job notes (all of which were sent) because I want to waste your time getting you out here to bid?
After I spoke to her, I heard from Matt, the owner. To be fair, he said that he would indeed come to my home without charging the $97 fee. That was right after he asked me what my hourly rate was and that he'd send me a check for the time wasted; I found that somewhat condescending, and not even relevant. He did say "What can I do to make this right," and went on to say that his process of bidding requires an hour travel round trip travel, an hour walking the job and making recommendations, and two hours preparing the bid. I'm sorry...isn't that your job? Further, Matt told me that he would be "the most qualified contractor to ever walk your property." Not "among the most," not "one of the best," not "a really thoughtful craftsman." "The most qualified."
What's best for me was to part ways. You decide, you may not be as thin-skinned as I am. But I will tell you that when you work with a trade contractor (or anybody for that matter) who thinks their are in a league of their own, their stuff doesn't stink -- when there is a problem or an unanticipated bump in the road during the job, which often happens, its' my opinion that it will be your problem not theirs.
Despite not doing business with them, I wish them the best, and expect that they will mellow with age. Business must be good right now for them but that won't necessarily always be the case. A little bit of humility goes a long way. read more